Latest news with #LandReformBill
Scotsman
21-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
How Scotland's Land Reform Bill could fatally damage tenant farming
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Scottish Government's ambition to make Scotland 'the best that it can be', as laid out in its Programme for Government, is laudable – but does it really help rural areas thrive? From the Borders to the Highlands, there are enterprising rural businesses putting their shoulders to the wheel to deliver for people, jobs and nature, but all too often they are left feeling frustrated or forgotten. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There are many causes for their frustration and the current Land Reform Bill proceeding through the Scottish Parliament illustrates perfectly how government policies can end up having the entirely opposite effect to what political leaders envisage. The Scottish Government is wedded to an ongoing land reform agenda despite the clear evidence the vast majority of the public – according to government research – do not see it as a priority. Scotland's estates are responsible for significant social, economic and environmental benefits (Picture: CM Dixon/Heritage Images) | Getty Images Benefits of large estates The Cabinet Secretary in charge of the Bill, Mairi Gougeon, knows well the passionate and often polarised positions adopted on this issue, given she serves as MSP for North Angus and Mearns. She will also know, however, from her days as development and enterprise convenor on Angus Council, about the need for and value of investment and economic growth. And this is where the rub is with this current Land Reform Bill. On one hand, the Scottish Government seems committed to breaking up large rural landholdings in the name of diversity of land ownership but has there really been enough thought given to what the outcome will be? It doesn't appear so. Again, we are facing a situation where ideology and practical outcomes collide. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Large estates are actively involved in helping to deliver housing, renewable energy, employment and business opportunities, food and drink, whilst tackling climate change through peatland restoration and tree planting as well as improving nature. All of these are government priorities and ministers are aware these activities need investment from sources including private enterprise. So why pursue and frame legislation that targets the very rural businesses currently delivering those benefits on the ground? The answer for many is the need to rectify perceived historic wrongs. But we are now living in a different time and surely land reform today should be about the future, not the past. Those of us involved in land management are already hearing noises that the uncertainty created by proposals in the Land Reform Bill is disincentivising both local investment and interest from further afield. The more a business sector is penalised, the less likely people will be willing to invest. Taxpayers face hefty bills I don't believe that this is a desired outcome by the Scottish Government but there is a very real chance of that happening because of proposals like giving ministers the power to interfere with land sales and force estates to be sold off in lots. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Do taxpayers, who may have to foot hefty bills for compensation for the loss of value, really want this? And considering such interference may be fraught with legal difficulty and creates unwarranted problems for those people working on estates, does that make it worthwhile? A similar situation arises in the part of the Bill which deals with tenant farming. The government is adamant that it wants to see a thriving tenant farming sector. However, there are very few agricultural landlords who are keen to let land because of the proposed retrospective changes to contracts that have the potential to hamper a landlord's ability to get his own property back without having to pay even greater compensation. Again, the outcome of a stagnant sector is the exact opposite to what the government say they want to achieve. All of us who work in the land management sector understand the land reform agenda. While some people claim land managers oppose land reform, that is simply not correct. We have no problem with greater transparency of ownership, opportunities for communities to acquire land where it becomes available, and the need for productive community engagement. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A great many examples already exist where estates are working harmoniously as part of their local community and the continuous implementation of further legislation only serves to jeopardise that. No shortage of land reform laws As well as numerous willing sales to communities, extensive legislation is already in place enabling communities to acquire land where it has been abandoned or neglected, or where the landowner is acting as a barrier to sustainable development. Like many legislative measures already in place in Scotland, their use to date has been limited perhaps due to unawareness. Lack of use doesn't mean that more legislation is needed. There has been no shortage of land reform legislation since the Scottish Parliament was established. This is now the third bill to go before the parliament. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad As things stand, there is a widespread view beyond the interests of landowners that the Land Reform Bill in its current form is unworkable. We would appeal to the Cabinet Secretary to take heed of these genuine concerns and consider seriously amending the Bill rather than deliver flawed legislation which will risk the delivery of local and national benefits. The government has already shown its willingness to improve legislation during its passage through Holyrood, as it has done with the Housing Bill and it should act similarly to make the Land Reform Bill work. We all know from experience that leaving so much detail to secondary legislation tends to store up trouble for all in the future. We understand the SNP, in particular, is committed to a land reform 'journey' that is far from ended. However, we fervently hope that, at some stage along the way, there can be some recognition that estates are significant social, economic and environmental contributors to rural Scotland and that politicians will take this seriously before bringing forward policies which discourage investment and fatally damage tenant farming.
