Land reform
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Community Right to Buy
Consultation on community ownership powers.
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Community right to buy review: consultation - easy read
The Community Right to Buy, introduced in Scotland in 2003, has empowered rural, urban, and crofting communities to acquire land and assets. We are consulting as part of a review aimed at simplifying the process and exploring improvements.
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Community right to buy review: consultation
The Community Right to Buy, introduced in Scotland in 2003, has empowered rural, urban, and crofting communities to acquire land and assets. The Scottish Government is consulting as part of a review aimed at simplifying the process and exploring improvements.
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Land reform community mapping tool: guidance
Guidance for communities on how to use our community mapping tool to define their community boundaries and areas.
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Sustainable and regenerative agriculture: code of practice
Guidance tool that highlights the types of activities that can be adopted on a farm or croft, that will contribute to the development of sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices in Scotland.
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Draft bioenergy policy statement: consultation analysis
An analysis of the responses to our public consultation on the draft bioenergy policy statement.
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Ecosystem Restoration Code: engagement paper
Engagement paper for the Scottish Government-NatureScot partnership project to develop an Ecosystem Restoration Code (ERC) for Scotland. The paper summarises key evidence on the operation and scope of potential nature / biodiversity markets in Scotland.
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Climate change - public engagement strategy: mid-point review
The climate change public engagement strategy committed to a review at the mid-point of delivery. The review provides a summary of activities delivered since the publication of the strategy, reflects on the approach being taken and recommends improvements to achieve objectives in future delivery.
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Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015: update and findings report
Findings of in-depth reviews of Part 3, Participation Requests and Part 5, Asset Transfer of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015; an assessment of the implementation of Part 2, Community Planning; and an update on all the other parts of the Act.
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Environment strategy: transformative changes for sustainability
Independent report by Professor Valerie Nelson on behalf of the Scottish Government to inform the development of the forthcoming Scottish Government environment strategy.
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National Flood Resilience Strategy - Gaelic version - Ro-innleachd Nàiseanta airson Seasmhachd an Aghaidh Thuiltean
Ro-innleachd Nàiseanta airson Seasmhachd an Aghaidh Thuiltean
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Rural Support (Improvement) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2024: equality impact assessment
This equality impact assessment was used to assess the Impact of the Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme and Good Environmental and Agricultural Conditions SSI provisions.
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Rural Support (Improvement) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2024: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment
This child rights and wellbeing impact assessment was used to assess the Impact of the Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme and Good Environmental and Agricultural Conditions SSI provisions.
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Rural Support (Improvement) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2024: islands communities impact assessment
This islands communities impact assessment was used to assess the Impact of the Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme and Good Environmental and Agricultural Conditions SSI provisions.
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Rural Support (Improvement) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2024: business and regulatory impact assessment
Business and regulatory impact assessment used to assess the Impact of the Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme and Good Environmental and Agricultural Conditions SSI provisions.
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Rural Support (Improvement) (Miscellaneous Amendment) (Scotland) Regulations 2024: Fairer Scotland Duty impact assessment
This Fairer Scotland Duty impact assessment was used to assess the Impact of the Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme and Good Environmental and Agricultural Conditions SSI provisions.
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New deal for agriculture
Flexible grants to drive efficiency, support nature and climate friendly farming.
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National Flood Resilience Strategy: Easy Read
The easy read version of the National Flood Resilience Strategy.
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Effective community engagement in local development planning guidance: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment
This impact assessment considers the likely effects of the effective community engagement in local development planning guidance on the rights and wellbeing of children.
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National Flood Resilience Strategy
Sets out a vision for a flood resilient Scotland through to 2045 and beyond.
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Crofting law reform
Analysis of consultation responses published.
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National Park consultation
Extended time to comment on proposal for Galloway to become a National Park.
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Climate change - Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: monitoring and evaluation framework
Framework we will use to monitor and evaluate progress in delivering the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024 to 2029. The Adaptation Plan sets out the actions that the Scottish Government and partners will take to respond to the impacts of climate change from 2024 to 2029.
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Climate change - Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment
Child rights and wellbeing impact assessment undertaken for the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024 to 2029.
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Climate change - Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: joint equalities impact assessment and Fairer Scotland Duty assessment
Joint equalities impact assessment and Fairer Scotland Duty assessment undertaken for Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029.
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Climate change: Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029
Sets out the actions that the Scottish Government and partners will take to respond to the impacts of climate change. This Adaptation Plan sets out actions from 2024 to 2029.
