Roseanna Cunningham

The Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land regulations pave the way for the creation of a public database that will provide key information about those who have a controlling interest in land – even if they are not registered or recorded as the owner of the land. It will also provide more transparency about land which is controlled by overseas trusts or entities.

The register will make it easier for individuals and communities to identify those responsible, making it easier to engage with those who make decisions about land issues that affect local communities.

The register, which will be developed and maintained by Registers of Scotland, will be operational from 1 April 2022 and free to access.

Land Reform Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “The passing of these regulations marks a significant milestone towards making land ownership in Scotland more transparent.

“The new register will make Scotland a frontrunner in Europe and deliver greater transparency than any other part of the UK. It enables the public to look behind land ownership and identify those who control decision making.

“Significant consultation and engagement with key stakeholders has taken place over the course of developing these regulations, which fulfil a key component of our landmark Land Reform Act 2016. The register deepens Scotland’s continuing commitment to inclusive and transparent land ownership and reform.”