Scotsman
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Scotsman
Readers Letters: Addressing the historic injustices of land ownership in Scotland
As a councillor who represents Stornoway North in Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, I write to express my support for the principles underpinning the Land Reform Bill currently under consideration, while urging further ambition to address the historic injustices of land ownership in Scotland. The bill represents a vital opportunity to reshape our relationship with the land, ensuring it serves the common good and fosters thriving communities across our nation. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... For too long, Scotland's land has been concentrated in the hands of a few, a legacy of feudal structures that have denied communities their rightful stake in the resources that sustain them. The bill's aim to diversify ownership and empower local people is a step toward justice, but it must go further to dismantle the entrenched inequalities that persist. Land is not merely a commodity; it is the foundation of our collective existence, entrusted to us to steward for the benefit of all, not to be hoarded for private gain. I advocate for measures that prioritise community-led ownership models, ensuring that the fruits of the land—whether agricultural, environmental, or cultural—are shared equitably among those who live and work upon it. The bill must also strengthen accountability. Large estates, often held by absentee landlords, have too often neglected the needs of local people, prioritising profit over prosperity. Robust mechanisms are needed to ensure landowners act as responsible custodians, investing in the social and ecological health of their communities. This includes supporting sustainable practices that preserve the land for future generations, reflecting a moral duty to care for what we have been given. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In the Outer Hebrides, we see the transformative potential of community ownership, where land is managed collectively to support housing, enterprise, and cultural heritage. The bill should expand such models nationwide, empowering communities to shape their own futures. This requires not only legislative support but also adequate funding and resources to level the playing field, particularly for rural and island communities facing unique challenges. I urge the Parliament to view this bill as a chance to build a Scotland where land serves as a shared inheritance, fostering unity and opportunity for all its people. Let us commit to a vision where every community has a voice in the land that defines it, and where the wealth of our natural heritage is harnessed for the collective good. Councillor Gordon Murray, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Bigger Loch issues Having spent one of the sunniest and warmest week of the year at the Duck Bay Area of Loch Lomond I am surprised at the various parties who represent the interests of Loch Lomond complaining about the pollution, noise etc which will be allegedly coming from the proposed Flamingo Park. Despite the fact this particular Saturday is glorious I have been driven indoors by the horrendous noise and smell of spilled fuel and exhaust fumes from totally irresponsible jet skiers doing what best could be described as 'doughnuts' within about 50 metres from the Duck Bay Marina area. If these guys (yes all male) were in cars they would be given Asbo's by the police. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad So far this week I have seen canoeist and paddle boarders almost getting knocked of their boards and the canoe overturned by the near misses and two swans almost beheaded by these jet skiers going far to close to people and birds. As I write this, a Park Authority Patrol boat has arrived on site but after 15 minutes left so now the noise has once more returned, along with a strong smell of recreational drugs coming over the wall between where the jet skiers hang about and the Duck Bay Marina hotel I seriously suggest the Park Authorities et all get other local issues which have been increasing considerably over recent years in order before they start complaining about a venture which may or may not be detrimental to the area. For anyone wishing a quiet week at the side of Loch Lomond around the Duck Bay Marina area in the summertime forget it. The noise from the jet skies is horrendous and the strong smell of petrol fumes is nauseating. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This antisocial behaviour would not be tolerated on the road if the guys were driving cars, yet all the appropriate authorities responsible for the running of Loch Lomond Park tolerate it. The same applies to local hotels who charge up £2,000 for a few days stay in a room with a loch view yet seem to use very little of their influence to stop these skiers camping quite literally at their back door. William Barrie Horsburgh, Stonehaven Low esteem The Scottish Government has approved the Loch Lomond mega resort scheme, in spite of massive local opposition, and this does not seem to be a 'one off', with many examples of Holyrood approving housing plans after local council rejection. This shows how little the SNP esteems local democracy, and is after many years of cuts to local government! William Ballantine, Bo'ness, West Lothian Teach the teacher The Labour's Children's Wellbeing and Schools bill being discussed at present will require new teachers to have earned 'Qualified Teacher Status' or be working to obtain it. It would seem obvious that a teacher had to be a teacher in fact, not just in name. Covid demonstrated that every parent could be a teacher to their own children until they actually tried to do it and found that on Friday afternoons some student's enthusiasm waned and in reality many waned by Monday afternoon. Appropriate Qualifications are needed not just advisable. I don't want my car serviced by someone is only a librarian, nor ask for reading advice from a mechanic. I want people who knows what they are doing after having studied and developed experience in their specially. