What is this event about?

The Land Reform (Scotland) Act introduces new responsibilities for large landowners to engage with local communities about decisions affecting land.  

As part of implementing the new Land Reform Act, the Scottish Government is consulting on community engagement obligations in relation to land management planning.

The Scottish Land Commission is encouraging everyone with an interest in land to respond to this consultation. The Commission will also be sending its own response to the Government’s consultation, and is listening carefully to stakeholder views in relation to this.

Where can you find the Scottish Government’s consultation?

The Scottish Government’s consultation is open now, and it runs until 26th January – see the full consultation here - Community Engagement Obligations and draft large land holdings guidance under the Land Reform (Scotl….

You do not have to answer all the questions in the consultation. You can choose to answer those that matter most to you.

The Scottish Government has also published a short survey with some targeted questions to enable those who are not able to respond to the full consultation to engage with the process - Questions to support discussion on Land Reform Act community engagement obligations - Scottish Gover…

This consultation offers you a chance to have a say in shaping regulations that could help ensure better communication and engagement between communities and the owners of the land they live on or near.  

So why does this consultation matter?

It is important that a wide range of people respond to this consultation, to ensure that the resulting regulations are proportionate and effective. The aim is that better engagement of communities with land decisions could help ensure that Scotland’s land delivers for the needs of communities and the wider public interest. 

Whether you are concerned about climate impacts and biodiversity, or housing, local food and amenity, it is important that everyone with an interest in land sends their views to government to ensure the new regulations help make a positive impact for nature, rural businesses and communities.

This 1-hour online session is open to individuals, community organisations and community representatives. You’ll hear from the Scottish Land Commission’s Good Practice Advisers and have the opportunity to ask questions about the new obligations, what they could mean for your community, and how to get involved in the consultation. 

Shortly after this event takes place, a recording of the presentations will be available on the Scottish Land Commission YouTube Channel.  

The Good Practice Team at the Scottish Land Commission can offer support to community groups, landowners and anyone with a query relating to land rights and responsibilities. There are also a range of resources about community engagement  available at this link.

You can reserve your place here for this event.