Ministerial foreword and executive summary -- Chapter 1: introduction -- Chapter 2: the importance of soils and soil functions -- Chapter 3: the diversity of Scottish soils -- Chapter 4: pressures on soils -- Chapter 5: soils in the context of climate change -- Chapter 6: policies for soil protection -- Chapter 7: future focus, outcomes and actions -- References -- Annex A: policies in place for soil protection -- Annex B: soil focus group

Sets out policies and recommendations to encourage the sustainable management and protection of soils, in the context of Scotland's economic, social and environmental requirements. Suggests that the main threats to Scotland's soils are climate change and loss of organic matter.