Resource information
This Act brings about a comprehensive reform of the law relating to land rights and land planning and management in Scotland. It contains provisions that aim to: ensure the development of an effective system of land governance and on-going commitment to land reform in Scotland; address barriers to furthering sustainable development in relation to land and improve the transparency and accountability of land ownership; and demonstrate commitment to effectively manage land and rights in land for the common good, through modernising and improving specific aspects of land ownership and rights over land. Fundamental principles of the Act are equality, social justice and sustainability. The Act establishes the office of the Scottish Land Commission and the office of the Tenant Farming Commissioner. It amends the Agricultural Holdings Act and Act provides with respect to a right to buy land to further sustainable development, including land for local food growing. The Act aims at development of the tenanted agricultural sector, both as a route into farming, and in order to provide security for farms businesses and to provide greater flexibility for businesses to expand and grow through the sector through the let-in and out of land. It provides also for specific matters such as rights of (agricultural) tenants, entry in the valuation roll of shootings and deer forests, common good land, guidance in engaging communities in decisions relating to land and community involvement in local deer management. The Act imposes a duty on the Scottish Ministers to review the legislation governing small landholdings.
Implemented by: Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 (Consequential and Saving Provisions) Regulations 2016 (S.S.I. No. 366 of 2016). (2016-11-09)
Implemented by: Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 (Commencement No. 4, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Regulations 2016 (S.S.I. No. 372 (C. 35)). (2016-11-10)
Implemented by: Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 (Supplementary, Consequential, Transitory and Saving Provisions) Regulations 2017 (S.S.I. No. 416 of 2017). (2017-11-22)
Amended by: Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 (Supplementary, Consequential, Transitory and Saving Provisions) Regulations 2017 (S.S.I. No. 400 of 2017). (2017-11-21)
Amends: Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act 2003 (2003 asp 11). (2003-04-22)
Amends: Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 (2003 asp 2). (2003-02-25)
Amends: Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (1997 Chapter 8). (1997-02-27)
Amends: Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act 1991 (Cap. 55). (1991-07-25)
