A historic move in Holyrood has gave a lot of hope within Scotland’s communities as members of parliament voting to pass the Land Reform bill.
Re-introduced to the Scottish Government in March of 2024, land reform is one of the devolved powers from Westminister. Now, voting in favour of the bill in November 2025. Many argue this is the most important as it impacts our land, democracy and culture.
A Scottish Government survey from 2021, found that 98% of land mass is rural with 17% of the population living there. Shockingly it is estimated that half of Scotland’s rural land is owned privately by 420 people. These landowners often not holding any ties to the land and making decisions which could impact the surrounding population immensely.
The passing of the bill is a landmark in Scotland’s autonomy. The bill requires anyone with over 1,000 hectares to have a management plan in place. Moreover, Ministers now have the power to divide these large estates. This will give locals a chance to invest and grow their businesses.
The rural lands of Scotland. Image Credit: Anna Poynter
The debate over land ownership is no stranger to people of Scotland. As someone from the highlands, I regularly see the impact private ownership has on local communities.
Many of those communities regularly feel overlooked when it comes to the local land and what happens to it. A village on the west coast has expressed its outrage and fire concerns regarding planning of a battery energy site. Which would be located just outside the village of Taynuilt as developers completely bypassed the community for the final decision.
Land reform impacts communities in all sorts of ways from limited community control such as Taynuilt or housing. Where private landowners cause housing prices to increase immensely.
This bill means the government gives communities the first chance to buy land instead of going straight to private investors. Further promising for fairer rent for farmers, easier investment to grow on land and rightfully inherit it. Scotland’s National Party (SNP) campaign it as “putting Scotland’s land back in Scotland’s hands”.
But what does this mean for you? Your community? The community of Stirling? We could see a flourishing of the local community as businesses have their chance.
Local MSP, Evelyn Tweed wrote back to Brig stating that “As the MSP for Stirling, I’m proud to support the Scottish Government’s Land Reform Bill. It has been hailed as the most radical since devolution and marks a bold step towards a fairer, more transparent system of land ownership.”
She continued “This Bill empowers local people, especially young Scots, to shape the future of their land, environment and economy by making land ownership more transparent and democratic. Strengthening community rights and modernising tenancies lay the groundwork for a more just and inclusive Scotland. It’s about giving our communities the tools to thrive and ensuring land ownership works in the interests of the people who live and work here.”
Brig reached out to other MSPs from rural areas also affected by this. Argyll And Bute’s, Jenni Minto stated “I was proud to support the Land Reform to ensure local communities across Scotland – including here in Argyll and Bute – have more power over decisions on land. This is the most radical land reform legislation in the history of devolution, and it will not only mean that communities will always be informed when an estate is being sold and that there is mandatory community engagement in land management.”
“For too long, too much control over land has been hoarded by too few – these proposals mark a watershed moment for land reform. Only the SNP can keep Scotland moving on the land reform journey – and we could go even further with the full powers of independence.”
Many of those who oppose believe it’s setting up Scotland for failure. Making the argument that big estates could help the climate goals Scotland aims to achieve.
The Scottish Conservative party arguing in parliament that private ownership of rural land brings “enormous value” to the nation. That it furthers investment, employment and improves the local economy. Adding that it supports those who keep the land well like land rangers employed.
This change to our land could see great benefit to our communities. It will allow them to have a say in their own future and furthering democracy in Scotland.
Members of Scottish Labour and Scottish Green party voted in favour of the bill. But demand more from SNP. Ideas like introducing untested lotting provisions and stop off market sales to really make a difference.
Recognising that rural areas where private ownership is a big issue are SNP dominated areas. This decision impacts these constituencies shaping the future of our voting behaviour, especially with the upcoming elections next year.
So, prepare yourself to become an active citizen and have your say. Communities need to step up to cooperate within themselves and with outside actors.
Regardless of your view on this matter it remains clear, this is a landmark move from the government.
Scotland’s history is embedded in the land, and so is our future.
Featured Image Credit: Anna Poynter
