People across Scotland told us in our ScotLand Futures survey about the impact derelict and abandoned sites can have on communities, especially when they’re left to decay for years. Our online tool helps people understand how these places can be brought back into use. buff.ly/PjwuYG1

New insights from the Rural Land Market Data Report 2025 show forestry land values cooling, small-scale sales dominating, strong per-hectare farmland prices and ongoing data challenges for land transparency. buff.ly/tosofVq

🎄Festive closure notice 🎄 The Scottish Land Commission will be closed for the festive break from Wednesday 24 December until Monday 5 January 2026.

Voices from Scotland, part of our ScotLand Futures initiative, brings together perspectives from across the country on the outcomes land reform should deliver for people, nature and the economy. Thank you to everyone who contributed. buff.ly/fQInQXT

Our Rural Land Market Data Report 2025 is out this week. In a new blog, Research Officer Julie Rostan explains what the latest data tells us, and why hidden sale prices could be masking the true scale of Scotland’s rural land market. buff.ly/o1U1oLd

New Rural Land Market Data Report 2025 shows Scotland’s rural land market continued to cooled in 2024: 🌲 Forestry prices down to £10,054/ha - a drop of 34% from 2023 🏘️ Only 6 large-scale estate sales - a 5 year low 🚜Farmland prices rose slightly to an average of £16,502/ha buff.ly/0AC0lVI

🌲 At Caerlaverock Castle, a small woodlot is making a big difference. Andy Brown manages an ancient oak woodland through a lease, producing firewood, improving biodiversity and restoring access. It’s low-impact forestry with long-term value. Read more: buff.ly/TZFO0ti

Community ownership delivers wide benefits, but Scotland’s Rights to Buy need to keep pace with changing conditions. Our latest blog explains why the current review by Scottish Government is important for communities across Scotland: 🔗 buff.ly/VjOClYo

📢 New op-ed from Michael Russell, Chair of the Scottish Land Commission Survey shows 96% of people believe Scotland still needs further land reform. In his op-ed, Michael Russell reflects on this, the Land Reform Bill, why progress matters, and why the journey isn’t over. 🔗 buff.ly/Dz9wEQm

Thank you to everyone who took part in our ScotLand Futures survey. More than 1,200 people shared their views, and 96% told us Scotland still needs further action on land reform 👇 buff.ly/tSiMkVO

What started as a woodland buyout in Glengarry has grown into something much bigger 🌲 Glengarry Community Development Trust is using community ownership to support cabins, crofts, and local jobs backed by cooperative governance and shared values. 📖 Read more: buff.ly/jXi5Hdk

We’re pleased to welcome Sarah Madden & Kathie Pollard to senior roles helping drive Scotland’s land reform agenda at a pivotal time. Sarah becomes Head of Practice and Advice, and Kathie steps into Head of Policy. buff.ly/ORrXIyc

From the origins of the word “boycott” to the realities of modern-day land agents, Peter reflects on how far the sector has come and why behaviour and relationships still matter. buff.ly/xy74fzO

📌 Scotland takes important step towards fairer use and ownership of land Scottish Land Commission statement on the passing of the Land Reform Bill

🌲 Carbeth Hutters Community Company owns 150 acres of land and 177 huts all governed by the people who live there. From rent strike to community ownership, it's a powerful model of stewardship and shared decision-making. More in our Governance Guide: buff.ly/qy3uBtG

Last night’s ScotLand Futures event in Aberdeen marked the end of our series of public meetings. Across Scotland we’ve heard strong themes including last night where community empowerment, land for housing, and frustration with planning were key issues. 👀 ScotLand Futures findings coming soon.

In the final instalment of ScotLand Futures, four contributors reflect on what land reform must deliver next – for people, place and long-term stewardship. Read insights from Catriona Mallows, David McGilp MSYP, Di Alexander and Mike Staples. 👉 www.landcommission.gov.scot/news-events/...

A valuable opportunity for researchers to dig into what’s driving the shift from largescale to smaller community acquisitions and how we remove barriers to communities taking ownership of land at scale. If you work on land reform, rural development or community wealth building, take a look 👇

Scotland’s land use is changing as investment in carbon, nature and renewables grows. To help make sure communities benefit from this transition, we’ve published guidance to support responsible natural capital investment. buff.ly/Tg0JLkd

We’ve published a new report on what Scotland can learn from how other countries value land and property for tax. In this Scotonomics episode, lead author Matt Beebee and our Head of Policy, Kathie Pollard, speak with host William Thomson about the findings. ▶️ www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXFa...

