Ambitious land reform proposals are outlined

THE BENEFITS of the Land Reform Bill will be potentially life- changing for individuals and communities across Scotland, Environment Minister Dr Aileen McLeod said on Monday.

The minister said the government was listening and keen to consider further improvements to the land reform proposals, which already include radical plans, including establishing a permanent Scottish Land Commission.

The commission will end the stop-start nature of land reform in Scotland and have the potential to help deliver further reforms.

The Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee, Dr Aileen McLeod said: ‘There is no doubt that the land reform bill will be potentially life- changing for individuals and communities across Scotland.

‘Our proposals are about equality and fairness, empowering communities with practical powers and supporting sustainability.

‘This ambitious and radical bill is a vital next step in the land reform journey. The measures in the bill make important changes to specific rights and responsibilities over land, including provisions to increase the transparency of land ownership, which have never before been seen in this country. I have followed the committee’s consideration of the bill carefully and I look forward to discussing the provisions of the bill with them later today. I am open to ideas and suggestions relating to Scotland’s land reform journey and will continue to work with all those with an interest to ensure that our land benefits the people of Scotland for generations to come.’