A notable Scots actor will co-host a ‘landmark’ conference questioning why the majority of Scotland’s private land is owned by just 433 people.

Actor David Hayman, who has starred alongside Holywood stars Bruce Willis and Pierce Brosnan, said the highly concentrated nature of land ownership was a “roadblock” to Scotland’s ambition.

The Revive Coalition’s – a group of environmental, social justice and animal welfare organisations - Big Land Question conference will be held in Perth next month and will be co-hosted by Mr Hayman and journalist Lesley Riddoch.

The group said just 433 individuals control half of the private land in Scotland, resulting in far reaching consequences from communities, wildlife and the environment.

Land reforms are currently being considered in the Scottish Parliament, with ministers seeking to crack down on large land ownership.

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Concerns were raised by the Scottish Land Commission in 2019 which stated concentrated ownership was causing “significant and long-term damage”.

Mr Hayman said: “For too long, Scotland’s land has been in the hands of the few.

“The Big Land Question is about bringing people together – from activists and policymakers to those directly impacted – to ask the tough questions about what land reform means in practice.

“This is an important conference with a provocative and inspiring programme. Ultimately, it’s about fairness and how we ensure that Scotland’s land benefits the many.

“Access to land and decisions about how it’s used affect so many aspects of Scottish life, from housing and the economy to recreation and wellbeing.

“The highly concentrated nature of Scotland’s land ownership is a roadblock to unlocking the potential prosperity of our nation’s natural resources.

“We need bold, innovative solutions and more ambition in our policy approach, and this conference is where those conversations will happen.

“We’ve got a real chance to drive change and this could be the turning point for Scotland’s people, wildlife and environment we’ve been looking for. I’m proud to be part of it.”

Conference speakers include author Andy Wightman, former Greens MSP and land reform campaigner.

His research found the Duke of Buccleuch had been responsible for redistributing more land in the last five years than the Scottish Government had managed in 25 years of devolution.

Max Wiszniewski, campaign manager for the Revive Coalition, said: "This conference comes at a pivotal moment where there is growing recognition that the current patterns of land ownership are holding back Scotland. Our polling data demonstrates strong public support for policies that would limit the amount of land any one person or business can own, increase community ownership, and ensure that land use aligns with climate and biodiversity goals.

“The Big Land Question conference will provide a platform for serious discussion on how to address these demands, and it will launch a campaign of independent research with the aim of enhancing and informing policy development to create a more democratic, fair, and sustainable vision for Scotland’s land.”

The conference takes place on Sunday November 10 at Perth Concert Hall.