"There is much to be done. We have identified eight areas where legislation is required to ensure that we have the right solutions, Scottish solutions, to the challenges we face.
There has been wide-ranging enthusiasm for the proposals developed by the Land Reform Policy Group. The measures proposed pose no threat to good landowners. But they will make for a better balance between the private and public interest. They are a central element of our Partnership’s commitment to enhance rural life.
We will therefore introduce a Bill for land reform.
Our legislation will give new hope and create new opportunities for those who have lived and laboured on it for generations. Communities will have the right to buy as and when the land comes on the market. We will also legislate to create a right of responsible access to the land for recreation and passage for ramblers, for climbers and for those simply passing through. Who could imagine a land reform bill of this kind passing unscathed through the massed ranks of the Lords?
A Scottish solution to a distinct Scottish problem, now the responsibility of this Parliament.
The arcane rights of feudal superiors will be abolished. They will no longer be able to enforce in arbitrary fashion conditions on property and land use in which they have no defensible interest. Appropriate steps will be taken to ensure the survival of conditions which are necessary to maintain common facilities and to protect the amenity of property.
This legislation will put the final stop to the abuses of the feudal system.
A Scottish solution for a distinct Scottish need, now the responsibility of this Parliament.
Scotland’s natural heritage is unique. We need to manage that natural heritage in a sustainable way, protecting it while recognising the rights of those who live and work in the countryside. National Parks should be part of that future.
This will be enabling legislation. It is our intention that the first National Park should be based on Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.
Scottish solutions to distinct Scottish needs, now the responsibility of this Parliament.
We need to tackle the environmental problems and unreliable journey times caused by congestion. We need to generate the resources required to deliver a transport system fit for the 21st Century. We need local solutions to local problems, but within a coherent strategic framework.
Our bill will establish a framework to enable road user charging where it is sensible to do so and to allow local authorities where appropriate to introduce a levy on workplace parking. Our bill will modernise the regulatory framework for buses, giving local authorities the ability to work for improvement through quality partnerships.
A Scottish solution to a distinct Scottish need, now the responsibility of this Parliament.
It speaks for those in rural communities long held back by an inequitable system of land ownership; for those in both rural and urban communities put upon by the antiquated burdens of feudalism; for those who live in, and those who enjoy our areas of outstanding natural heritage; for carers who look after those who can no longer look after themselves; for all those who look to local government to operate to the highest standards; for all those in our cities frustrated by traffic jams and all those in rural areas frustrated by the lack of public transport; for those who look to this Parliament to manage our financial resources rigorously and efficiently; to all with an interest in the education of our children– and to all who want to see those children leave school able and ready to make a full contribution to our society."
First Minister, June 16, 1999