Latest news with #ScottishLandCommission
The National
14-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
Call for public input on Scotland's land reform launches
Led by the Scottish Land Commission, ScotLand Futures has invited individuals, community groups, land managers, businesses and organisations to give feedback to shape "a shared vision for how Scotland's land is owned, used and managed in the years ahead". Key issues of housing, nature, jobs, and local communities are in focus while the Scottish Parliament is currently considering a new Land Reform Bill that will improve how large-scale landholdings are managed and transferred. READ MORE: NC500 named least electric vehicle-friendly road trip in UK-wide study The initiative is asking Scots: What would it look like to complete Scotland's current land reform journey? Speaking at the launch, Michael Russell, chair of the Scottish Land Commission, said: 'Land reform is not just for land reformers. Too often the conversation can feel remote – discussed in policy circles or historic terms. Land affects all of us, every day, from the homes we live in, to the green spaces we enjoy, and the kind of communities we want to build. "Scotland has made real progress in land reform, but the journey is not complete yet. We're inviting people to look ahead and envision the next big steps for land reform. We hope to build consensus on a fairer land system. Even where there is not full agreement, there is real value in developing shared clarity about the intended endpoint.' ScotLand Futures is open to everyone, and the commission is encouraging individuals, community groups, businesses and organisations to get involved. The organisation has stressed individual "don't need to be an expert" to submit feedback. People can take part by: Completing a short online form to share their views on land reform Attending online or in-person events Engaging with the campaign on social media using #ScotLandFutures Insights gathered through the initiative will be used to inform the public debate and support policy development and a summary of contributions will be published by the Commission later this year. Visit here to find out more and share your views.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Nationwide call for public input on Scotland's land reform launches
A NATIONAL initiative is inviting people across Scotland to share their views on how land can better support the things that matter most. Led by the Scottish Land Commission, ScotLand Futures has invited individuals, community groups, land managers, businesses and organisations to give feedback to shape "a shared vision for how Scotland's land is owned, used and managed in the years ahead". Key issues of housing, nature, jobs, and local communities are in focus while the Scottish Parliament is currently considering a new Land Reform Bill that will improve how large-scale landholdings are managed and transferred. READ MORE: NC500 named least electric vehicle-friendly road trip in UK-wide study The initiative is asking Scots: what would it look like to complete Scotland's current land reform journey? Speaking at the launch, Michael Russell, chair of the Scottish Land Commission, said: 'Land reform is not just for land reformers. Too often the conversation can feel remote - discussed in policy circles or historic terms. Land affects all of us, every day, from the homes we live in, to the green spaces we enjoy, and the kind of communities we want to build. "Scotland has made real progress in land reform, but the journey is not complete yet. We're inviting people to look ahead and envision the next big steps for land reform. We hope to build consensus on a fairer land system. Even where there is not full agreement, there is real value in developing shared clarity about the intended endpoint.' ScotLand Futures is open to everyone, and the commission is encouraging individuals, community groups, businesses and organisations to get involved. The organisation has stressed individual "don't need to be an expert" to submit feedback. People can take part by: Completing a short online form to share their views on land reform Attending online or in-person events Engaging with the campaign on social media using #ScotLandFutures Insights gathered through the initiative will be used to inform the public debate and support policy development and a summary of contributions will be published by the Commission later this year. Visit here to find out more and share your views.
The Herald Scotland
23-04-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
New unit aims to build partnerships between communities and developers
A new unit is being launched aimed at building partnerships between landowners, communities and developers involved in natural capital projects. The Natural Capital Community Partnerships (NCCP) project aims to establish fair and practical examples of projects where communities, developers and landowners work together to share in the benefits of natural capital investment. The new unit will be led by Dr Sally Reynolds, who has significant experience working in community development and of 'walking the tightrope' between different interests in the land use sector. 'We want to promote understanding and cooperation between different parties', said Dr Reynolds. 'We want to encourage open conversation and early dialogue between communities, landowners and developers.' Dr Reynolds highlighted that community engagement is crucial. She added: 'Well-managed peatland or wetland restoration or woodland development projects can support both environmental restoration and community development and resilience. It can create local jobs, boost local economies and sustain livelihoods - maximising the benefits for communities.' READ MORE: New report highlights how crofting helps keep Eigg's cultural traditions alive Call for delay to controversial sale of Skye castle and estate New community-led homes development on Colonsay will be 'transformational' There are already a number of successful, collaborative projects across Scotland, such as the community-owned Assynt Foundation in Sutherland, which has a major forest development project with Woodland Trust Scotland. In Dumfries and Galloway, Foresight Sustainable Forestry Company has a partnership with Upper Urr Environmental Trust which has allowed them to develop the area for community use including the installation of a path network, benches and a range of community events. Dr Reynolds said: 'This is a new and unique project doing a lot of work on-the-ground. It's a key ambition that Scotland's land should benefit more of Scotland's people. With good conversations at an early stage there is greater understanding and a much greater chance of agreements that suit everyone.' 'As far as possible, the community, landowners and developers should be able to form agreements that are meaningful and beneficial for all parties.' The Natural Capital Community Partnerships will have a team of four staff and will work within Community Land Scotland and in partnership with the Scottish Land Commission. The Community Land Scotland team will work as part of a network of advisers across Scotland including the newly appointed Community Benefits from Nature Adviser employed by the Scottish Land Commission in partnership with the Cairngorms National Park Authority. Emma Cooper, Head of Land Rights and Responsibilities at the Scottish Land Commission, said: 'This project is a really important step in making sure natural capital investment delivers for communities as well as for nature. 'We're pleased to be working alongside Community Land Scotland, including through our new Community Benefits from Nature Adviser, to support fair and practical approaches in communities across Scotland. 'Our land is a finite resource that needs to meet many different needs. By helping communities, landowners and developers work together from the outset, this initiative can turn potential tensions into lasting, shared benefits.' The project is funded by Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Foundation Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, Scottish Forestry and others. Jane Morrison-Ross, Chief Executive of South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) said: 'As Scotland's Natural Capital Innovation Zone we continue to take a forward-thinking approach in the South of Scotland to creating a wellbeing economy based on our natural capital assets. 'Community Wealth Building is one of our key priorities, so we are delighted to be working with Community Land Scotland and partners in delivering this groundbreaking national project.'
