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Diversification of Ownership and Tenure & Negotiating Transfer of Land to Communities

The fifth and sixth Land Rights and Responsibilities Protocols in our Good Practice Programme, 'Diversification of Ownership and Tenure' and 'Negotiating Transfer of Land to Communities,' set out practical expectations for achieving a more diverse pattern of land ownership, management, and use. They focus on how owners of land can create opportunities for local businesses, residents or community organisations through purchases, leases and other collaborative working arrangements.

A wide and diverse availability of land and buildings allows businesses, organisations, individuals and communities, to pursue projects of all scales and purposes. Access to land can provide a range of benefits, including supporting sustainable local economic development, providing spaces for social and amenity activities, and improving access to green spaces. For land owners, diversifying land holdings can contribute to a more diversified asset base, generate funds to reinvest elsewhere, improve public profile and relationships with the community, and provide opportunities for innovation and collaboration.

These protocols are supported by a route map, which provides a clear, easy-to-follow visual guide for land owners to create more opportunities for communities to get involved with ownership of land.

We are also keen to hear about positive examples of good working practices and relationships and we welcome information about successful collaboration that can inform case studies to help others. Get in touch if you would like to learn more, take part or share your experiences.

We have created a list of Frequently Asked Questions to support land owners in providing information about the ownership and use of land detailing who owns the land, their plans for it, and how communities can get in touch with them. 

Diversification of Ownership & Tenure & Negotiating Transfer of Land to Communities webinar - 25 August 2020

Case Studies

Buccleuch Langholm Moor Sale – Creating opportunities through community engagement

Through the process of identifying land that could be sold, Buccleuch became increasingly aware of the impact land-use decisions can have on nearby communities.

link to Buccleuch Langholm Moor Sale – Creating opportunities through community engagement case study

Holm Hill – a new dawn for Newcastleton

The negotiated sale of 750 acres of land known as Holm Hill from Buccleuch’s Borders Estate to the Newcastleton and District Community Trust (NDCT) marks an exciting future for this community in the South of Scotland.

link to Holm Hill – a new dawn for Newcastleton case study

Balcaskie Estate: Creating livelihood opportunities

Balcaskie Estate in Fife recognises the importance of creating a more diverse pattern of land ownership and tenure and is committed to ‘diversity of opportunity’.

link to Balcaskie Estate: Creating livelihood opportunities case study

Doune Ponds – Managing the Land in Partnership: Moray Estates and Doune Community Woodland Group

A former gravel and sand quarry, Doune Ponds is a 40-acre Local Nature Reserve owned by Moray Estates and managed in partnership with Doune Community Woodland Group (DCWG) since 2014.

link to Doune Ponds – Managing the Land in Partnership: Moray Estates and Doune Community Woodland Group case study