Scottish Government's land reform approach 'missing the point', Highland MSP Edward Mountain claims
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A HIGHLAND MSP has urged the Scottish Government to “move the debate forward” on land reform after claiming its missing the central issue.
Scottish Conservative Edward Mountain said he wants Holyrood’s focus to move away from the debate of land ownership and instead consider how best to support rural communities and businesses.
In parliament, Mr Mountain opened for the Scottish Conservatives and welcomed the progress made with recent land reform measures.
But he warned that “by returning to the issue of land reform again, I strongly believe the SNP and the Greens are starting to lose sight of the progress we’ve made.”
He said the Scottish Conservatives would not back the government’s motion on land reform.
“I frankly am saddened that the Scottish Government and their agencies are obsessing on the issue of ownership above all other considerations,” he said.
“It’s not about who owns what or how much. It’s what is done with the land that matters most. And this Scottish Government would do well to remember that.”
He also responded to the Scottish Land Commission’s new report into land ownership, criticising it as containing “pre-determined conclusions.”
“I look forward to meeting with the Land Commission to discuss this report and will be seeking more information on their findings and comments,” he said.
“But as it reads at the moment it seems to be a report that has been written to support some pre- determined conclusions and also to reflect the misconceptions of some members of the commission.”
