ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an overview of land use in rural Scotland. Much of Scotland's rural economy is shaped by state intervention. Land use examples include dependence of agriculture on the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) and of forestry on woodland grants. Farming remains the dominant rural land use. The dominant force in Scotland's agricultural economy is the European Union's CAP, which provides three-quarters of agricultural subsidies. Crofting is a unique form of landholding in the Highlands and Islands, introduced in 1888 as a belated response to the infamous Highland Clearances. Trees cover some 15 per cent of Scotland's land surface, the majority being the result of upland afforestation with imported conifer species. The term natural heritage includes nature conservation, natural beauty and amenity. Field sports are the dominant land use over extensive areas, especially in the Highlands. A Scottish Rural Partnership, including local, national and funding components, was introduced by government in 1996 to provide coordination and resources.
