Land Reform

Community Land Scotland Manifesto for People, Place and Power

We are excited to launch our manifesto for the 2026 Scottish Parliamentary Election!

Call for Scottish National Investment Bank to rethink their investment in Gresham House fund

Gresham House’s recent land transactions raises key questions for those interested in land reform and transparency over public expenditure.

Our statement on the recent acquisition of Griffin Forestry Estate by Gresham House and its wider implications

Following the £145 million sale of Griffin Forestry Estate, we have published a statement on the sale and it’s wider implications.

Impact of the industrial forestry sector in Scotland

We have published a series of papers examining the impacts of the industrial forestry sector in Scotland.

This photo captures a breathtaking view of a lush green valley nestled between two mountain ranges. The scene is expansive, with rolling hills and steep slopes stretching into the distance. At the center of the valley is a serene lake, reflecting the sky above and shaped somewhat like an elongated teardrop. Above, the sky is partly cloudy, with streaks of sunlight breaking through, adding contrast and depth to the landscape. In the foreground, near the bottom center of the image, stands a lone person dressed in a bright red jacket, providing a sense of scale and highlighting the vastness of the landscape. The person is facing away from the camera, seemingly taking in the natural beauty that surrounds them. The area around them is covered in lush green grass and rocky terrain, dotted with tufts of wildflowers or white seed heads. The overall mood of the image is peaceful, awe-inspiring, and reflective.

Biodiversity and community owned land in Scotland – an analysis by UHI

The Centre of Mountain Studies at the University of Highlands and Islands has produced a report on how to measure biodiversity on community-owned land.

A drawing of a garden space surrounded by a wall

A landmark decision grants consent for the exercise of Community Right to Buy to Further Sustainable Development

This is the first legal decision under the most legally challenging of the Community Rights to Buy which forces the sale of land under certain circumstances.

Local communities should get priority when Church buildings put up for sale

Multiple communities have reported to us that they are unhappy as Church of Scotland ‘often prioritises the highest bidder.’ Read the press release about their experiences.

Scotland for sale – but who’s buying? The question of land reform

In this piece originally published in the Herald, Policy Manager Josh Doble reflects on the Land Reform Bill.

Land Reform in Scotland – its history and why more is needed

Peter Peacock, in an oral evidence session on the Land Reform Bill, reflects on the history of land reform.

Amendment to our Scotsman opinion piece – 31st October 2024

In an opinion piece in The Scotsman our Policy Manager Josh Doble commented about land value uplifts on Highlands Rewilding estates, these comments have been retracted with a full explanation below.

Natural capital markets in Scotland are at a crossroads

This article was published as an opinion piece by The Scotsman on 31st October 2024: How ‘Green Lairds’ with dreams of vast profits are pricing out local Highland communities.

Guest blog: Is the private financing of rewilding a threat to community empowerment?

We are delighted to share a guest blog from Dr Caitlin Hafferty, University of Oxford who shares some of her recent research on communities and the nature finance markets.