Big Scottish landowners could face fines for nature and climate failings

Landowners with estates larger than 3,000 hectares (7,413 acres) could also lose farming, forestry and conservation subsidies if they fail to meet government policies. Photograph: MediaWorldImages/Alamy

Scotland’s largest landowners will be forced to pay fines if they fail to protect nature, local communities and the climate under new land reform proposals.

Landowners who control estates in Scotland larger than 3,000 hectares (7,413 acres) will also face losing farming, forestry and conservation subsidies if they fail to meet the Scottish government’s policies on nature restoration or community empowerment.