Meeting of the Parliament 17 June 2015
Land reform is, of course, a continuum. Scottish Labour has contributed robustly to that process and will continue to do so beyond today.
The Community Empowerment (Scotland) Bill—which, together, we hope will be passed—is an essential part of that process. At stage 1, I spoke of the keen interest in community ownership from a South Scotland perspective. Communities need and have a right to the levels of support that have been on offer over the years in the Highlands and Islands. Scottish Enterprise should be tasked with a new remit, and the focus of the proposed bodies in relation to wider land reform issues must offer support evenly throughout Scotland. I seek reassurance on that issue from the minister in his closing remarks.
The human rights aspect of the bill and the amendments are significant. In its stage 3 briefing, Community Land Scotland stated:
“Ministers will need to have regard to the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights when making certain decisions about community ownership.”
As a member of the Scottish Co-operative Party parliamentary group, I am delighted that the Scottish Government has taken forward the possibilities of the community benefit society co-operative model. What is the minister able to do through Co-operative Development Scotland to support that option?
It should be recognised that urban and rural regeneration is not all about ownership; it can be about good partnership with private landowners and a range of public bodies. I am relieved that the central thrust of the changes that are needed for allotment holding have been accepted. The frustration that is experienced by many who want to grow food but have no access to any land has built up for far too long. Constituents who have approached me after years on council waiting lists and who have seen unused patches of land literally going to waste will have a sense of comfort and draw some optimism from today.
That will also create an opportunity for young people who have been involved in growing food through eco-schools. I am sure that allotment societies across Scotland will see the passing of the bill as a fresh opportunity to connect with young people and provide the chance for them to get growing through starter spaces. Some of us saw those at the Inverleith allotments. I wish all allotment holders and those with allotment aspirations well.
Yesterday, I attended a strategic discussion about the development of community responsibility for Carluke high mill in my South Scotland region. After complex discussions with the landowner, the steering group, which includes Carluke Development Trust and other groups, says that it will
“secure the long term future of The High Mill by returning it to a working state.”
The aim is that the mill will become
“a key centre of cultural, economic and educational activity”,
and the group will ensure that
“it is supported by a sustainable business model”.
That creates opportunities for allotments, local food production and a community cafe around the mill hub.
That is about leasing, not ownership. However, opportunities for ownership are fundamental to the way forward in Scotland. At its Orkney meeting, the Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee—with the help of Dave Thompson, Sarah Boyack and others—dispelled the myths about the development of land reform. Good landowners have nothing to fear as they develop alongside communities. However, the distribution of land ownership in Scotland is not just and can indisputably hamper community opportunities for job creation and good housing and community vision more broadly.
The passing of the bill will go some way towards correcting some of those distortions. Scottish Labour also eagerly awaits the publication of the land reform bill next week and will make a strong contribution to its progress.
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