The Scottish Land Commission has published a comprehensive policy roadmap marking the culmination of its ScotLand Futures initiative.

The document outlines a strategic vision for the next phase of land reform, aimed at addressing urgent pressures on housing, land values, and climate investment.

Drawing on the views of over 1,200 people, the report reveals a massive public appetite for change, with 96% of respondents stating that further reform is necessary. While acknowledging progress made over the last 25 years, the Commission warns that many Scots still feel "locked out" of decisions that shape their local communities.

The roadmap identifies three primary pillars for future reform:

• Opening up land opportunities: Establishing a national programme for small-scale land holdings and simplifying routes into community and co-operative ownership.

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• Rebalancing the power of ownership: Introducing new safeguards to protect the public interest during significant land acquisitions.

• Placing communities at the heart of change: Strengthening regional land use planning and ensuring local ownership is a standard feature of renewable energy and climate investments.

To achieve these goals, the Commission calls for a more "active state" role, including the smarter use of tax and fiscal levers, increased transparency through modernised land data systems, and stronger powers for local authorities to tackle stalled or derelict sites.

Michael Russell, Chair of the Scottish Land Commission, said: "Land shapes people's lives from local places to our national economy. The level of engagement shows how strongly people feel about ensuring land works well for Scotland's future. People across Scotland have told us they want land to work better for everyday life. This document sets out practical steps to open up new opportunities for ownership, strengthen local voice, and ensure our land system serves the public interest."

"For example, we propose a more active role for public land ownership to create new ownership opportunities for small-scale land holdings. We also propose much stronger regional and local land use decision making. Scotland has already taken important steps on land reform. People are now looking to complete this journey in a way that gives confidence and clarity."

The Commission will now use these priorities to guide its future advice to the Scottish Government and its ongoing work programme.