Scots Tenancy Reform?

SCOTLANDS landowners and farmers have agreed the basis for tenancy reform following years of dispute.

On the eve of the extended deadline for comments on a Scottish Executive consultation on agricultural holdings legislation reform, the Scottish NFU and the Scottish Land-owners Federation agreed that limited duration tenancies, with a 15-year minimum term, should be created.

The two organisations also believe there should also be short-cropping tenancies that extend for a maximum of five years.

Disagreement between the two organisations on tenancy duration has rumbled for decades, with the landowners seeking a five-year minimum and the unions opening bid being at least 21 years.