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In hindsight however, I have to admit that much of my own four year teaching degree was a waste of time and practical experience was the best way to develop my classroom skills. Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia Write to The Scotsman
The National
14-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
Call for public input on Scotland's land reform launches
Led by the Scottish Land Commission, ScotLand Futures has invited individuals, community groups, land managers, businesses and organisations to give feedback to shape "a shared vision for how Scotland's land is owned, used and managed in the years ahead". Key issues of housing, nature, jobs, and local communities are in focus while the Scottish Parliament is currently considering a new Land Reform Bill that will improve how large-scale landholdings are managed and transferred. READ MORE: NC500 named least electric vehicle-friendly road trip in UK-wide study The initiative is asking Scots: What would it look like to complete Scotland's current land reform journey? Speaking at the launch, Michael Russell, chair of the Scottish Land Commission, said: 'Land reform is not just for land reformers. Too often the conversation can feel remote – discussed in policy circles or historic terms. Land affects all of us, every day, from the homes we live in, to the green spaces we enjoy, and the kind of communities we want to build. "Scotland has made real progress in land reform, but the journey is not complete yet. We're inviting people to look ahead and envision the next big steps for land reform. We hope to build consensus on a fairer land system. Even where there is not full agreement, there is real value in developing shared clarity about the intended endpoint.' ScotLand Futures is open to everyone, and the commission is encouraging individuals, community groups, businesses and organisations to get involved. The organisation has stressed individual "don't need to be an expert" to submit feedback. People can take part by: Completing a short online form to share their views on land reform Attending online or in-person events Engaging with the campaign on social media using #ScotLandFutures Insights gathered through the initiative will be used to inform the public debate and support policy development and a summary of contributions will be published by the Commission later this year. Visit here to find out more and share your views.
The National
28-04-2025
- Business
- The National
There is no sense of urgency from politicians for radical land reform
I'd wager that since the inception of The National, land reform has been one of its most popular topics. I had hoped that Ms Burgess would show a commitment to it beyond the woolly platitudes we are tired of hearing from the ranks of politicians and various players in land whose living is made from it. What they do either on purpose or by direction is avoid the central question: when is the Scottish Parliament going to get serious about taxing land? Why did Ms Burgess give that a body swerve too? READ MORE: Historic ruling paves way for first forced private land sale to community in Scotland She cites the current Land Reform Bill as having the potential 'to break up big estates and empower communities to buy and transform the land around them'. I have spoken with representatives of two large landowners. They have indicated to me that if their land was taxed annually and became a significant financial burden, they would dispose of much of the land as their business model can operate without it. So why would any serious politician with the interests of communities at heart encourage them to buy land with good public money without first establishing just how much of the land owners would retain if it was taxed? Poverty is the greatest blight on our people, yet we commend our government for introducing the Scottish Child Payment when it has the power to eliminate child poverty. Our political classes in national and local government and their advisors pussyfoot around with initiatives here and there to increase and spread public funds at the margins, instead of dealing with the fundamentals through the legislative powers they have enjoyed for years. READ MORE: Scottish Tory council leader appears to promise 'pals' contracts Our politicians and media institutionalise the fixed budget when it is not Westminster which fixes the budget; it's the Scottish Government which chooses to do so. Incredibly, the opposition parties are complicit in this, as one never hears them bring forward any proposal which would expand the budget to such an extent that all our lives can be transformed. Over recent years I have been present when politicians and their officials engage with stakeholders on matters of great national and human importance. The common denominator of all such experience is that there is no sense of any urgency. Tinkering at the edges is our national political sport. The ball is at their feet, but