08/07/2026
Bobby Macaulay and Catriona Mallows from the Centre for Mountain Studies have recently published a report for the Scottish Land Commission, funded by SEFARI Gateway that seeks to understand changes in demand for largescale community led acquisitions.
While the number of large-scale community land acquisitions has slowed over the last decade, this appears to be driven by a growing number of barriers. These include stretched community capacity, limited funding, complex legislation, reliance on willing sellers, and challenges in maintaining long-term local support.
The research found that community interest in acquiring and managing land remains strong, but many opportunities never progress to ownership. It also highlights practical solutions, including strengthening support networks, improving access to funding, simplifying acquisition mechanisms, and promoting alternative routes to community empowerment.
These findings provide valuable insight into what is helping, and hindering, communities seeking greater control over their local future.
Read the report here:https://sefari.scot/sites/www.sefari.scot/files/2026-06/SEFARI-Fellowship-to-understand-changes-in-demand-for-largescale-community-land-acquisitions-and-identify-barriers-and-solutions-to-new-acquisitions.pdf