Final call for Scottish land reform consultation

The isle of Gigha which was the subject of a community buy-out in 2007. Picture: TSPL

Under the plan business rate exemptions for shooting and deerstalking estates would be scrapped with ministers handed powers to intervene “where the scale of land ownership or the conduct of a landlord is acting as a barrier to sustainable development”.

The minister in charge of the plan called on interested parties to submit their views, as the consultation process enters its final week.

Dr McLeod said: “Land is one of our most valuable assets, land and landowners across Scotland already make significant contributions to our economy and deliver a wide range of benefits to our communities.

“Our vision for land reform is a strong relationship between the people of Scotland and the land of Scotland, where ownership and use of the land delivers greater public benefits.

“With less than a week to go in the consultation period, I would urge all those with an interest in how land in Scotland works for the people of Scotland to response to the consultation by 10 February.”