It's the most significant vote in years for Scotland’s farmers

While there are myriad important issues up for discussion and debate, one sector that stretches to every corner of Scotland has major concerns heading into the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election.

Our rural and agricultural industry is at a crossroads, and this Holyrood election feels more significant than others we’ve seen in recent years.

There will be a fight for the rural vote and a lot of that will centre on The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2025, and the future secondary legislation that will follow from this Act, with many landowners demanding change.

This legislation has brought a huge degree of uncertainty to large landowners as the Scottish government attempts to spread the ownership of land.

Some have said this legislation focuses purely on political intentions and not how the countryside actually functions.

Going into the election, there will be swathes of farmers and landowners looking out for which parties are offering an exit from the Land Reform Act or a viable alternative.

Of course, voters will also be looking for a response from their politicians to the uncertain global economic situation.

From a UK perspective, those in the sector have been asking why agriculture is not included on the Critical National Infrastructure list, which would trigger special protections for the industry.

There are a lot of influential voices fighting for that to be recognised, so the rural vote could come down to who is offering that level of support.

Getting down to brass tacks, farmers will always want (and understandably so) stability and predictability in the costs of production; with volatility in fuel and fertiliser costs a huge concern.

These costs are driven very much by what’s going on globally, but domestic policy plays a role as well.

The Scottish government may have limited ability to influence what happens with fuel and fertilisers imported into the UK, but it can control domestic policy and farmers will be looking for that kind of protection.

Elsewhere, inheritance tax could be an issue, but whether whoever gets into power in Scotland is able to do anything about that remains to be seen as inheritance tax is not a devolved matter.

That would all depend on the outcome of the election and whether it would give the majority party or coalition a mandate to challenge Westminster policies such as Inheritance Tax.

Whichever way this goes, agriculture is a robust industry and will manage to adapt.

Whether it’s a new government or a cabinet reshuffle, what is clear is we need change, fresh eyes and a rethink of agricultural and rural affairs policy. We need to be uplifting of this sector, not looking to dilute and extract to the point of exhaustion.

Even at this late stage, the signs are not clear, and it feels like we could end up with a fractured rural vote.

Our Rural Business team will be watching with interest to see what happens and, as always, will be at the ready to advise landowners, rural businesses and farmers in the wake of the election.

Henrietta Talbot is a Partner at Davidson Chalmers Stewart and advises on property and rural matters