Summary
This analysis examined the responses to the ScotLand Futures online survey hosted on the Scottish Land Commission website between May and September 2025. The 1,236 responses revealed that land-related questions remain a complex source of debate in Scotland.
Nature and biodiversity: biodiversity is seen as a key priority for land use, with perspectives split sharply between viewing existing landscapes as a cultural asset to be preserved, and those demanding rapid, large scale, nature restoration.
Calls for a more equitable pattern of land ownership: the high concentration of land ownership in Scotland was frequently linked to a disproportionate accumulation of power, magnifying the negative effects of absenteeism, and a lack of transparency. Proposals to address these issues included the expansion of individual, community, and public ownership, as well as public interest policy interventions like residency requirements, alongside taxation of land values.
Large scale ownership and management: some participants asserted that large-scale ownership provides the significant management opportunities required to meet policy goals like net-zero targets, stressing the importance of valuing and supporting the practical experience of current land managers. However, others argue that redistribution is a necessary prerequisite for sustainable and fair land management.
Agriculture and food security: the prioritisation of rural and urban food production is seen as key, but with a clear split on whether supporting existing business models or promoting diverse, small-scale, opportunities is the best route to do so. Challenges noted included current economic viability of farming, and barriers for tenancies and new entrants.
Land use change and development: renewable energy and related infrastructure or commercial forestry, are often viewed critically as an "industrialisation" of the landscape, and alongside “rewilding", are often seen as activities that prioritise corporate gain and creates a participation deficit. Respondents expressed a preference for smaller, community-led projects and enhanced benefit-sharing to ensure wealth is retained locally.
Local stewardship and placemaking: support for a systemic shift towards re-establishing people’s connection to the land, preserving community resilience, protecting cultural heritage, and delivering long-term environmental and socio-economic benefits.
These responses were used to inform the Scottish Land Commission’s “ScotLand Futures – Next Steps for Land Reform” paper, which argues for opening new land opportunities, rebalancing the power of land ownership, and shaping land use change locally.
However, the findings from this dataset reveal a much broader spectrum of public concerns and interest beyond core land reform issues, and highlights the nuance necessary in considering any future policy or legislative change.
