Guidance for land owners

Good relations between land owners and communities are at the heart of planned new guidance on engagement when making decisions that affect local people.  

Draft guidance being consulted on contains best practices for land owners and land managers when they take decisions that impact on their local community – covering the  ‘why, where, when, who and how’ of effective engagement with local people and groups.

The consultation is the next step in implementing the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016.  

Land Reform Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: 

“Rural and urban land is one of Scotland’s most fundamental and prized assets, therefore decisions on ownership, management and use of land and buildings can have wide-reaching effects for communities.

“Collaboration is a principle at the very heart of the Scottish Government’s approach to land reform. While many land owners and managers are already working with communities for their mutual benefit, the guidance seeks to encourage further co-operation. 

“The draft guidance promotes fairness about decision-making, helping ensure positive engagement is the norm – with communities informed and involved in the decisions that have the greatest impact on their lives. 

“We have worked hard with partners across the private, community, third and public sectors to produce this consultation and I invite all who have a view on engaging communities in decisions about land to respond and contribute to the development of this guidance.” 

Background
The consultation is now available.