SNP details land reform plans

02 February 1999

SNP details land reform plans

ESTATE owners in Scotland will have to make a new form of contract with residents if the Scottish National Party (SNP) wins power in the new Scottish parliament.

The SNP plans to legislate for land reform which would strictly regulate what landowners can do with their property while stating their rights and responsibilities.

The SNP would also set up land councils in rural areas on which the community and landowners would decide how the land would be managed.

Andrew Dingwall-Fordyce, convener of the Scottish Landowners Federation, said the SNPs proposals would drive down land prices, jeopardise employment and threaten the rural economy.

The Labour Partys plans for land reform in Scotland would give community groups the right to buy estates that come up for sale at a price set by a government-appointed valuer.

• Financial Times 02/02/99 page 10