New regional land use framework unveiled for South of Scotland

The south of Scotland’s first regional land use framework has been unveiled.

The document – the first of its kind in Scotland – will help drive change across the region as it sets out the priorities for land use across the region in a bid to address climate and biodiversity issues.

The framework has been developed by the South of Scotland Regional Land Use Partnership (RLUP), which was one if five pilot RLUPs chosen by the Scottish Government. Over nearly three years, it has been delivered through Dumfries and Galloway Council, Scottish Borders Council, South of Scotland Enterprise, and overseen by the Regional Economic Partnership.

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Dumfries and Galloway Council leader and chair of the regional economic partnership, Councillor Gail Macgregor, said: “The RLUF sets out a vision for a south of Scotland region where we fully recognise, understand and value the importance of our natural capital to deliver improved and enduring benefits for all, delivering a wellbeing economy through a just transition to net zero and nature-positive outcomes.

“This includes the urgent need to address climate change and biodiversity loss through making informed, collaborative decisions about land-use and identify opportunities and encouraging sustainable investments.”

Among the objectives of the framework are to identify competing land pressures and find ways land use can deliver multiple benefits of value to society, as well as allowing urban and rural communities to be better connected to the land.

Chairman of South of Scotland Enterprise, Russell Griggs OBE, said: “With the south of Scotland’s natural assets having such a diverse range of uses, it is vital we have a document like this which will aim to help the various partners, groups and land users across the region work together.

“This crucial strategic document will support our collective vision for a green, fair and flourishing South of Scotland and is also a key enabler for the Regional Economic Partnership’s three priorities - housing, transport and skills.

“It will lead the way in driving change to deliver a wellbeing economy and help the South become a rural economic powerhouse.”