Scotland's Fourth Land Use Strategy: 2026-2031

2. Our land use vision, purpose and shared outcomes

Vision:

‘Scotland’s national landscape* is integrated and resilient,—supporting the diverse needs of a net zero, nature-positive, wellbeing economy.’

*Scotland’s national landscape refers to a patchwork combination of all of our land. The Scottish Government recognises that integration may not be possible at all levels.

2.1 Our new 2045 vision

Through the development of the third Land Use Strategy, stakeholders highlighted that a change in vision was needed. At the time there was no consensus on the specific wording, but we recognised the need for ongoing consideration.

Through discussion with stakeholders and wider consultation on this fourth Land Use Strategy, we developed the new vision statement (page 10) to reflect the ambition to manage land in a way that balances environmental, economic, and social priorities, while recognising the interconnectedness of land use decisions.

Achieving our vision through shared outcomes

Stakeholder engagement and consultation has told us that this fourth Land Use Strategy should act as a focal point which can integrate the diverse aspects of land use, rather than adding another layer. They told us that we should ensure the Strategy does not add to the complexity across the policy landscape that currently exists.

To address this, and in recognition of the rapidly evolving land use system, we have sought to establish an outcome-focused approach aligned with the outcomes of Scotland’s National Performance Framework¹, and which draws together the range of existing land use related policy outcomes.

By embedding these outcomes at the heart of the Strategy, we create a platform that connects policies, priorities, and actions across the wider land-use system. This platform allows us to foster collaboration and coherence across a complex space.

This alignment ensures that the Strategy not only reflects national ambitions but also provides the focal point and enabling environment required to drive and deliver our vision effectively and sustainably.

1. Correct as of date of publication. The national Performance Framework is under review. This Strategy is a living document and any changes in the framework will be considered if required.

2.2 The strategy’s shared outcomes and core objective

The following text regarding the role of integrated land use is based on the ambitions of existing strategies and plans such as the Vision for Agriculture, draft Climate Change Plan, Scottish National Adaptation Plan, Forestry Strategy, National Planning Framework 4 and Biodiversity Strategy.

Outcome 1: Environment

We value, enjoy, protect, and enhance our environment.

Through integrated land use, Scotland’s land not only helps to meet climate change and biodiversity targets but delivers value and opportunities for local communities. The way land is managed creates sustainable places, where we produce food, reduce emissions, restore and better connect biodiversity. The resilience of the national landscape is increased to ensure that Scotland’s ecosystems will be diverse and healthy in the future.

Outcome 2: Communities

We live in communities that are inclusive, empowered, resilient and safe.

Integrated land use helps revitalise communities playing a part in reducing rural poverty and inequality, including inequalities associated within land ownership and governance. It helps enable more people to improve their health, well-being, and life chances through increased use of Scotland’s forests and woodlands. There are greater local employment opportunities with more women and new and young entrants moving into farming and forestry.

Outcome 3: Economy and Education

We have a globally competitive, entrepreneurial, inclusive, and sustainable economy. We are well educated, skilled and able to contribute to society.

Through integrated land use, Scotland’s land provides a platform for the sustainable production of high-quality food, whilst increasing the contribution of forests and woodlands to the production of high-quality timber, and sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Land use, agriculture and forestry are more diverse and resilient. This enables more local employment opportunities and supports the identification and development of the skills needed for regenerative and sustainable farming, resilient sustainable forestry, changes in land use and adaptation to the changing climate.

In recognition of the changed strategic approach and audience, consideration was given to the primary objective of the Strategy. In other words, what the purpose and role of the Strategy will be. The Strategy’s objective should reflect the primary audience - the approach - and the emphasis on collaboration, cohesion, and integration. The core objective will guide the work of the Delivery Plan and corresponding workstreams.

Core Objective

To enable and enhance knowledge, discussion and insight into the land use system, and support and drive a collaborative and cohesive national environment that supports integrated land use discussion, planning and delivery.