Dozens of amendments will be added to the Scottish Government’s land reform bill to make it even more “radical”.
Minister Aileen McLeod will today add 49 “far reaching” revisions to the bill, which came under criticism at the SNP’s party conference last year for not going far enough.
The fresh additions to the bill include strengthening the Scottish Government’s position that land ownership should be in the public interest and “should contribute to building a fairer society”.
The Land Reform Bill, which is currently going through the Scottish Parliament, has proved controversial among landowners and gamekeepers, who argue the legislation could endanger rural prosperity and jobs. It has been suggested that as many as half of Scotland’s private land is controlled by fewer than 500 different owners.
Ms McLeod said: “We are strengthening an already radical Land Reform Bill – which will result in fundamental improvements in how land in Scotland is owned, used and managed. These amendments will help ensure the provisions in the bill are far reaching and best deliver for the people of Scotland.
“This strengthened bill will change the relationship between the people of Scotland and the land that we live, work and depend on. As I have said before, I am open to ideas and suggestions relating to Scotland’s land reform journey and will continue to listen to all the evidence and will consider any further suggestions. I will also continue to work with all those with an interest to ensure that our land benefits the people of Scotland for generations to come.”
Farmers have previously pleaded with the Scottish Government to ensure the bill focuses on land management, rather than ownership.
The North East Land-owners and Tenants Forum, which comprises landlords, owner-occupiers, tenants and new entrants, has warned allowing secure 1991 Act tenancies to be sold for value will not only deter landlords from letting out land but make other tenancies less attractive.
The group said a further knock-on effect of the proposals would be that existing tenants and owner-occupier farmers would find it difficult to expand their holdings in future other than through purchasing land.