Land reform in Scotland: where has it gone wrong?

What we need is a ‘gateway’ for new entrants who want to live on the land and gain access to opportunities for housing, farming, forestry and renewables and who will reinvigorate the local economy. To this end we need to establish a Scottish Bank for Rural Land and Development.   With recurring capital funding of £10 million per annum for the first 10 years, the financial commitment from the Scottish Government would be small but the impact of this new Institution could be huge. It would offer something new and impactful:

1. It will purchase land on the open market and sub-divide it to provide land-based livelihood opportunities.
2. Establish a recruitment process and waiting list for aspirant land entrepreneurs wishing to earn a living and create their future in remoter areas.  Successful candidates will be assessed on their potential contribution they can make to the economic, social and cultural life of the community. 
3. Create a process and appropriate financial packages to allow new entrants to transition from tenants to owner-occupiers within 10 years to create an entirely community-owned asset.  
4. Working in partnership with other interested partners, especially local community groups, as well as outside investors such as charities with a passion for regenerating nature and local communities.  Collaboration of this kind could easily double the funds available and provide real additional benefits in terms of nature recovery, regenerative farming techniques, timber processing etc. through certified business practices.  
5. The Bank will have clout, not just in terms of finance, but also in terms of professional networks that reach the corridors of powers to leverage important changes in the system – for example to alter planning outdated protocols to fast-track sustainable housing development.

Real land reform is possible and practicable with this approach.  We simply need politicians with the courage to act.