A public consultation has been launched on proposals to strengthen community involvement in how Scotland's largest landholdings are managed under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2025.

The consultation paper on Community Engagement Obligations and draft guidance for large land holdings aims to expand opportunities for people to influence decisions affecting estates of more than 1,000 hectares and improve access to information about how they are run.

Ministers are seeking views on what should be included in the new Land Management Plans required by the Act, and on the steps landowners should take to involve local communities in developing these plans.

-- Advertisement --

The consultation also considers creating new routes for community groups to request leases of land or to establish a croft, increasing opportunities to use land for community benefit. It further asks what enforcement measures should apply if requirements are not met.

There is an opportunity to comment on guidance designed to help landowners determine whether their holdings fall within the scope of the new obligations.

Climate Action and Rural Affairs Secretary Gillian Martin said: "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."

As the consultation spans the festive period, it will run for 14 weeks rather than the usual 12 to maximise participation.