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.