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24 Nov 2025

Landscape pressures in Scotland

The snow-capped peak of Ben Lawers rises, with grassy foothills in the foreground. The sky is bright blue.
We are calling for action to protect Scotland’s cherished landscapes.
To coincide with the launch of Scotland’s Landscape Charter, the National Trust for Scotland is calling for action to protect Scotland’s landscapes, considered important by 91% of Scots.

A survey commissioned by the Trust in 2023 highlighted the deep connection people feel with their surroundings and the need to protect them amid growing environmental and development pressures. It also showed that neglect and dereliction have overtaken industrial development as the greatest public concern for the condition of Scotland’s landscapes. 

Additionally, the survey found that people of all political opinions equally saw the protection and management of Scotland’s landscapes as important. This suggests that all political parties should consider it a shared concern of the majority of people in Scotland.

Some highlight findings from the survey

  • 91% of Scots rate landscapes as ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’ important, rising to 95% among over-65s.
  • Neglect and dereliction (63%) are now viewed as the leading pressures on landscapes – a 19-point rise since 2012.
  • Three in four Scots (76%) believe landscapes and places of beauty should be a key factor in decisions about windfarm locations.
  • Industrial development (44%) and high-density housing (35%) are the next greatest concerns.
  • Public anxiety over plantation forestry has increased sharply, from 8% in 2012 to 29% in 2023, suggesting a significant concern about how tree planting and land-use changes are being managed. 

Read the report in full

A view to where the blue sea meets rugged coastline. Black cliffs with rocky faces jut out at different angles, and their tops are green with grass.

The report comes as Scotland marks the 25th anniversary of the European Landscape Convention and the launch of Scotland’s new Landscape Charter, which commits to protecting and sensitively managing the nation’s changing landscapes in response to the climate and nature emergencies and for landscape management that supports both people and nature. 

Philip Long, Chief Executive of the National Trust for Scotland, said: ‘Our research shows how deeply people care about Scotland’s landscapes. They are central to our sense of identity, wellbeing and prosperity. We must treat our landscapes as living, changing systems that deserve investment, restoration and care. Tackling neglect, supporting thoughtful development and planning for a greener future will be vital to safeguarding the places people love most.’

Quote
“If we want resilient landscapes for future generations, we must act to manage change positively, through collaboration, thoughtful design and long-term care.”
Philip Long
Chief Executive of the National Trust for Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland is a founder member of Scotland’s Landscape Alliance and is calling on the Scottish government, industry and communities to work together in line with the new Landscape Charter principles – collaboration, dynamic management, and diversity – to safeguard the country’s landscapes for the future. 

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