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Land Reform (Scotland) Bill: Fairer Scotland Duty assessment summary
Fairer Scotland Duty (FSD) Assessment summary for the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.
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Land Reform (Scotland) Bill: equality impact assessment
Equalities Impact Assessment (EQIA) for the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.
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Progress in reducing emissions in Scotland 2023: SG response
Scottish Government's response to the Climate Change Committee’s 2023 'Progress in reducing emissions in Scotland' report, as published in March 2024.
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Scotland's Land Use Strategy Annual Progress Report – 2023/2024
Fifth annual progress report on Scotland's land use strategy, as required under Section 37A of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. It covers the period of March 2023 to March 2024.
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Overcoming barriers to the engagement of supply-side actors in Scotland's peatland natural capital markets - Annexes Volume
Research with landowners and managers in Scotland to better understand their motivations and preferences to help inform the design of policy and finance mechanisms for high-integrity peatland natural capital markets.
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Overcoming barriers to the engagement of supply-side actors in Scotland's peatland natural capital markets - Final Report
Research with landowners and managers in Scotland to better understand their motivations and preferences to help inform the design of policy and finance mechanisms for high-integrity peatland natural capital markets.
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Climate change monitoring report 2024
The fourth annual statutory monitoring report against the updated 2018 Climate Change Plan, as per the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019.
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Aithris Bhliadhnail air Plana Nàiseanta nan Eilean 2023
Gaelic version of the National Islands Plan annual report 2023
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Natural capital - market framework: engagement paper
This engagement paper summarises the key natural capital market framework co -development issues and questions that will be explored. The content will be used to help inform, guide and support all participants during the engagement and co-development process.
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Agriculture and Rural Communities Bill
Supporting sustainable farming and crofting.
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Bioenergy - draft policy statement: consultation
We are seeking views on the priorities and principles that we have set out for the use of bioenergy, as well as views on the potential to scale up domestic production of biomass via planting of perennial energy crops.
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Land Reform (Scotland) Bill: business and regulatory impact assessment
Business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) that estimates the costs, benefits and risks of the measures in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.
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Land Reform (Scotland) Bill: islands community impact assessment
An islands community impact assessment (ICIA) to consider the impact of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill on island communities.
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Land Reform (Scotland) Bill: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment screening
Child rights and wellbeing impact assessment screening document for the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.
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Land Reform (Scotland) Bill - small landholdings pre-emptive right to buy: data protection impact assessment
Data protection impact assessment (DPIA) for the small landholdings pre-emptive right to buy provision in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill.
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Land Reform Bill
Transfer test to become part of large rural landholding sales.
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Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land
Legal duty to submit entries before 1 April 2024.
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Community Right to Buy
Review of powers of communities to acquire land or buildings.
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Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill Equality Impact Assessment
Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill Equality Impact Assessment
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Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment
Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment
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Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill Islands Communities Impact Assessment
Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill Islands Communities Impact Assessment
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Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment
Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment
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The Environment Strategy for Scotland: Delivering the Environment Strategy Outcome on Scotland's Global Footprint - Evidence Base & Policy Levers
This report presents evidence and initial recommendations on how the Scottish Government could use the available policy levers to help ensure Scotland’s international environmental impact is sustainable.
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The Environment Strategy for Scotland: Driving the Transition to a Nature Positive Economy - A Synthesis of Policy Levers for Governments
This report supports the research project ‘Delivering the Environment Strategy Outcome on Scotland’s Economy: Evidence base and Policy levers’. It focuses on the transition to a nature positive economy, summarises key evidence, and presents a synthesis of potential actions.
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The Environment Strategy for Scotland: Delivering the Environment Strategy Outcome on Scotland's Economy - Evidence Base & Policy Levers
This report presents evidence and initial recommendations on how the Scottish Government could use the available policy levers to support the transformations in Scotland’s economy needed to help tackle the climate and nature emergencies.
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Climate change - national adaptation plan 2024 to 2029: consultation - easy read
The impacts of climate change are already being felt by people in Scotland. That is why, as well as taking action to reduce emissions, we must also take steps to adapt to climate change. This is an easy-read version of the consultation on the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024 to 2029.
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Am Plana Nàiseanta airson Dùthaich a tha Math a Thaobh Biadh: Sgrìobhainn Chochomhairleachaidh
This consultation covers the content of the national Good Food Nation Plan. It seeks views on the Outcomes; ways of measuring progress; and how different groups envision life in a Good Food Nation. It also seeks views on specified functions. This is a Gaelic translation of the consultation.