it's what's under their feet which is the solution. Graeme McCormick Arden IN a few years Visit Scotland will be adding a new tourist experience for the people of Scotland and their visitors. This will be a wonderful addition to our iconic NC500, The West Highland Way and the Southern Upland Walk. It's the Pylon Paths. Routes stretching from our islands in the west and north. Running through our stunning Highland landscapes, then cutting through our best arable farming land on the east coast and continuing through the tranquil Tweed Valley and finishing up on the rolling Border Hills. READ MORE: Stephen Flynn speaks out as Labour snub Scottish carbon capture scheme Hundreds of miles of majestic steel structures. Some the biggest anywhere, the envy of our European neighbours and a tribute to the multinationals who decided Scotland was the best place for this attraction. VisitScotland will host an opening launch and pay tribute to our First Minister and his government for their unstinting and selfless support to enable this magnificent undertaking to come to fruition. Also attending the launch will be Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. He will echo the words of VisitScotland in praising the Scottish Government for delivering this unique development and with its completion a milestone for his task of delivering net zero emissions by 2050. Job done. David Smart via email HUGE interest will have to be paid to the banks for money borrowed to finance the cost of net zero, as the UK operates a deficit economy. The weakness of the present UK system is that the banks create the government's money supply from thin air, in exchange for government guarantees, rather as they might demand guarantees for a personal loan or business overdraft. At present, government pays interest to the banks of around £120 billion a year on such money, as its debt to the banks is around £3 trillion. READ MORE: Scotland shouldn't aim for independence without a currency plan, says expert The answer of course is for government itself to create and issue the money supply, but interest-free. This would save those billions for better use, and could also keep expenditure in proportion to the assets of the nation, such as roads, schools, public housing, the NHS, and so on, and of course those assets would be more cheaply created without an interest burden. Equally, the banking system itself would be unlikely to fund the massive cost of net zero without guarantees that would bankrupt the nation if ever exercised. In effect, Britain would become the property of the banks. It is clear that in an independent Scotland, government itself must issue and control the volume of the money supply, as well as directing its proper use, and thus be free of the banks that are presently in a position to tell the UK Government what it can and can't do. Malcolm Parkin Kinross
The National
25-04-2025
- Business
- The National
Scottish court backs first forced sale of private land to community
Landowner Forthtay Ltd appealed the decision of Scottish ministers who backed the compulsory purchase bid by community group Poets' Neuk, who wants to develop a plot in Fife into a public garden dedicated to Mary Queen of Scots. The current plot in St Andrews has been described as "an eyesore". Following a hearing in February, Sheriff Timothy Niven-Smith has refused the Forthtay Ltd's appeal. The landowner now has until May 13 to decide whether to appeal the judgment. READ MORE: Ariane Burgess: Land is power. Our country should belong to all of us If the sale goes ahead, it would be the first time that privately-owned land is forcibly sold to a community group in Scotland. Niven-Smith stressed he was ruling on the legality of the decision, not the group's application. He wrote: "I am satisfied that the ministers had regard to the legal framework and applied the correct test in law to the questions they required to answer." Poet's Neuk applied to the Scottish Government to buy the land under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016, which allows land to be sold to a community group by compulsory purchase if it is likely to further "sustainable development" and is in the "public interest". Ministers backed the application in 2024, however, Forthtay argued that ministers had acted "unlawfully" and showed "apparent bias" to the group. Land reform campaigners hope any future forced sale sets a precedent and inspires other groups across Scotland. Dr Josh Doble, policy manager at Community Land Scotland, said: "The community in St Andrews have had a long road to this point and we wholeheartedly congratulate them on this success. "This decision reinforces the fact that our compulsory Community Rights to Buy - which naturally interfere with private property rights - are not only morally robust but legally sound. "We hope this important judgement provides the Scottish government with much-needed encouragement to take positive and ambitious action on the current Land Reform Bill. READ MORE: Scottish university staff set to strike at troubled institution "The bill needs to ensure that all significant landholdings in Scotland are owned and managed in the public interest. And if they are not, ultimately the existing landownership can be challenged." A spokesperson for MML Law, on behalf of the landowner, previously urged for close to attention to be given to the case as it "could have far reaching consequences for many around Scotland". A Scottish government spokesperson said: "We welcome the sheriff's decision to allow the sale of Poet's Neuk to the community to proceed."
