A new regional land use framework has been unveiled for the South of Scotland, marking the first of its kind in the country. This document aims to instigate change across the region by outlining priorities for land use to tackle climate change and biodiversity issues. The South of Scotland Regional Land Use Framework (RLUF) has been crafted by the Regional Land Use Partnership (RLUP), selected as one of the five pilot RLUPs by the Scottish Government.
Over a period of nearly three years, the framework has been developed in collaboration with Dumfries and Galloway Council, Scottish Borders Council, South of Scotland Enterprise, and overseen by the Regional Economic Partnership. Councillor Gail Macgregor, leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council and chair of the regional economic partnership, emphasised that the RLUF envisions a south of Scotland region that values natural capital to deliver lasting benefits for all, promoting a wellbeing economy while transitioning to net zero emissions and positive outcomes for nature.
One of the key goals of the framework is to address climate change and biodiversity loss through informed decision-making on land use, identifying opportunities for sustainable investments. It also aims to identify how land use can deliver multiple societal benefits amidst competing land pressures, fostering better connections between urban and rural communities. Russell Griggs OBE, Chairman of South of Scotland Enterprise, highlighted the importance of this framework in enabling collaboration among various stakeholders and land users in the region.
He stressed that the diverse natural assets in the south of Scotland necessitate such a strategic document to facilitate collective efforts towards a green, equitable, and thriving South of Scotland. In addition, the framework aligns with the priorities of the Regional Economic Partnership, focusing on housing, transport, and skills development to steer the region towards a wellbeing economy and establish it as a robust rural economic hub.