Land reform agenda blasted by Tories

Land reform in Scotland is based on “ideology” rather than evidence, according to the Scottish Conservatives.

The party responded following the publication of the Scottish Land Reform Bill today, accusing the Government of being “out of touch” and pursuing an ideologically driven agenda which puts jobs at risk.

The Land Reform Bill will give communities the right to buy urban and rural land if it is deemed to be in the public interest.

RELATED CONTENT

Land reform bill published

Aileen McLeod: Land reform is about more than just ownership

It also includes measures to end tax exemptions for sporting estates, and to create a new Scottish Land Commission, as well as a land register, aiming to increase transparency over ownership.

Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser said: “These proposals once again demonstrate this central belt Scottish Government is out of touch with the priorities of rural communities.

“People living in rural Scotland want to see a strong economy, more jobs created, better broadband and local services improved.

“Instead, the SNP is ignoring the evidence and pursuing an ideologically-driven agenda which will jeopardise the rural economy.

“These proposals would lead to greater government interference in land ownership and an increase in the tax burden on rural businesses.”

The Scottish Conservatives published their own land reform proposals earlier this year, calling for the extension of rural broadband and measures to boost affordable housing.