The consultation paper, focusing on Community Engagement Obligations and draft large land holdings guidance, is a key step in empowering communities with information about landholdings exceeding 1,000 hectares.
Views are being sought on the content of new Land Management Plans, mandated by the Act, and the expected level of community involvement from landowners in their creation. The process also considers new avenues for community groups to request land leases or establish crofts, alongside potential enforcement measures for non-compliance.
Landowners can also comment on guidance to help them determine if their holdings fall under these new requirements.
“"The Land Reform Act reflects our commitment to a fairer, more transparent and more inclusive system of land ownership and use. These proposals can ensure communities have better information about how large landholdings are managed and more opportunities to influence decisions that affect them and mark the next step in Scotland’s land reform journey."
“"We saw strong engagement as our land reform legislation passed through Parliament, and I hope communities, landowners and others will bring that same enthusiasm to this public consultation on our plans."
To accommodate the festive period, the consultation will remain open for 14 weeks, an extension from the usual 12 weeks, to maximise public participation.
Background information clarifies that this consultation does not include measures related to small landholdings, agricultural holdings, or model leases for environmental and hutting purposes, which are covered under Part 2 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2025. A separate consultation will address pre-notification requirements for land sales.
