Scottish Government opens consultation on Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement

Hills - credit: Flickr

The Scottish Government has today opened a consultation aimed at shaping the future of land ownership in Scotland.

The consultation on the Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement, which will run until March 2017, will be used to inform decision-making on the ownership, management and use of land and buildings in Scotland.

The statement will underpin the work of the new Scottish Land Commission, operational in April, which is tasked with reviewing law and policy.

Cabinet Secretary for Land Reform Roseanna Cunningham said: “The Land and Rights and Responsibilities Statement is a world-leading undertaking, which will be central to the Government’s commitment to long-term land reform.

“Land reform is concerned with both urban and rural communities and impacts on every single person in Scotland.  This consultation will give everyone the opportunity to shape the future of our land to create a fairer and more prosperous nation.

“Our vision is that the ownership, management and use of land and buildings in Scotland should contribute to the collective benefit of the people of Scotland. A fair, inclusive and productive system of land rights and responsibilities should deliver greater public benefits and promote economic, social and cultural rights.

“Moreover, the Statement will be the basis for a strong and consistent vision running through Government policy and the work of the new Scottish Land Commission.”