This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Agricultural Holdings Bill
19/11/2002
Speaking today after an appearance before the Rural Development Committee - which is currently hearing evidence at Stage 1 of the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Bill - the Minister for Environment and Rural Development said:
"The Agricultural Holdings Bill is a major element of the Executive's land reform programme, which aims to revitalise the tenanted sector in Scotland, stimulating our rural economy and benefiting rural communities across Scotland.
"The Bill gives tenants the ability to rent land when it is needed and allows successful farm businesses flexibility in the way the farm is managed. I also want landowners to be able to let land with confidence and ensure land is used effectively.
"I am not satisfied that an absolute right to buy would benefit our rural communities or the public interest more broadly. It would, in my opinion, undermine our efforts to rejuvenate the tenanted sector."
The Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Bill was introduced to Parliament on 16 September. The key elements of the Bill:
- Introduce new types of agricultural tenancy arrangement, which should prove attractive to both landlords and tenants;
- Give tenants on a long lease new opportunities to use some farmland for non-agricultural purposes, such as bed and breakfast and quad-biking businesses.
- Introduce quicker and cheaper arrangements for resolving disputes between landlord and tenant.
- Provide some tenants with a right to buy their farm when the landlord decides to sell the land.