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Geàrr-iomradh air a' Phlana Nàiseanta airson Dùthaich a tha Math a Thaobh Biadh
The national Good Food Nation Plan sets out six over-arching Outcomes; the range of targets and indicators that will be used to gauge progress towards achieving them; and details of food-related policies and initiatives from across the Scottish Government. This is a Gaelic summary of the Plan.
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National Good Food Nation Plan: consultation - easy read
Easy read version of our consultation on the national Good Food Nation Plan, which sets out the Government's goals for food and how we will achieve them.
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National Good Food Nation Plan
The national Good Food Nation Plan sets out six over-arching Outcomes for a Good Food Nation; the range of targets and indicators that will be used to gauge progress towards achieving them; and details of a wide range of food-related policies and initiatives from across the Scottish Government.
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National Good Food Nation Plan: consultation
We are consulting on the first national Good Food Nation Plan. We are seeking views on the national Good Food Nation Outcomes, ways of measuring progress and how different groups envision life in a Good Food Nation. It also seeks views on specified functions.
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Green land investment in rural Scotland: social and economic impacts
Outlines the findings of research into the range of potential social and economic impacts relating to new forms of green land investment in rural Scotland.
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Natural capital: economic benefits assessment
Outlines new economic analysis that quantifies the likely economic impacts, measured as output and jobs created, from hypothetical cross-sector regional and national programmes of natural capital investment in Scotland.
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Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the Agricultural Tenancies proposals Environmental Report
SEA is a systematic process for evaluating the environmental consequences of proposed plans, strategies, or programmes. This Report accompanies the Agricultural Tenancies proposals, within the Land Reform Bill.
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Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the Small Landholdings and Land Use Tenancy Proposals Environmental Report
SEA is a systematic process for evaluating the environmental consequences of proposed plans, strategies, or programmes. This Report accompanies the Small Landholding and Land Use Tenancy proposals, within the Land Reform Bill.
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Rural and islands housing: action plan
This plan sets out action so that people in rural and island areas have access to the high quality affordable and market housing to enable them to live, work and thrive. It supports our commitment to deliver 110,000 affordable homes by 2032, of which 10% will be in rural and island areas.
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Agricultural tenancies, small landholdings and land use tenancy proposals: strategic environmental assessment - consultation
This consultation provides you with the opportunity to examine the environmental impact of our proposed changes to agricultural tenancies, small landholdings, and the new land use tenancy.
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New National Parks: nominations guidance and appraisal framework
Information on the nomination process for the New National Park(s) project, including links to all key documents for nominating groups.
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Environment - guiding principles consultation: statutory guidance – Parliamentary statement and analysis report
As required by section 18(4) of the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2021 the Scottish Government has provided a parliamentary statement and an analysis report on the consultation on Scotland’s Guiding Principles on the Environment: Statutory Guidance.
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National Islands Plan: implementation route map 2023
Details how we will deliver on the commitments in the National Islands Plan, over the coming year.
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Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021-22 to 2025-26: progress report 2022 to 2023
Second annual progress report relating to the Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021-22 to 2025-26 which outlines the progress made in relation to the Plan’s three themes during the last year as well as key delivery achievements and activity planned for the coming year.
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Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021-22 to 2025-26: major capital projects progress update - March 2023
The following information relates to projects with a capital value of £5 million or more which are at the outline business case (or equivalent) approved stage or beyond.
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Just transition in land use and agriculture: a discussion paper
This discussion paper is intended to support engagement on a just transition for the land use and agriculture sectors. Building on this engagement, a draft targeted action plan and route map (late 23/24) will outline the key steps to delivering a fair transition.
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Starter farm initiative - tenant insights: review
This report is an evaluation from the perspective of the tenants of the starter farm initiative of 9 starter farms which were made available from 2012 for a period of 10 years.
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Land reform in a Net Zero nation: consultation analysis
Outlines the findings from an analysis of responses to a public consultation on land reform in a Net Zero nation.
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Small landholdings modernisation: consultation analysis
This report outlines the results of a consultation held from October 2022 to January 2023. The consultation aimed to gather views on proposals to modernise and update small landholdings legislation.
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Climate change monitoring report 2023
The second annual statutory monitoring report against the updated 2018 Climate Change Plan, as per the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019.
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Mobilising private investment in natural capital: report
This report looks at how to encourage responsible private investment into peatland restoration, including how to overcome barriers to scaling voluntary carbon markets to restore peatland in Scotland.
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Equality, opportunity, community: New leadership - A fresh start
This publication sets out the First Minister’s vision for Scotland and the outcomes he and his government aim to achieve by 2026.
