Statement from Chair of the Scottish Land Commission on the Sale of Landholdings by the Clan Donald Lands Trust
The Clan Donald Lands Trust has recently announced it is selling its landholdings. Since then, the Scottish Land Commission has heard from the local community council and other groups in Sleat who are looking for advice and support.
When large areas of land change hands, we encourage the seller to engage directly with local communities in advance. While there is currently no legal requirement for sellers to do this, it should be considered responsible practice. It gives communities a chance to understand what the sale could mean for their area, consider community ownership of all or part of the holding, or share future ambitions that can inform the sale.
This hasn’t happened in this case, meaning that community groups are having to react quickly, without the time or information they would ideally have. Given the significance of the landholding and its future ownership to all who live and work there, we urge the seller to take sufficient time to engage with the community and enable them to properly explore their options.
Landowners who build strong relationships with their local communities can more easily navigate any big changes taking place. Talking to communities during changes like this isn’t just good practice, it builds trust, reflects local priorities, and ensures long-term public benefit. Of course, the Land Reform Bill currently being considered by the Scottish Parliament includes a requirement for large land holdings to give prior notification of intention to sell.
