Understanding
tenant farming

Supporting tenants, landlords and their agents in Scotland

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Tenant farming plays a vital role in Scotland’s rural economy, offering opportunities for food production, business development and access to land.

The relationships between tenants, landlords and agents are central to making the system work fairly and effectively.

The Scottish Land Commission works to support these relationships through clear guidance, practical advice and impartial oversight.

Our role in tenant farming

We help to:

Provide guidance and codes of practice to encourage positive relationships.
Offer practical advice on rights, responsibilities and resolving issues.
Promote constructive dialogue between tenants, landlords and their representatives.
Support new entrants into farming through information and advice.

The Tenant Farming Commissioner

The Tenant Farming Commissioner (TFC) is an independent role within the board of the Scottish Land Commission. The TFC’s remit is to:

Publish guidance and codes of practice for tenants, landlords and agents.
Provide advice and information on rights and responsibilities.
Help resolve disputes and improve relationships in the sector.
Work with industry bodies to promote fairness and transparency.

This role is designed to support everyone involved in tenant farming, building confidence and encouraging responsible practice across the sector.

“Tenant farming has a vital role to play in Scotland’s agricultural future. My priority is to support positive relationships between tenants, landlords and agents, and to help create a sector that works fairly and sustainably for all.”