Reform of the Land Settlement Act is the natural next step
Patrick Harvie MSP, Co-convener of the Scottish Greens, today (23 March) used the final First Minister's Question of this session of parliament to push for bolder action on land reform.
The Scottish Greens' 2016 manifesto will include a commitment to modernise the 1919 Land Settlement Act, which was used after the First World War to give land to returning soldiers.
A reformed Act could unlock the power in Scotland's communities by giving people access to land for productive use, for homes, and for regeneration.
More than half of Scotland is owned by fewer than 500 owners.
Responding to Mr Harvie's point, the First Minister said she was happy to consider reform in the next session.
Patrick Harvie MSP said:
"The Land Reform Bill passed recently by Parliament was only the start of a journey, and Scottish Greens see huge opportunity in pursuing bolder action on who owns Scotland. Reform of the Land Settlement Act, which was designed to help those returning from war, is the natural next step in our journey.
"Scotland can unlock the power in our communities, both rural and urban, by giving local people a greater say in how the land around them is used. I look forward to pursuing this agenda in the next session, in a bolder Holyrood parliament."