Transparency of Ownership and Land Use Decision-Making

The second Land Rights and Responsibilities Protocol, ‘Transparency of Ownership and Land Use Decision-Making,’ sets out the information that should be provided by land owners and managers to help improve the transparency and understanding of who owns land in Scotland and what it is used for.  

Information about land and buildings provides the foundation for open and transparent decision-making and can enable participation. Improved information about who controls land in Scotland will help to empower people, including community groups, and give them the opportunity to understand who is in control of land.

In the next few years, land owners and managers will have to contribute to both the Land Register and a new Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land. This Protocol is designed to encourage positive behaviour by all interested parties and sets out the reasonable expectations of the information to be provided.

We have created a template to support land owners and managers in providing information about the ownership and use of land detailing who owns the land, their plans for it, and how communities can get in touch with them. 

We have developed a guide to help communities know where to look to find information about land and the organisations that can provide support. We have also developed a guide for land owners and managers to help them identify their communities and the organisations that support them. These guides are designed to enable greater transparency and engagement.


Watch our webinar on Community Engagment and Transparency of Ownership and Land Use Decision-Making

Transparency of Ownership and Land Use webinar 21 July 2020

Case Studies

Land Management Planning – Ardtornish

This case study explores the approach taken to land management planning by Ardtornish estate in Morvern, Lochaber.

link to Land Management Planning – Ardtornish case study

Land Management Planning – Buccleuch Estates

This case study explores the approach taken to land management planning by Buccleuch Estates.

link to Land Management Planning – Buccleuch Estates case study

Land Management Planning – Crown Estate Scotland

This case study explores the approach taken to land management planning by Crown Estate Scotland.

link to Land Management Planning – Crown Estate Scotland case study

Land Management Planning – Urras Oighreacht Ghabhsainn (Galson Estate Trust)

This case study explores the approach taken to land management planning by Urras Oighreacht Ghabhsainn (Galson Estate Trust) in Lewis.

link to Land Management Planning – Urras Oighreacht Ghabhsainn (Galson Estate Trust) case study

Land Management Planning – JAHAMA Highland Estates

This case study explores the approach taken to land management planning by JAHAMA Highland Estates.

link to Land Management Planning – JAHAMA Highland Estates case study

Land Management Planning – Loch Arkaig Pine Forest

This case study explores the approach taken to land management planning at Loch Arkaig Pine Forest.

link to Land Management Planning – Loch Arkaig Pine Forest case study

Land Management Planning – Scone Estates

This case study explores the approach taken to land management planning by Scone Estates.

link to Land Management Planning –  Scone Estates case study

Land Management Planning: John Muir Trust

This case study at the Trust's new Strategic Plan and how it balances priorities.

link to Land Management Planning: John Muir Trust case study