3. To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the progress of its proposed land reform bill. (S6O-02490)

As set out in the programme for government, we are committed to introducing a land reform bill to further improve transparency of land ownership; to help ensure that large-scale land holdings deliver in the public interest; and to empower communities by providing more opportunities for them to own land and to have more say in how land in their area is used. The bill will also include measures to modernise agricultural holdings.

My constituents on the island of Great Bernera have for a number of years been fighting to buy their land from an unco-operative and entirely absent landowner, who often leaves correspondence unanswered for months on end or ignores it altogether.

Can the cabinet secretary outline whether there will be any provisions in the upcoming bill to prevent absentee landowners from delaying matters in that way?

I am aware of the issues that Alasdair Allan has raised in his question, and I am also aware that he has supported his constituents for a number of years and, indeed, led a members’ business debate on the issue and on the situation with the community group. I absolutely understand and appreciate the frustration that I know both he and the people on Great Bernera must feel at the situation in which they find themselves.

I know that in Scotland we have landowners who are focused on making a positive impact in their local communities and who work with those communities to do so. However, that is not universal, and I accept that there is more that the Government can do in this area. That is why our land reform bill proposals will seek to strengthen the obligations on landowners to comply with the “Scottish Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement 2022” as well as looking to introduce compulsory land management plans.

Trump International golf links in Aberdeenshire has long faced opposition from local residents who are concerned about the social and environmental impact of the development. Under the Government’s current land reform proposals, a 560-hectare holding such as Trump International would not be considered “large” and so would not be subject to a public interest test. Does the cabinet secretary agree that land of that size should be accountable to local communities and the wider public?

I know that Mercedes Villalba is looking to bring forward proposals in that area and that the consultation on her draft member’s bill has just closed. I look forward to considering the detail of her proposals.

We are not proposing to put a cap on land ownership, because we are not persuaded that a cap is supported by adequate evidence. In addition, such a cap is unlikely to be compatible with the European convention on human rights. It is vital that we take cognisance of such considerations.

That is why our proposals seek to empower communities by providing them with more opportunities to own land through enabling them to receive prior notification of impending sales or transfers, as well as giving them more say on how land in their area is used. Our proposals will, of course, be fully compliant with ECHR and the terms of the devolved settlement.

The Deputy Presiding Officer:

Question 4 was withdrawn.