Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016

The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 is an Act of the Scottish Parliament intended to bring about further changes to land ownership and management in Scotland. Its overarching aim is to make the ownership and use of land more fair, sustainable, and productive, contributing to the economic, social, and environmental well-being of Scotland.

The Act contains provisions addressing several key areas:

• Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement: It required the Scottish Government to produce a Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement, setting out the principles for land ownership and use in Scotland. This statement is intended to guide land reform efforts and promote responsible land management.

• Tenant Farming: The Act introduced measures to strengthen the rights of tenant farmers, including provisions relating to rent reviews, diversification of businesses, and security of tenure. These changes aim to create a more balanced relationship between landlords and tenant farmers.

• Community Empowerment: The Act expands on existing community right to buy provisions, making it easier for communities to acquire land for sustainable development purposes. It also strengthens the role of community bodies in land use planning and decision-making.

• Scottish Land Commission: The Act established the Scottish Land Commission as a permanent body to keep land ownership and management under review. The Commission is responsible for advising the Scottish Government on land reform issues and promoting good practice in land management.

• Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land: The Act established a publicly accessible register to record the identities of those who ultimately control land in Scotland, even if they do not directly own it. This is intended to increase transparency and accountability in land ownership.

The Act builds upon previous land reform legislation in Scotland, such as the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, and reflects an ongoing commitment to addressing historical patterns of land ownership and promoting a more equitable and sustainable land system. The impacts and effectiveness of the Act continue to be debated and analyzed as it is implemented across Scotland.