New register showing ‘controlling interest’ in Scotland’s land launched by Scottish Government

A new register of those who have a "controlling interest" in Scottish land is being launched in a bid to provide more transparency on ownership.

The Scottish Government says the register will provide more information on who ultimately makes decisions about the use of the land.

As land can be registered to overseas entities and trusts, the existing register of land titles does not always state who ultimately makes the decisions.

The Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land will launch on 1 April.

Drumlanrig Castle and estate in Dumfries and Galloway, which is owned by the Duke of Buccleuch, one of Scotland's largest landowners

After a 12-month transition period, fines can be issued for those who do not disclose relevant details.

Environment minister Mairi McAllan said: "The launch of this new register marks a significant milestone in making land ownership in Scotland more transparent.

"I want to ensure that there can no longer be categories of landowner or tenant where, intentionally or otherwise, control of decision-making is obscured, including in or via overseas trusts or entities.

"Scotland has a long history of land reform and this journey to make the ownership and use of our land and assets fairer marches on.

"The new register will make Scotland a front runner in Europe and deliver greater transparency than any other part of the UK.

"It enables the public to look behind land ownership and identify those who ultimately make decisions.

"We have committed to bring forward a new land reform bill over the course of this parliament which will further tackle Scotland's historically iniquitous patterns of land ownership and use."

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The Registers of Scotland will record the new information on people with a "controlling interest".

Jennifer Henderson, keeper of the Registers of Scotland, said: "Registers of Scotland are delighted to have been given the responsibility to establish and maintain the Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land.

"The register will become a valuable source of information and bring greater transparency of who makes decisions about the country's land and property.

"It will deliver valuable insight to citizens and communities across Scotland."

Ministers in Edinburgh say they also support the Register of Overseas Entities due to be introduced by the UK Government's Economic Crime Act 2022.

This is aimed at combating illegal activity such as money laundering and increases transparency around who who are the beneficial owners of land.

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