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Scottish ministers consider stringent land ownership tests Severin Carrell Scotland editor © Provided by The Guardian Photograph: Matt Limb OBE/Alamy Landowners could be barred from buying country estates or forced to sell off land if they are accused of neglect or abuse of power under proposals being studied by Scottish ministers. The Scottish Land Commission (SLC), an influential advisory body, has recommended that all large or important land sales in Scotland should be subject to a legally enforceable public interest test to make sure the sale has wider social or environmental benefits. In a detailed report to the Scottish government, the commission has told ministers any future sales involving estates over 10,000 hectares (24,710 acres), as well as any of economic or ecological significance, such as entire islands, should be included.

Glen prosenUnited kingdomScottish bordersFort williamDumfries and gallowayMark tennantThomas macdonellSigrid rausingAlamy glen prosenAnders povlsenScottish land commissionForestry commissionCommunity land scotlandNational trust for scotlandMatt limbGuardian photograph