Land Reform

aerial view of historic buildings in a city on a sunny day with a celebration happening outside

Understanding Urban Community Landownership

The first of a blog series sharing learning from our urban action research project Community Ownership Hub: Glasgow and Clyde Valley.

A photo of the sun setting over Pabbay Pier in the Bays of Harris. A lone figure is standing in silhouette on the pier

Scotland’s land reform journey is stalling

An opinion piece written by our Policy Manager, Dr Josh Doble and published in The Scotsman on 14th December 2023.

Transparency, Options to Develop Land and Community Empowerment: Time for Action

We were asked to write a blog for the Scottish Land Commission on their research into transparency and legal options to development land ‘Transparency of Options Agreements’ (Diffley Partnership 2023).

Beyond community benefit – a new deal for thriving communities

This paper proposes a transformational system of new community partnership agreements to ensure community priorities are included from the earliest stage of new economic developments.

Landmark decision paves the way for the Knocknagael charity to take the Scottish Government owned green field at Knocknagael into community ownership

Following a detailed and lengthy process, an independent panel has recommended that the original decision to refuse the asset transfer be overturned, subject to a number of conditions, and Scottish Government ministers have accepted this recommendation.

A photo of white washed houses on the foreshore of the Isle of Gigha with green fields, gorse and conifers behind.

John Watt – reflections on 25 years of land reform

John Watt reflects on his long career working in Scottish community development and land reform, the progress that has been made and the challenges that… Read More »John Watt – reflections on 25 years of land reform

The Credibility Gap for Green Finance

This research and analysis critiques the ‘green finance gap’. Written by Jon Hollingdale, an independent forestry and land use consultant and researcher, who has worked in Scottish community forestry since 1999.

Post-Monopoly Rural Land Ownership: four case studies

Community Land Scotland has published research by Professor Mike Danson on the impact of community land ownership in locations which were previously under monopoly ownership.

Essential truths in land reform

Today we publish ‘Essential truths in land reform’, an opinion piece written by Peter Peacock, a former Leader of Highland Council, an MSP and Cabinet Secretary.

Position paper on ‘Green Finance’

Today we publish our position paper on ‘green finance’ and natural capital which highlights concerns around the implications for long-term land ownership and use and for future community ownership, alongside the long-term viability of carbon offsetting.

Community landowners support ambitious land reform and nature restoration

We held our 12th annual conference ‘Community Ownership and Land Reform: Marking the Centenary, Shaping the Future’ at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Skye on the 2nd and 3rd June.

The Cheviot, The Stag and The Black Black Carbon

The paper, by Alastair McIntosh, gives a fascinating perspective on natural and private capital.