Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) will act reasonably in dealing with all requests received but will only progress those cases that clearly present benefits in the management of the National Forests and Land (NFL) or where there is a strong case for action in line with Scottish Government guidance relating to property acquisition, disposal and management. The Scottish Public Finance Manual is issued by the Scottish Ministers to provide guidance to the Scottish Government and other relevant bodies on the proper handling and reporting of public funds. It sets out the relevant statutory, parliamentary and administrative requirements, emphasises the need for economy, efficiency and effectiveness, and promotes good practice and high standards of propriety. 

Sale by private treaty will be exceptional. These is a presumption against directly negotiated sales. 

FLS is mostly likely to progress cases as follows: 

• Sales of property to the sitting tenant
• Sales providing public benefit, such as road widening
• Legal or other restrictions that prevent open market sale

If there is interest from more than one party in acquiring a property, and FLS is willing to sell, the property will be placed on the open market. 

FLS has recently completed the registration of the NFL with Registers of Scotland. Prior to making any request under this Guidance it is suggested that the legal boundaries of the relevant properties are researched using the search facility available on the Registers of Scotland website. 

Enquiries and requests should be made in writing or via e-mail and submitted with the relevant information, maps and photos to the local Area Land Agent (Local Contacts). The Area Land Agent will then confirm whether the land is in FLS ownership and, on due consideration, whether the request will be taken forward. 

Should a proposal be aligned with the current guidelines for direct sale, we will email the procedural process to be followed.