The report outlines key actions needed to ensure a steady supply of land for much-needed rural housing, using publicly owned land to drive development.

Scotland’s rural communities face severe housing shortages that are driving young people and families away, limiting job opportunities, and constraining economic growth. In response, the Scottish government has declared a housing emergency, highlighting the urgent need for action.

The recommendations include:

• Creating a long-term pipeline of land for housing by using the powers of existing public bodies to buy, sell, and hold land.
• Establishing a large-scale capital fund to recycle proceeds from public land sales into further acquisitions and development.
• Requiring public landowners to identify land suitable for rural housing.
• Updating Compulsory Purchase Order rules to make them easier to use when needed.
• Providing better guidance and support to help public bodies release land at effective prices.
• Focusing public support for Local Place Plans in areas with economic potential or declining populations.

The proposals draw on new research from the University of Glasgow, commissioned by the Scottish Land Commission, which reviewed practical steps to establish a long-term land supply for housing. The report recommends establishing a Housing Land Agency, similar to models in England and Ireland, to acquire and prepare land for development.

Chair of the Scottish Land Commission, Michael Russell, said: “The rural housing crisis is a significant threat to the future of Scotland’s communities and economy. Our research shows that public bodies have a key role to play in unlocking land for housing.

“By using public land ownership more actively government and public sector agencies can create the conditions necessary for rural housing development to succeed at scale. This is not about replacing private development, but about creating the certainty, land supply and opportunity needed to make housing delivery viable in rural areas.”