A new interactive map highlighting information about publicly-owned land across Scotland has been created. The new resource – which can be found HERE – also allows people to see the land managed by the Scottish Crown Estate. Users can explore information on individual land parcels, including its ownership and size.
The information has been brought together as a searchable map for the first time and, as well as information on the Crown Estate, it also includes the four main landowning public bodies in Scotland.
These are:
- Forestry and Land Scotland
- NatureScot
- Scottish Water
- Scottish Ministers Crofting and Farming Estate
Rural Affairs and Land Reform Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “I would like to thank all of our partners who have helped develop this resource that will allow people to explore the range of public or Scottish Crown Estate land in Scotland.
“Given the scale of it, at more than 10% of Scotland, this land provides us with opportunities for increasing opportunities for agriculture, woodland creation and peatland restoration, which in tandem with the existing capacity for timber production and renewable energy generation, are crucial to reducing our emissions. This is a significant demonstration of our commitment to providing transparency of public land ownership in Scotland.”
Public and Scottish Crown Estate managed land makes up 11% of Scotland – equivalent to around 857,000 hectares.
Chief executive of Crown Estate Scotland Ronan O’Hara said: “Crown Estate Scotland’s land and assets – which are held in trust for the people of Scotland – represent both a crucial resource and a key part of the country’s natural landscape.
“Crown Estate Scotland wants these assets to be used for the long-term benefit of the people of Scotland and we are delighted to be as open and transparent about those assets as possible.
“This is to make sure people know what is being held on their behalf and what we are doing to protect those assets for the long term.”