Scottish Land Commission launches new guidance on engagement over land ownership

The Scottish Land Commission has launched a new toolkit to provide practical advice on how landowners, land managers and communities can make better decisions on land use.

The protocol, which defines good practice for engagement over land use and management, is the first in a series of publications from the commission aimed at encouraging practical implementation of the principles within the Scottish Government’s Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement (LRRS).

With the LRRS stating “There should be greater collaboration and community engagement in decisions about land”, the new protocol highlights the benefits of engagement for land owners in reducing potential conflict, helping make businesses more resilient and in promoting innovation.

Meanwhile the commission states that engagement allows communities to be better informed, giving people the opportunity to understand and influence potential change and opportunities.

A new toolkit, which accompanies the protocol, includes a ‘decision map’ detailing engagement methods and what is expected of land owners and managers in different situations, alongside a guide to engagement plans to support the process.

Scottish Land Commissioner Sally Reynolds said: “Early and open engagement by those who own or manage land with the local community should be part of normal business practice. Everyone benefits from knowing about decisions that might affect them and by working together and engaging in a process, it is easier to make progress.

“We have devised the protocol and the toolkit to clearly show the practical approach to engagement expected when changes to land use are being explored.

“We believe it will promote an open approach to decision making, all of which is a vital part of increasing the accountability of land ownership and making the most of opportunities.”