Wed, 05 Nov 2025

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 MSPs pass land reform which could force break up of huge estates

The legislation is designed to help reduce the concentration of rural land ownership among a small number of people.

* The Scottish Parliament has passed a land reform bill that could lead to the break-up of large estates.
* The bill aims to reduce the concentration of rural land ownership among a small number of people and give communities more control over privately owned land.
* About half of Scotland's land is owned by just 420 individuals, according to research by former Green MSP Andy Wightman.
* The government says its reforms will help address this imbalance and allow for community buyouts of land.
* The bill introduces a "transfer test" that would require owners of large landholdings (over 1,000 hectares) to apply to ministers for permission to sub-divide the land before selling it.
* Owners of large landholdings will be required to publish a land management plan and notify the government and local community if they wish to sell their land.
* Failure to comply with these requirements could result in fines of up to £40,000.
* Community groups will be given priority access to buy large landholdings that are put up for sale.
* The legislation also sets out plans for a Land and Communities Commissioner to oversee the reforms.
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