Land and power

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Understanding how ownership, governance and decision-making shape Scotland’s places

Scotland has one of the most concentrated patterns of land ownership anywhere in the world. Land ownership brings with it power and control. It shapes outcomes, who makes decisions, who benefits from change, and who has a voice in the future of Scotland’s land. Understanding how power dynamics operate through land ownershipis central to achieving fairer, more inclusive outcomes for people and places.

The Scottish Land Commission looks at how governance, scale, and market dynamics influence power, and what reforms can support more accountable, transparent and inclusive decision-making.

Why this matters

Questions of power and control sit at the heart of land reform. How ownership is structured, how decisions are made, and how accountable those decisions are all affect what land can deliver.

Concentration of ownership limits opportunity

When large areas are controlled by a small number of owners, influence over housing, investment and land use can become highly centralised. This can limit access to land for communities, new entrants to farming and local businesses, and holds back productivity as diverse ownership and use can bring about greater economic activity.

Decision-making needs to be accountable and transparent

People consistently say it is too difficult to find out who owns land or understand why decisions are taken. Clearer governance and accessible information is vital for accountability, building trust and ensuring land is managed in the wider public interest.

Inclusive governance broadens participation and delivers multiple outcomes

Strong, inclusive governance ensures that communities and individuals can influence decisions even where they do not own the land. More inclusive structures also can also create the conditions for delivering wider, more resilient, diverse and successful land-based opportunities.

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Individuals, corporations, asset management groups and foreign trusts own more than 50% of Scotland's rural land. * Source: Who Owns Scotland

What shapes power in Scotland’s land system?

Scale and concentration

The Commission’s research shows that the scale and concentration of power linked to land ownership can give rise to localised power imbalances. This can influence community development, investment choices and access to essential assets.

Governance arrangements

Who owns the land is only one factor. How decisions are made also affects accountability and transparency. Good governance includes clear decision-making structures, published plans and meaningful engagement.

Market dynamics

The Commission’s Rural Land Market Reporting highlights how supply, off-market sales and high-value investment trends can restrict who can access or influence land. Understanding these dynamics is vital to designing policy that broadens opportunity.

Human rights and the public interest

Scotland’s approach to land reform is grounded in balancing property rights with wider economic, social, cultural and environmental rights.

Exploring innovative models of governance

Scotland is not alone in seeking ways to rebalance power in land ownership. The Commission’s Governance Guide showcases innovative models and highlights how structure affects accountability, participation and long-term stewardship.

Useful resources for innovative models of governance

Governance Guide

Governance is fundamentally about the framework for making and enforcing decisons – who has the power to decide, how they do it, and how it is enforced.

ACCESS THE GUIDE

International land governance case studies

Case studies compiled by The Centre for Local Economic Strategies.

READ THE CASE STUDIES

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Scale and concentration research

Evidence report following an investigation into the impacts of scale and concentration of land ownership in Scotland.

READ THE REPORT

Our work on land and power

The Scottish Land Commission provides evidence, analysis and practical guidance to help shape a more balanced and transparent land system. Our work includes:

Research on ownership patterns, market behaviour and power dynamics
Analysis of rights, responsibilities and governance frameworks
Guidance for landowners, communities and public bodies
Policy advice to Scottish Ministers on reform and regulation

Explore our research and reports

Find research reports and analysis on land and power, exploring patterns of control and influence across Scotland.

ACCESS THE LIBRARY

Evidence in practice

Eau de Paris and the Paris Water Observatory

When Paris brought its water service back into public ownership, it created the Paris Water Observatory to strengthen transparency and public oversight. The Observatory brings together tenants’ groups, consumer organisations, trade unions, environmental bodies, academics and elected members to review key documents, advise on policy and hold the operator to account. It also has a voting seat on the board of Eau de Paris, giving civil society a direct role in governance.

This model has delivered clear results: all profits are reinvested in the service, bills have fallen, and wider social and environmental goals such as improving access for low-income households have been prioritised. It demonstrates how inclusive governance can rebalance power and ensure public services work in the wider public interest.

READ THE STORY