Aimed at rural communities of more than 20 people, it allows them to buy land when it goes on the market and rules that crofting communities can buy land at any time.

Many landowners, tenants, including crofters, and property professionals met the Bill with disbelief. Landlords risk a market collapse and crofters forced to buy land could lose crucial government grants.

Guy Galbraith of estate agent FPDSavills voiced the concerns of many in the property industry. 'FPDSavills is disappointed that many constructive proposals tabled during the consultation period have not been embraced,' he said. 'The right of communities to cherry pick farm and estate sales is of great concern, with the potential to leave a seller with a property which is no longer viable both in terms of income generation and marketability.