Scottish Greens pledge to end ‘unequal ownership’ of Scotland’s land

The Scottish Greens have pledged to end the “unequal ownership” of Scotland’s land.

The party’s 2026 manifesto will set out limits on how much land can be bought by any individual or company to a maximum of 500 hectares.

For exclusions to the limit, it would have to be proven that ownership will make a significant contribution to the common good.

The Scottish Greens have said Scotland has the most “unequal ownership” in Europe, half of the land being held by 400 people.

Scottish Greens Co-leader Gillian Mackay MSP said: “With half of Scotland’s land being held by around 400 people, we have some of the most unequal ownership anywhere in Europe. It will simply not improve until large, wealthy landowners are blocked from buying up even more of our country.

“Scotland’s biggest landowners include aristocrats, billionaires, international royalty and in some cases, the real owners are hidden altogether.

“Since the SNP came into power the problem has only got worse, and the amount of Scottish land owned by corporations and the super-rich has increased.”

The Scottish Greens have said they want Scotland’s land to be used in ways that benefit communities, nature and environment.

Ms Mackay continued: “Scotland needs real change, including robust limits on how much land any one person or company can buy and sell.

“Land is power, and it’s not right that the ownership and control of so much of our country is being held by such a small number of people. The inequality has endured for far too long and we badly need to fix it.

“A vote for the Scottish Greens on May 7 is a vote to finally reform Scotland’s broken land ownership system, putting it back into the hands of communities, not the super-rich.”

The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.