The Scottish Land Commission has today published its Strategic Plan, setting out a practical programme of work to help ensure the ownership and use of land supports thriving people and places across Scotland.
With an emphasis on people, place and opportunity, the Strategic Plan sets out the Commission’s priorities for a significant period of change, as Scotland implements the Land Reform (Scotland) Act.
The plan is focused on three outcomes: opening up opportunities for more individuals, communities and businesses to own, lease or use land; reducing the impacts of concentrated land ownership; and helping communities shape and benefit from significant land decisions affecting their places.
Over the next three years, the Commission will prioritise timely and effective implementation of the 2025 Act, create new land opportunities, improve Scotland’s land data, and strengthen transparency, engagement and participation in the land system.
Chair of the Scottish Land Commission, Michael Russell, said: “Land is central to Scotland’s economy, identity and communities. This plan sets out how the Commission will help turn ambition for land reform into practical delivery by opening up opportunities for more people to own and use land, improving accountability and supporting people to have a stronger voice in the decisions that shape their places.”
Chief Executive Hamish Trench said: “The next three years will be an important period of transition and delivery. As new statutory functions come into effect, we will continue to provide evidence, advice and leadership, working with communities, landowners, land managers, tenant farmers, public bodies and government to build clarity and confidence in Scotland’s land reform journey.”
The Strategic Plan explains how the Commission will support new measures for large landholdings, prepare for the appointment and operation of a Land and Communities Commissioner, and deliver the expanded role of the Tenant Farming Commissioner in relation to small landholdings.
The plan has been informed by public engagement through the ScotLand Futures initiative, stakeholder workshops and wider feedback, which highlighted continued appetite for land reform and a strong desire for clear, joined-up delivery.
Progress will be reported through the Commission’s annual reports, with performance tracked across delivery of the Act, new land opportunities, land data, transparency and engagement, organisational performance and communications impact.
Read our new Strategic Plan and Programme of Work
