Landowners’ representative body Scottish Land & Estates has launched a new Landowners’ Charter aimed at setting out the principles and responsibilities of modern landownership in Scotland.
The organisation believes it is essential to demonstrate clearly what good land ownership and management means, and set standards of good practice to which all landowners should aspire.
But the timing, just ahead of the independence referendum on Thursday, might be seen as no coincidence with land reform very much on the agenda should there be a Yes win.
The charter is, according to SL&E, intended to emphasise the major social, economic and environmental contribution landowners and their businesses make to Scottish life, and to provide a clear statement on how business, land based activity and partnership working should be conducted.
Speaking of the commitment made in the charter David Johnstone, chairman of Scottish Land & Estates, said: “This sends a clear message of what constitutes good practice in land ownership and provides a framework within which landowners can continue to deliver a range of benefits while demonstrating best practice at all times.”
“There are those who take great delight in stigmatising private landownership regardless of the overwhelming evidence of the positive contribution we make.
“Time and again we are reminded that the admirable efforts of the majority of landowners are undermined by a minority who make little or no effort to engage with their communities or the people they work with and live alongside.
“Numerous examples of good practice can be negated by isolated cases of bad practice within the sector.
“We recognise that there is always scope for improvement in the way landowners operate in a modern Scotland.
“We are responsive to constructive criticism and it is right we do everything we can to ensure land based businesses and estates operate to the highest standards and in an open and transparent manner.
“This commitment is a clear statement on how all landowners should operate in their dealings with communities, other businesses and tenants, and how business should be conducted.
“Landowners are an essential part of the rural community fabric throughout Scotland..
“They are involved in a wide-range of sustainable operations and activities across Scotland including renewable energy, farming, niche food and drink diversification, forestry, housing, leisure, sporting and tourism.
“Operating in line with the principles of the commitment will further enhance and increase activity across these areas.”
The four main pillars of the charter are described as undertakings to be open, inclusive, enabling and responsible.
Douglas McAdam, chief executive of SL&E, added: “We have always had a code of good practice for our members but this commitment goes beyond just our membership, simplifying and underlining the message of what good practice entails and reinforcing what modern landownership should look like in Scotland.
“We call on all landowners in Scotland, large and small, whether private, public, community, NGO or charities, to adopt these principles without delay.”
“We would hope to see landowners of all sizes and types embracing the commitment wholeheartedly and displaying it prominently in estate and farm offices and where visitors can see it.”
Former Scottish Tenant Farmers Association chairman Angus McCall said: “ The idea is good if it is adhered to but I must say I am quite surprised to see it coming out in the midst of the referendum campaign.
“At first glance it looks quite a bland document talking as it does of things that should be happening as a matter of course.”