Land reform in Scotland
In the 21st century, land reform in Scotland has focused on the abolition and modernisation of Scotland's antiquated feudal land tenure system, security of tenure for crofters and decentralisation of Scotland's highly concentrated private land ownership. Scotland's land reform is distinct from other contemporary land reforms in its focus on community land ownership, with the Land Reform (Scotland) Acts of 2003 and 2016 establishing the Community Right to Buy, allowing rural and urban communities first right of refusal to purchase local land when it comes up for sale. Crofting communities are granted a similar Right to Buy though they do not require a willing seller to buy out local crofting land. Under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 and Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016, Scottish ministers can grant a compulsory sale order for vacant or derelict private land or land which, if owned by the local community, could further sustainable development. W
Community Land Scotland[edit | edit source]
- Community Land Scotland, provides a collective voice for community landowners in Scotland. Over 100 member organisations across Scotland, ranging from community landowners of major crofting estates in the Western Isles to inner city community hubs in diverse communities. Their vision is for the community ownership of land and buildings to be a significant driver of sustainable development across the whole of Scotland.added 12:41, 25 October 2022 (UTC)
Events[edit | edit source]
- Events list, communitylandscotland.org.uk
- Community Land Week, festival celebrating community landowners, communitylandscotland.org.uk
Scottish Land Commission[edit | edit source]
The Scottish Land Commission (Scottish Gaelic: Coimisean Fearainn na h-Alba) was established by the Scottish Government following the passage of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 by the Scottish Parliament; the Commission also incorporates the work of the Tenant Farming Commissioner. The Lands Commissioners, who constitute the Commission, have functions relating to land in Scotland, so that they address issues which relate to ownership of land, land rights, management of land, and use of land. The Tenant Farming Commissioner has the aim of improving the relationship between tenant farmers and land owners, and can create codes of practice, provide practical guidance, and must consult on such matters. The Tenant Farming Commissioner cannot be an agricultural landlord or agricultural tenant, and will develop codes of practice which are in addition to the law and the jurisdiction of the Scottish Land Court.
The Scottish Land Commission is a body concerned with looking at the concentration of land ownership, land taxation, and effective use of land for the common good. The Commission will also provide some scrutiny of those laws and policies that relate to land within Scotland.
- Scottish Land Commission, added 15:51, 17 February 2022 (UTC)
More information[edit | edit source]
- Land reform policy information from gov.scot, added 18:16, 20 February 2022 (UTC)
See also[edit | edit source]
- Topic overview: Land activism
- UK context: Land activism UK
