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Small landholdings modernisation: consultation analysis [online publication]

Contributor(s): Language: English Publication details: Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate, 2 June 2023Subject(s): Online resources: Summary: A Scottish Government report outlines the results of its consultation on proposals to modernise and update small landholdings legislation to give small landholders equality of opportunity in line with tenant farmers and crofters, help small landholders to play their part in tackling the climate and biodiversity crises, and to enable small landholdings to play a role in supporting local rural communities and population sustainability. It analyses responses to questions relating to the right to buy and access to an umbrella body, for which broad support was given, and diversification, and assignation and succession, where views were mixed. Recommendations drawn from the consultation findings include that: small landholders should be given the absolute right to buy the land under their homes and gardens; small landholders should have the opportunity to purchase their small landholding if their landlord gives notice or takes action to transfer the land containing the small landholding for sale or transfer to another company or trust; further consideration should be given to the introduction of a clawback provision, and how to ensure that it is applied fairly and consistently; and small landholders should be able to diversify their activities on landholdings.

A Scottish Government report outlines the results of its consultation on proposals to modernise and update small landholdings legislation to give small landholders equality of opportunity in line with tenant farmers and crofters, help small landholders to play their part in tackling the climate and biodiversity crises, and to enable small landholdings to play a role in supporting local rural communities and population sustainability. It analyses responses to questions relating to the right to buy and access to an umbrella body, for which broad support was given, and diversification, and assignation and succession, where views were mixed. Recommendations drawn from the consultation findings include that: small landholders should be given the absolute right to buy the land under their homes and gardens; small landholders should have the opportunity to purchase their small landholding if their landlord gives notice or takes action to transfer the land containing the small landholding for sale or transfer to another company or trust; further consideration should be given to the introduction of a clawback provision, and how to ensure that it is applied fairly and consistently; and small landholders should be able to diversify their activities on landholdings.