The Scottish Government’s report on calculating agricultural rents has made progress on the issue, but more work needs to be done, says NFU Scotland.

The report – Testing of the Rent Review System – was produced by Savills, with input from agricultural lawyer Hamish Lean and land consultant Watson Bell, and commissioned by the Scottish Government. It is intended to inform secondary legislation required by the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 to create a fair means of assessing rent and minimise the number of cases proceeding to the Land Court.

NFU Scotland welcomed the report, but president Andrew McCornick said that it was “still some way from providing a solution in calculating productive capacity for 1991 tenancies”. Utilising standard labour figures and the treatment of surplus residential accommodation need further discussion, said McCornick, adding that the union’s working groups would meet to consider the report.

STFA chair, Christopher Nicholson said: “Many of the poor relationships between landlord and tenant stem from disputes encountered during rent reviews under the current open market rent test, which has become beset with difficulties.”

He urged tenants utilise the amnesty for improvements, as it would be vital for future rent reviews and to ensure fair play at way-go.