Scottish Land Commission public meeting

The Scottish Land Commission is hosting a public meeting in Thurso, designed to encourage local residents to have their say on issues affecting land ownership and use in the area. Taking place on Monday 2 September at 7.00pm at the Pentland Hotel, the free event is open to anyone with an interest in the way land is owned and used across the community.

As well as providing attendees a chance to meet with members of the board from the Scottish Land Commission, attendees will be able to ask questions and discuss any matters about land ownership as well as providing an opportunity to understand more about the recent Land Reform Bill and proposed measures to improve access to land for communities.

Michael Russell, emphasised the importance of the Commission engaging with local communities through public meetings, "Communities play a vital role in shaping the future of our land.

“We want to hear directly from people about the practical issues land reform can help address and we look forward to discussing the issues and opportunities people see in this area.

"This is the first time since I took the Chair on 1st February this year that the entire Board of the Commission along with its Chief Executive will have been open to question on the ground in a community and it is also our first visit to Caithness. I hope that there will a good take up of the opportunity to raise concerns, explore the new Land Reform Bill and suggest further work and actions for the Commission.

“We would love to see as many people there as possible and encourage everyone to attend and be part of what we hope will be a lively discussion."

The event will also be attended by members of the Commission’s staff including Chief Executive, Hamish Trench, and Head of Land Rights and Responsibilities, Emma Cooper, who are instrumental in developing policy recommendations and the Good Practice programme, which is designed to support change in the way land is owned and used in both urban and rural Scotland.

The Scottish Land Commission is committed to working with communities to foster transparent and inclusive land ownership practices. This public meeting in Thurso is part of an ongoing effort to hear from communities across Scotland and address the issues that matter most to them.