land

This is a Scottish story but it raises some very interesting questions about the balance of power in rural communities in a number of particularly upland communities in England. It seems to me that land ownership and land usage are inextricably linked rather than distinct as implied by the spokesperson at the end of this piece. 

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.