Meeting of the Parliament 16 December 2015
But we will also be giving an indication. It is the committee’s stage 1 report that we are discussing.
We started this process with a good bill, and I know that we can make it an excellent bill. As the First Minister said last week at the human rights innovation forum, we in the Government
“welcome the growing interest in the role that human rights ... can play in achieving
a
“wealthier and fairer society”.
Land reform is a vital part of the Government’s aspirations for a fairer, more equal and socially just Scotland. Underpinning the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill is an ambition to fundamentally change the framework of legal and social rights and responsibilities that determine how our land is used and governed, to address inequalities and to ensure that our land delivers the greatest benefits to our economy and all our communities.
I am strongly encouraged by the committee’s support for many of the general principles of the bill and the measures within it. The creation of a land rights and responsibilities statement under part 1 of the bill and the establishment of a dedicated Scottish land commission under part 2 underline the Government’s commitment to considered, long-term reform, putting an end to the ad hoc, stop-start nature of land reform that has limited progress in Scotland to date.
We must recognise the contribution of landowners and managers across the public, private, third and community sectors, and the positive relationships that already exist between landowners, tenants and communities. In doing so, we must recognise the need to take steps to ensure that good practice is extended throughout Scotland.
Part 4 of the bill has a vital role to play in encouraging and improving engagement between landowners and communities, and I am pleased to see the committee’s welcome in its report for the principles behind that part of the bill. It is important to ensure, as well as co-operation and engagement, a fair balance of rights between those who own the land and those who work, live and depend on the land.
At times, what can be achieved through voluntary and co-operative approaches may be limited. Although the committee and the Scottish Government have agreed that a voluntary approach to deer management should be given the chance to deliver, and substantial support has been provided for that, it is becoming clear that more may need to be done in that area.