The Scottish Land Commission has called for a stronger role for public land acquisition in addressing the rural housing crisis.

A new report published by the Commission highlights the need to utilise public land more effectively to ensure a steady supply of land for much-needed housing development in rural communities. 

"The rural housing crisis is a significant threat to the future of Scotland’s communities and economy," said Michael Russell, Chair of the Scottish Land Commission. "Our research shows that public bodies have a key role to play in unlocking land for housing."


The report, which draws on research from the University of Glasgow, outlines a series of recommendations, including:

• Creating a long-term pipeline of land for housing by using the powers of existing public bodies to buy, sell, and hold land.

• Establishing a large-scale capital fund to recycle proceeds from public land sales into further acquisitions and development.

• Requiring public landowners to identify land suitable for rural housing.

• Updating Compulsory Purchase Order rules to make them easier to use when needed.

• Providing better guidance and support to help public bodies release land at effective prices.

• Focusing public support for Local Place Plans in areas with economic potential or declining populations.

The Commission believes that leveraging existing public body functions can help establish a Housing Land Agency, similar to models in England and Ireland, to acquire and prepare land for development. 

"By using public land ownership more actively government and public sector agencies can create the conditions necessary for rural housing development to succeed at scale," said Mr. Russell.