A new report from the Scottish Land Commission has revealed apparent progress in landlord-tenant relations within Scotland’s farming sector.

The report, conducted by Research Resource (RR), highlights the impact of the tenant farming commissioner (TFC’s) recommendations and the widespread adoption of the guidance by agents.

This announcement follows the findings of a 2018 review of the conduct of agents working on behalf of landlords and tenants in agricultural holdings.

The original 2018 research, which surveyed over 1000 participants, examined the state of landlord-tenant relations, particularly focusing on the role of agents.

At that time, concerns were raised, with 17% of both landlords and tenants reporting dissatisfaction with agent conduct.

In response, the TFC issued key recommendations to improve practices, in line with the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016.

The latest review evaluates how widely these recommendations have been adopted and how agent behaviours have changed since 2018.

The research found a high level of awareness and adherence to the TFC’s guidance across the sector and a proactive approach by agents to improving industry standards and encouraging productive communications between landlords and tenants.

Commenting on the findings, tenant farming commissioner Bob McIntosh said: “This review shows real progress—Scotland’s agricultural sector is embracing meaningful change. The shift towards more collaborative, less confrontational relationships between landlords and tenants marks a major turning point.

"While there is still work to be done, this is a significant step toward a fairer and more sustainable future for the industry.”

Agents and organisations reported adjusting their practices based on the recommendations, with many professionals, including solicitors and surveyors, regularly referencing the TFC’s guidance in their work.

The feedback from both agents and industry bodies was largely positive, with many noting that relationships between landlords and tenants, traditionally fraught with tension, have become more collaborative and solution focused.

However, some challenges remain. Increased costs and stretched resources have been a point of friction, particularly for smaller organisations, which, while aligned with the TFC’s recommendations, may not have formally adopted new practices.

The Scottish Tenant Farmers Association (STFA) also welcomed the publication of the report.

Managing director, Douglas Bell commented: “We agree broadly with the report’s findings and recognise the positive impact the Tenant Farming Commissioner (TFC) work, including the publication of his codes of practice and excellent guidance notes, has had on Landlord/Tenant relations and the behaviour of agents.

“However, as stated in the report, there are still challenges and scope for further improvement. Tenants can still find themselves potentially disadvantaged, by decisions and behaviours of landlords and their agents.

"For example, tenants can still find themselves having to go through lengthy and potentially expensive legal processes as a direct result of landlords’ agents not following the TFC’s guidance.

"Furthermore, there is still a reluctance on behalf of tenants to ‘stick their heads above the parapet’ and make an official complaint to the TFC mainly due to the possibility of being seen as a ‘troublemaker’ in the eyes of their landlord and their agents.

“To me, that still suggests behavioural issues.”

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Director of policy at Scottish Land and Estates, Stephen Young said: “We welcome the report’s findings. We would make the point, however, that the vast majority of relationships across the sector prior to 2018 were already positive and constructive.

“The TFC has helped to deliver further progress. The role’s clear remit, and Bob McIntosh’s knowledge, experience and commitment to neutrality have been important in fostering confidence among all stakeholders. Bob has worked constructively with tenants, landlords, and other parties, even when navigating difficult discussions.

“Another success has been the development of good practice guidance in collaboration with stakeholders. These guidelines have provided a clear framework for tenant-landlord negotiations, helping to reduce conflict and create more constructive dialogue.

“As a result, we’ve seen a sector increasingly willing to engage in meaningful discussions, avoiding the knee-jerk push for new legislation as a solution to every issue.

While challenges will inevitably arise, the overall rise in satisfaction reflected in the survey aligns with the feedback we’ve been receiving from our members.”

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