“There’s a real energy and momentum on the issue of land reform now. What we need to do is to continue this people-led conversation so that what we have is a national agreement, a consensus if you like, about the things that still need to change.” – Michael Russell, Chair, Scotland Land Commission.

Shaping the future of Scotland’s land is the aim of the ScotLand Futures newly published report after conducting a national discussion on land ownership.

An overwhelming 96% of the 1,200 people who took part said that Scotland needs change. The report was accompanied by a parallel publication from Voices from Scotland which includes the views of community leaders, landowners, campaigners, researchers, young people, and practitioners.

A key problem with land ownership across Scotland is that it is unclear who owns much of the land. Those taking part in the discussion want more transparency over land ownership. They have called for a complete, accessible Land Register, cheaper or free searches, and clearer information about what owners intend to do with their land.

Land ownership reformer, Andy Wightman, has created a website which provides information on who owns Scotland. It currently covers 76.55% of rural Scotland (31 October 2025). The site, however, is only available to subscribers.

The Report from ScotLand Futures shows that people want a ‘fairer, more diverse pattern of ownership.’ There is concern across Scotland that huge swathes of land is owned and controlled by a few large landowners. People want ‘family farms, crofts, community trusts and small local enterprises — models that keep money and decision making rooted in the local area.’

Many also felt that if you own land in Scotland, you should live in Scotland.

“Absentee ownership, whether by individuals, companies or overseas investors, was seen as a major source of frustration. People described the economic and social consequences as reduced local spending, a lack of engagement, and a feeling that decisions are made from a distance.”

The planning system and consultations also came in for criticism. This was in particular around decisions which took place on : renewables, housing, forestry, and large scale projects.

Vacant and derelict land affects communities in both urban and rural locations and it was felt local authorities should have the powers to take action when land is lying unused and uncared for.

Reforming taxation was offered up as a solution to the land ownership and use issue:

• bringing in a land value tax
• taxing absentee owners
• using tax to make land ownership fairer and more focused on community benefit.

The questions of ‘Who Owns Scotland?’ and land reform is one which Scots have been discussing for generations. Still very little has changed. Those taking part in the ScotLand Futures consultation felt frustrated and impatient at a land ownership system they felt was unfair and which lack transparency.

The Scottish Land Commission will use what came out of ScotLand Futures discussions to inform their ongoing work and advice, making it clear that Scotland’s land should work for everyone and that continued action is needed to achieve that goal.

Click on the links for:

• ScotLand Futures Report

• ScotLand Futures, Voices from Scotland

There is also a series of video presentations on the Scottish Land Commission YouTube Channel

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