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Government promises more diverse ownership in its vision for land rights

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Roseanna Cunningham
Roseanna Cunningham

The Scottish Government’s ‘world first’ vision for land rights and responsibilities promises greater transparency and a “more diverse pattern” of ownership.

The Scottish Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement outlines six guiding principles for the creation of “a Scotland with a strong and dynamic relationship between its land and people, where all land contributes to a modern and successful country, and where rights and responsibilities in relation to land are fully recognised and fulfilled”.

The statement aims to inform the development of government policy and action in relation to land, whether that be in planning, housing provision, urban regeneration, farming, caring for the environment or any other government activities that relate to land.

Interrelating with many existing strategies and policies, the statement will help inform future iterations of Scotland’s Economic Strategy, the Land Use Strategy, and the National Planning Framework.

Principles

  1. The overall framework of land rights, responsibilities and public policies should promote, fulfil and respect relevant human rights in relation to land, contribute to public interest and wellbeing, and balance public and private interests. The framework should support sustainable economic development, protect and enhance the environment, help achieve social justice and build a fairer society.

  2. There should be a more diverse pattern of land ownership and tenure, with more opportunities for citizens to own, lease and have access to land.

  3. More local communities should have the opportunity to own, lease or use buildings and land which can contribute to their community’s wellbeing and future development.

  4. The holders of land rights should exercise these rights in ways that take account of their responsibilities to meet high standards of land ownership, management and use. Acting as the stewards of Scotland’s land resource for future generations they contribute to sustainable growth and a modern, successful country.

  5. There should be improved transparency of information about the ownership, use and management of land, and this should be publicly available, clear and contain relevant detail.

  6. There should be greater collaboration and community engagement in decisions about land.

    7. Announcing the publication of the statement at the Scottish Land Commission Conference in Dunfermline on Thursday, land reform secretary Roseanna Cunningham decisions about land ownership, use and management “can help address some key issues we face in the 21st century”, such as housing shortages, inequality, and threats to the environment.

    Ms Cunningham added: “I’m proud that this statement about land rights and responsibilities is the first of its kind anywhere in the world. I am sure it will play an important role in shaping the thinking on land issues in Scotland in the years to come.

    “It rightly promotes and supports a human rights approach to land and will contribute to securing rights, equality and wellbeing by balancing public and private interests.

    “Setting out this vision signals our determination to continue to lead the way in ensuring Scotland’s urban and rural land plays a full role in promoting inclusive growth, a sustainable economy and social justice.”

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