Rural communities throughout Scotland have been urged to act early and register an interest in land to ensure they benefit from land reform legislation.

Meeting representatives from community landowning trusts earlier today, Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham said: "This government is wholly committed to the land reform agenda and would urge communities throughout Scotland to register an interest in purchasing land before it is put up for sale and make sure they are best placed to benefit from land reform legislation.

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"Even where there is no immediate prospect of land being put on the market, communities should think innovatively and register their interest in their surrounding environment.

"Only this way can they ensure that they are adequately prepared should a landowner chose to sell the land."

Ms Cunningham noted that those considering undertaking a buy-out should look to what has been achieved by others and to the wealth of solutions already found to deliver their aspirations in often very challenging circumstances.

"I would encourage those involved to pull together, to share examples of best practice and I welcome suggestions that a representative body may shortly be formed.

"This could play a useful role in helping to ensure the spirit of the land reform legislation develops throughout Scotland and its aim of building confident, sustainable and vibrant communities is fully realised," she concluded.

(GK)