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📆 By sign up to our mailing list you will receive our bi-monthly newsletter with the latest news, events, research and stories from across Scotland’s land sector - no spam, just clear, timely updates.
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People across Scotland told us in our ScotLand Futures survey about the impact derelict and abandoned sites can have on communities, sharing the deep frustration they feel when land or buildings are left to decay for years.
Our Community-led Action on Vacant and Derelict Land tool is designed to help. It provides a practical guide for communities who want to bring unloved places back into use.
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New insights from the Rural Land Market Data Report 2025 show forestry land values cooling, small-scale sales dominating, strong per-hectare farmland prices and ongoing data challenges for land transparency.
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🎄Festive closure notice 🎄
The Scottish Land Commission will be closed for the festive break from Wednesday 24 December until Monday 5 January 2026.
As 2025 draws to a close, our Chief Executive Hamish Trench reflects on his five key land reform takeaways from the year - from public engagement and new legislation to land use change and community rights to buy.
🔗 Read the blog: buff.ly/bqWXgbI
Voices from Scotland, part of our ScotLand Futures initiative, brings together perspectives from across the country on the outcomes land reform should deliver for people, nature and the economy.
Thank you to everyone who contributed.
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Our Rural Land Market Data Report 2025 is out this week.
In a new blog, Research Officer Julie Rostan explains what the latest data tells us, and why hidden sale prices could be masking the true scale of Scotland’s rural land market.
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New Rural Land Market Data Report 2025 shows Scotland’s rural land market continued to cooled in 2024:
🌲 Forestry prices down to £10,054/ha - a drop of 34% from 2023
🏘️ Only 6 large-scale estate sales - a 5 year low
🚜Farmland prices rose slightly to an average of £16,502/ha
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🌲 At Caerlaverock Castle, a small woodlot is making a big difference.
Andy Brown manages an ancient oak woodland through a lease, producing firewood, improving biodiversity and restoring access.
It’s low-impact forestry with long-term value.
Read more in our Governance Guide: buff.ly/TZFO0ti
Community ownership delivers wide benefits, but Scotland’s Rights to Buy need to keep pace with changing conditions.
Our latest blog explains why the current review by Scottish Government is important for communities across Scotland: 🔗 buff.ly/VjOClYo
📢 New op-ed from Michael Russell, Chair of the Scottish Land Commission
Survey shows 96% of people believe Scotland still needs further land reform.
In his op-ed, Michael Russell reflects on this, the Land Reform Bill, why progress matters, and why the journey isn’t over.
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Scottish Land Commission retweeted
Pleasure to have had the opportunity to write a piece for the Scottish land Commission, @ScottishLandCom. Highlighting the vital importance of the fight for land reform.
Link below 🌲🌳
landcommission.gov.scot/down…
Thank you to everyone who took part in our ScotLand Futures survey. More than 1,200 people shared their views, and 96% told us Scotland still needs further action on land reform.
You highlighted the need for clearer ownership info, fairer access, more accountability and action on derelict sites.
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What started as a woodland buyout in Glengarry has grown into something much bigger 🌲
Glengarry Community Development Trust is using community ownership to support cabins, crofts, and local jobs backed by cooperative governance and shared values.
📖 Read more: buff.ly/jXi5Hdk
We’re pleased to welcome Sarah Madden & Kathie Pollard to senior roles helping drive Scotland’s land reform agenda at a pivotal time. Sarah becomes Head of Practice and Advice, and Kathie steps into Head of Policy.
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From the origins of the word “boycott” to the realities of modern-day land agents, Peter reflects on how far the sector has come and why behaviour and relationships still matter.
Peter looks at the progress made since the Tenant Farming Commissioner was established, the improvements in professional standards, and the challenges that persist around communication, transparency and negotiation.
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📌 Scotland takes important step towards fairer use and ownership of land
Scottish Land Commission statement on the passing of the Land Reform Bill
🌲 Carbeth Hutters Community Company owns 150 acres of land and 177 huts all governed by the people who live there.
From rent strike to community ownership, it's a powerful model of stewardship and shared decision-making.
More in our Governance Guide: buff.ly/qy3uBtG
Last night’s ScotLand Futures event in Aberdeen marked the end of our series of public meetings.
Across Scotland we’ve heard strong themes including last night where community empowerment, land for housing, and frustration with planning were key issues.
👀 ScotLand Futures findings coming soon.
In the final instalment of #ScotLandFutures, four contributors reflect on what land reform must deliver next – for people, place and long-term stewardship.
Read insights from Catriona Mallows, David McGilp MSYP, Di Alexander and Mike Staples.
👉 landcommission.gov.scot/news…


































