At 80,000km2, Scotland makes up just under a third of the area of the UK, but only eight percent of the population. Just over 400 people are though to control half of all privately owned land in the country.

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• The creation of a Tenant Farming Commissioner as part of the Scottish Land Commission (the government also promised further measures to ‘modernise’ tenant farming legislation);
• An end to tax breaks for landowners of shooting and deerstalking estates, who will have to resume paying business rates (these exemptions were granted under the previous Tory government in the mid 1990s);
• Reform of the Land Register to increase transparency on land ownership;
• The power for the government to intervene and force the sale of property if it is acting as a barrier to sustainable development;
• Improvements to the right to roam.

There are also measures to boost the power of communities, including giving local communities a right to buy land to further sustainable development, which will apply in both urban and rural Scotland. The government plans to use money gained from ending estate owners’ tax exemptions to boost the Scottish Land Fund, which will facilitate community buyouts of land. The government hopes this fund will amount to £10m a year from next year.

The Bill also proposes powers that will enable communities or individuals to find out information about owners and tenants of land where this would help them resolve the issues they face.

On Tuesday, Land Reform Minister, Dr. Aileen McLeod, said the proposals tie in with the Government’s existing work to pass power to people and local communities, and encourage responsible and diverse landownership.

She said, “The introduction of the Bill is a significant step forward in ensuring our land is used in the public interest and to the benefit of the people of Scotland. Tackling the causes and consequences of inequality is at the heart of this government’s work.”

Dr McLeod continued, “We cannot underestimate the crucial part land reform will play in contributing to the future success of communities across Scotland. Through the Land Reform Bill we want to ensure that future generations have access to land required to promote business and economic growth and to provide access to good quality, affordable food, energy and housing.”

Landowners cry ‘landgrab’

Landowners’ groups have reacted strongly to the proposals, with Scottish Conservatives claiming they amount to a “land grab” and landowners’ lobbyists predicting that the reintroduction of business rates for many estates will make them unprofitable.

Commenting after the Bill’s publication, David Johnstone, chair of Scottish Land & Estates which represents landowners, said,  “The publication of this Bill will result in fundamental and far-reaching changes to the way that land is managed and owned in Scotland.

“[One] troubling issue is the proposal to very significantly extend the right of succession for secure tenant farmers. At the least a test which demonstrates that a successor has a working connection to the farm seems a fair and sensible additional provision and would help secure the ongoing productivity of the farm.”

However, the Scottish Tenant Farmers Association has welcomed the reform proposals. Ahead of their announcement, the Association blasted “political scaremongering” from right-leaning newspaper the Telegraph.

Chair Christopher Nicholson said last week that “The current land and tenancy reform proposals will only serve to strengthen family farming businesses.”

Nicholson added, “The review of tenancy legislation over the last 18 months has been thorough and evidence based, resulting in much needed recommendations.”  He said these stand to “Ensure that tenancy legislation is reformed to enable tenants to remain competitive in an industry with ever increasing fixed capital requirements.”

Outlining the proposals on Tuesday, Land Reform Minister Dr McLeod said, “Land is one of our most valuable assets. Owning land can help realise the aspirations and potential of our communities, making a real difference to long-term sustainability, and building stronger, more resilient and supportive communities.

“At the heart of these proposals is the principle of responsibility that comes with all land ownership, and while there are many exemplary landowners in Scotland, the message is clear, it is no longer acceptable to own land in Scotland and not take the public responsibilities that come with that ownership seriously. I know this Bill will be good for the people of Scotland, encourage greater public interest and participation in land and help our communities reach their potential.”