The paper seeks views on the strategic direction and vision for sustainable land use in Scotland, and the objectives, policies and actions that will help deliver it.

To make the consultation more accessible, the paper and the draft Land Use Strategy (LUS) have been combined into a single document, rather than publishing them separately.

The paper highlights that access to affordable housing remains a persistent challenge in rural Scotland, closely linked to broader issues such as workforce recruitment and retention in rural and island communities. Between 2021/22 and 2022/23, residential property prices rose across all areas, with rural small towns experiencing the highest increase at 13%. The average rural property price was £271,436 compared to £202,588 in urban areas.

From 2011 to 2021, new housing completions increased in mainly rural areas but declined in rural and island areas.

In 2021:

• urban with substantial rural areas: over 8,500 completions
• mainly rural areas: around 6,000 completions
• islands and rural areas: fewer than 500 completions

A report by Scotland’s Rural College found that second home ownership is a key driver of rural house price inflation. Over 51% of residential transactions in island and rural areas were cash sales, compared to 27% in larger cities.

The paper states: “While responding to this challenge does not necessarily require significant land use change, it is, of course, important to ensure that any consideration of our current and future balance of land use factors in the need for housing.”

A consultation on Land Use and Agriculture Just Transition Plan has also been published.

Land reform secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “I’m pleased to launch these consultations and to continue the important national conversation around our just transition and the role of integrated land use in achieving this. By launching these together, we’re recognising the deep connection between the people of Scotland and our land, and our commitment to work with communities and land managers to set a shared vision for the future.

“The Land Use and Agriculture Just Transition Plan will support people through a fair and just transition for the land use and agriculture sectors while the 4th Land Use Strategy introduces a strategic yet flexible approach to integrated land use. This will be our fourth Land Use Strategy, and it continues to evolve the way we look at, use and manage our land.

“I want to thank all those who have already contributed views on the development of the plan and strategy and the responses to both consultations will help shape a future where land use works for people, sustainable food production, nature, and climate – now and for generations to come – and I encourage everyone with an interest in land use, agriculture, and rural affairs to take part.”