The right to buy has been extended

The legislation is aimed at giving local groups a legal right to take over tracts of land where it is in the community's interest.

They would have first refusal when the land goes up for sale.

In crofting areas, there will be a new right to force landlords to sell land, although it would have to be proved the move was beneficial to the community.

Land reformers have welcomed the strengthening of the right-to-buy.

But landowners said they would be concerned if the new laws led to a distortion in the land market.

Sustainable future

From Monday, groups of rural residents will be able to register an interest in taking over land when it comes on to the market.

This would give them first refusal if the land was put up for sale.

However, they would have to show that such a buyout would contribute towards the sustainable future of their community and was not merely a negative attempt to block new development.

Earlier this year the Scottish Parliament's justice committee agreed a move which increased the number of areas which will be covered by the legislation.