Plans for major land reform in Scotland have won overwhelming public backing.
A total of 1,269 responses were submitted to a Scottish Government consultation on the proposals, with more than 80% coming from individuals.
Three-quarters of respondents backed a plan to set up a Land Reform Commission, while 87% agreed ministers should have a land rights and responsibilities policy.
A move to publish more information about land values and ownership was supported by 88%, and 71% were in favour of removing business rates exemptions from shooting and deer-stalking.
David Cameron, chairman of Community Land Scotland, which promotes public ownership, welcomed the findings last night.
“I’m very pleased, although it is not entirely unexpected, because I think if a fair minded person looks at it, that is the conclusion they will reach,” he said.
“There is absolutely no reason why they can’t push ahead now.
“I don’t think there’s a common realisation that these changes can really alter the lives of so many people and so many areas of Scotland.
“It’s a cliche, but it is tectonic plates moving.”
Scottish Gamekeepers Association chairman Alex Hogg was more guarded.
He said: “The Scottish Gamekeepers Association has maintained from day one that, unless Scottish Government treads warily with the removal of exemptions from business rates for shooting and deer stalking, it could put working people on the dole on shoots with marginal profit and there are many of these across the country.
“We have held constructive talks with Environment Minister Aileen McLeod about concerns we have for our members and she understands great care must be taken to ensure these vital jobs are safeguarded in fragile communities.”
Ms McLeod, the land reform minister, said: “Land is one of our most valuable assets and our vision for land reform is for a stronger relationship between the people of Scotland and the land of Scotland, where ownership and use of land delivers greater public benefits.
“The Scottish Government is committed to meaningful land reform and we have been and we have been carefully considering the responses to the consultation alongside other evidence to shape the development of the Bill.”