LAND RESOURCES

Three Key Resources

Not sure where to start? These three resources are a good introduction to land use issues in Scotland.

Scotland’s Third Land Use Strategy is the key document outlining the government’s vision, policies and objectives to achieve sustainable land use. This strategy aims to be more holistic and balance the demands and benefits we get from land in Scotland.

Land Reform is a process aiming to address the unequal distribution of land ownership in Scotland. Explore how the Scottish Government are addressing Land Reform, including a forthcoming new Land Reform Bill.

In 2021, SEDA Land ran six conversations on a new vision for land use in Scotland. Read the report summarising the conversations, or watch the recordings!

Access & Ownership in Scotland

We are lucky to have world-class access rights in Scotland. The Right to Roam allows people to access land, lakes and rivers for exercise and recreation. These resources cover the history of land reform in Scotland, the responsibilities that come with public access and look to the future of land ownership, including community ownership. Access & Ownership is related especially to Housing, Education, Energy and Biodiversity, but plays into discussions around all aspects of land use in Scotland.

Biodiversity in Scotland

Biodiversity resources cover conservation, rewilding and ecology in rural Scotland. We are currently experiencing the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. These resources explore the work happening to restore biodiversity and some of the central debates on this issue.

Energy in Scotland

The energy system in the UK will undergo a profound transformation as we work towards Net Zero. Rural Scotland will play a key role in providing renewable energy. These resources cover the current state and future of the energy system, as well as issues like fuel poverty and community energy. Energy is related to all the other resources, and there is a balance to be struck with land use for energy, biodiversity, housing and farming.

Food & Farming in Scotland

Food systems cover the activities involving the production, processing, transport and consumption of food. Farming has a key role to play in reducing emissions causing climate change and addressing the biodiversity crisis. Farming and food systems are related to Biodiversity, Energy, Access & Ownership and Education.

Housing in Scotland

The energy system in the UK will undergo a profound transformation as we work towards Net Zero. Rural Scotland will play a key role in providing renewable energy. These resources cover the current state and future of the energy system, as well as issues like fuel poverty and community energy. Energy is related to all the other resources, and there is a balance to be struck with land use for energy, biodiversity, housing and farming.

Rural Economy in Scotland

Food systems cover the activities involving the production, processing, transport and consumption of food. Farming has a key role to play in reducing emissions causing climate change and addressing the biodiversity crisis. Farming and food systems are related to Biodiversity, Energy, Access & Ownership and Education.