Large concentrations of land ownership are leading to power being abused in some parts of Scotland, according to a report by the Scottish Land Commission. 

Its investigation said a “land monopoly” in effect existed in many areas.

The report also said the law provided very little protection.

Scottish Land and Estates, which represents land owners, said the report did not adequately reflect the contribution made by rural businesses.

The commission’s report calls for a public interest test for future land sales.

More than 400 people gave evidence to the investigation, including land owners, land managers and community representatives and individuals.

The report found that most of the disadvantages from Scotland’s current pattern of land ownership related to a concentration of decision-making power.

It said that in some parts, that hampered economic development and caused serious and long-term harm to communities.

It added that there was an “urgent need” for mechanisms to protect fragile communities from the “irresponsible exercise of power”.

The commission makes a series of recommendations including:

• A public interest test for significant land transfers
• The requirement for a land management plan for estates
• A statutory land rights and responsibilities review.

The report and recommendations will now be considered by ministers.

Sarah-Jane Laing, chief executive of Scottish Land and Estates, said: “We are deeply concerned that the report still sees land ownership rather than land use as the prime route to dealing with issues being faced by communities. Nor does the report adequately reflect the positive and substantial contribution made by rural businesses.

“Among their number is a report of the 1569 death of one Jane Shaxpere, a two-and-a-half-year-old girl who fell into a mill pond while picking marigolds 20 miles from Shakespeare’s home in Stratford-upon-Avon.

According to Dr Gunn, Shaxpere is a “likely” relation to the Bard and a “strong contender” for Ophelia’s inspiration.”

I can gradually start getting closer to the point by letting you into my birthday treat a trip to Hodsock Priory to see the Globe on tour performing “As You Like It.” – and now to the point – Hodsock Priory is a brilliant example of a contemporary approach of a country estate making a major contribution to its local economy.

In addition to its outdoor performance approach the Priory is also now heated by ground source arrangements and is more than 20 years into a brilliant annual seasonal event whereby thousands of people every February throng to see its snowdrops.

I have been working with Dr Gary Bosworth of the University of Lincoln and Jason Beedell of Smiths Gore on a paper profiling the economic contribution of estates to rural economies – if you would like to know more – or have some examples you might contribute please get in touch.