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National Islands Plan Annual Report 2022
The Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 requires that a report is presented to Parliament each year setting out the progress made towards delivery of the National Islands Plan. This report sets out progress made during the 2022 reporting year.
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Environment Strategy for Scotland: second progress report
The second annual report to Parliament on progress in developing the Environment Strategy for Scotland, as required under the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2021.
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Transforming derelict land
Grants awarded from £50 million fund.
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Scottish Natural Capital Accounts 2022
This report estimates quantity and value of services supplied by Scotland's natural capital.
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Promoting responsible investment in Scotland’s natural assets
New principles to develop a socially fairer, high-integrity market.
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More transparency on land ownership
New public register to launch.
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Economic Crime Bill
Greater powers to fight corruption.
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Transforming derelict land
First grants awarded from new £50 million fund.
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Scottish Land Court and Lands Tribunal for Scotland to be unified
Streamlined service to provide one stop shop for land and property issues.
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Engaging communities in decisions relating to land - guidance: review
This review examines the effectiveness of the guidance on engaging communities in decisions relating to land and any further steps which should be taken to improve the effectiveness of the guidance.
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Attitudes to land reform: research
This report outlines the main findings from research exploring public attitudes to land reform.
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Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land: Explanatory Document
This document is intended to help readers of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 (Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land) (Scotland) Regulations 2021. It should be read alongside the Regulations.
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Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land: BRIA
Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) which evaluates the impacts of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 (Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land) (Scotland) Regulations 2021 on businesses in Scotland.
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Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land: DPIA
Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) which evaluates the impacts of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 (Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land) (Scotland) Regulations 2021 in terms of data and privacy.
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Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land: EQIA
Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) which evaluates the impacts of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 (Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land) (Scotland) Regulations 2021 on equality issues.
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Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 - relinquishment and assignation provisions: islands community impact assessment
Islands Community Impact Assessment for the implementation of the Relinquishment and Assignation provisions contained within the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016.
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Right to Buy Land to Further Sustainable Development: application guidance
Main guidance for parties involved in application to buy land to further sustainable development - part 5 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 .
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The Right to Buy Land to Further Sustainable Development: information for communities
A guide for communities explaining Part 5 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 in respect of The Right to Buy Land To Further Sustainable Development.
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The right to buy land to further sustainable development: EQIA
Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) for legislation to bring into force part 5 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016.
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The right to buy land to further sustainable development: DPIA
Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) for legislation to bring into force part 5 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016.
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The right to buy land to further sustainable development: BRIA
Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA)for legislation to bring into force part 5 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016.
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The right to buy land to further sustainable development: consultation analysis
Analysis of responses to the consultation for legislation to bring into force part 5 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016.
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Community ownership is increasing across Scotland
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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The right to buy land to further sustainable development: consultation
Consultation on regulations to bring Part 5 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 into force.
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Delivering improved transparency in land ownership in Scotland: consultation analysis
This report presents an analysis of responses to our consultation on land reform.
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Community right to buy legislation: information events
Public events across Scotland to discuss community right to buy, community right to buy abandoned, neglected or detrimental land and the right to buy land to further sustainable development.
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Small landholdings: landownership and registration - research summary
An insight and narrative into how small landholdings (SLHs) were established and how their ownership has changed over time, as recommended by the Review of Legislation Governing Small Landholdings in Scotland.
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Community right to buy abandoned, neglected or detrimental land: application form
Application form and guidance for community bodies wishing to apply to exercise the right to buy land under community right to buy abandoned, neglected or detrimental land.
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Small landholdings legislation: guide to the law in Scotland
There are only a few Small Landholdings left in Scotland and these are governed by complex, historic legislation. This guide summarises key legal elements for those with an interest.
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Community ownership is increasing in Scotland
An Official (Experimental - Data under development) Statistics Publication for Scotland.
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Local community land transfer in Skye
Forestry land at Fairy Pools to be owned by community group.
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Making more of Scotland’s land
Vision for land rights and responsibilities.
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Urban right to buy
Community group is first to benefit in urban area.
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Small landholdings in Scotland: legislation review
Review of the legislation governing small landholdings in Scotland and supporting consultation analysis.
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Guidance for land owners
Consultation on best way to engage local communities.
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Scottish Land Fund awards
11 community groups share £2.1 million to develop community spaces.
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Greater power for Scotland's communities.
Community Empowerment Act
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£350K to support community ownership
Funding will enable communities to buy out buildings and land.
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Part 1 Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003: code of practice
Guidance on procedures for answering local inquiries regarding the Act, including core path plans.