CALLS for a limit on land ownership in Scotland have been boosted by new research.

A team of academics from Scottish universities were tasked with producing a report for the Scottish Land Commission on how other countries manage land ownership.

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With no restrictions on how much land an individual can own in the country, the Scottish Government has called for a “fairer” distribution, with a greater diversity of ownership.

The research examined policies in 22 countries that could offer “meaningful comparison” to Scotland, and found that the majority had some form of approval process.

Malcolm Combe, from the University of Aberdeen’s law school, said: “The work allowed us to demonstrate what other countries do to prevent land fragmentation or control of important strategic land resources by unaccountable owners.

“This work suggests Scotland would not be going against the grain if it was to introduce similar measures.”

The research on land reform was led by Dr Jayne Glass from the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Professor Norman Hutchison, from the University of Aberdeen’s business school, who was part of the research team, said: “Land ownership brings a range of valuable functionings to the owner.

“State intervention in land markets is generally not welcomed by existing landowners as it introduces uncertainty and can often have a negative effect on price or restrict use.

“However, policy changes targeted at land ownership may benefit the nation if they result in positive economic benefits and improve community wellbeing.”