THE Scottish Government has been urged to back Scottish Green plans to allow ministers to refuse a land sale if the buyer already owns 500 hectares of Scotland.
The proposal, which is being moved by Green MSP Ariane Burgess as an amendment to the Land Reform Bill, aims to prevent the super wealthy from hoarding even more of Scotland’s land.
With half of Scotland’s land owned by around 400 people, Scotland's land distribution is some of the most unequal in Europe.
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As it stands, MSPs are due to debate the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill at stage 3 – consideration of amendments – when Holyrood returns from recess this week. Fellow Green MSP Mark Ruskell has also tabled an amendment which would compel landowners to ensure access routes across their land, in consultation with communities.
“Scotland’s land ownership is some of the most unequal anywhere in Europe, and it will not improve as long as the large landowners are allowed to keep buying up even more of our country," Burgess (below) said.
“We need to turn things around, and that means robust curbs on how much can be held by any one person.
“Talking about community ownership is one thing, but what chance do ordinary people have of being able to take power into their own hands when they can be outbid by land hoarders who are only looking to exploit it for profit?".
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She added: “I hope that Ministers and MSPs from all parties will back these proposals and that we can send the message loud and clear that Scotland’s land is for all of us and we should all see the benefit of it.
“The inequality and injustice has gone on long enough. We need bold action if we are to finally undo some of the damage that has been done and start to empower ordinary people and communities.”
The amendments will be considered by MSPs when Holyrood debates the Land Reform Bill on October 28 and 29.
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