There are currently over half a million acres owned and run by 494 community groups. Based on the Scottish Government’s land reform measures which I know some of us would like to have seen go further [see graphic above], it’s still an impressive achievement and there is confidence the target can be reached.
Nearly 500 community groups in Scotland own their own land mainly as a result of new land reform policies introduced by the Scottish Government and supported by a £10 million Scottish Land Fund last year.
The approach to land reform has included an extension of the £10 million Scottish Land Fund last year beyond rural communities to support urban communities interested in buying their own land.
Highlands and Islands MSP, Maree Todd, said:
‘People are well and truly at the heart of the SNP’s land reform efforts that enable communities to thrive and make decisions about places that would often otherwise be lying derelict – and this is at the very heart of our community empowerment strategy that is aiming to make Scotland a more prosperous and fairer place to live.’
Good start but let’s see a more radical approach?
Talking-up Scotland 
I agree that a more radical approach is needed – how about a Land Tax for starters? I think the only thing holding back the SG on this is the prospect of protracted (and expensive) court cases like the Scotch Whisky Association is pursuing.
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What could be more progressive and fair than a land tax? You’re probably right about the reason why they haven’t so far.
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