New research with WPI Economics shows Scotland could learn from global best practice to build a fairer, greener land tax system. www.landcommission.gov.scot/downloads/68...

What does a thriving tenanted sector really mean? With tenant farming representation now established in England through the newly appointed Tenant Farming Commissioner, there’s never been a better time to ask what a thriving tenanted sector truly looks like in practice. buff.ly/i2a8fuH

💭 How can landowners and managers put good practice into action? Our Checklist for Good Practice helps turn the Land Rights and Responsibilities principles into everyday decisions that support transparency, collaboration and positive outcomes for people and place. buff.ly/S0ubLY7

Last month we visited @rspbscotland.bsky.social Forsinard to learn about peatland restoration and the Flow Country World Heritage Site. Hearing first-hand about the restoration and green finance work helping protect these vital landscapes for the future.

In our latest blog, Kathie Pollard explores how Scotland’s next Land Use Strategy could play a vital role in bringing coherence across government policies that set the direction how land is used and managed in the years ahead. Read more: buff.ly/DwBwqZt

Thank you to everyone who joined our Stornoway public meeting this week. Great discussion on community land ownership, joined-up land reform, and transparency challenges. Next stop: Aberdeen, Wednesday 29 Oct – book here 👉 buff.ly/KzVwg8l

🛠️ Four families, one shared vision. Bath Street Collective Custom Build in Edinburgh shows what’s possible when residents lead the way in housing. Read the full case study in our Governance Guide: buff.ly/YTTRApA 📸 Image credit: John Kinsley Architects

We’re thrilled by the strong interest in our Aberdeen public meeting. Thanks to @hutton.ac.uk we’ve secured a bigger space and reopened booking. Spaces also available for our public meeting next week in Stornoway. 📍Stornoway: buff.ly/QCpzcqi 📍Aberdeen: buff.ly/VhcbhzZ

In Part 3 of our ScotLand Futures blog series, four new contributors share their insights on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Scotland’s land reform journey, from national policy gaps to community empowerment, private land stewardship, & the power of partnership. buff.ly/XHmvvVW

ICYMI: Can tax help Scotland meet its climate and land reform goals? We’ve recently published interim findings exploring whether tools like a carbon land tax could help reduce emissions, diversify ownership and support more productive use of land. 👉 Read more here: buff.ly/HTIgT58

The Highlands Reimagined podcast asks what it takes for young people to stay & thrive in Mackay Country. In the final episode, Commissioner Lucy Beattie reflects on land reform, community power, and how a more transparent, diverse system of land ownership can open up opportunities: buff.ly/RlGQCPV

🏘️ Argyll & Bute’s Strategic Housing Forum is bringing delivery partners together to tackle a housing emergency through collaboration. The Forum provides a trusted space to share knowledge, raise issues, and get homes built. Find out more about this work in our Governance Guide: buff.ly/eObeK6v

📍 We’ve been to Wick and Dumfries, and now we’re heading to Stornoway. Join our Chair, Chief Exec and Commissioners for a public meeting to talk about the land issues that matter most to your community. 📅 7pm, Wednesday 8 October 📍 The Bayhead Bridge Centre, HS1 2EB 🎟️ buff.ly/61xO2dx

“Behaviour matters just as much as legislation.” In his latest blog, Tenant Farming Commissioner Rob Black reflects on lessons from tenant farming - not just from policies, but from people’s lived experiences. 👉 Read the full blog here: buff.ly/GXre34f

Can tax support climate and land reform goals? We’ve published interim advice on how tax could: ✔️ cut land-based carbon emissions ✔️ support wider land reform ✔️ raise revenue for national priorities Read our advice here: buff.ly/dDuS27A

📢 Our popular land agents CPD series is back! Land: Why collaborate? Monday 22 Sept from 12pm – 1pm. This session will explore the benefits and challenges of partnership working in land management. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/land-why-c...

Gaelic is woven into Scotland’s landscapes - words like ben (mountain) and glen (valley) show the deep ties between land, culture & community. As we think about what it would look like to complete Scotland’s land reform journey, we want to keep these connections in mind. buff.ly/RiO3i9z

We had a fantastic response to our recent panel on what land reform can do for urban Scotland 👏 Land reform is often seen as a rural issue but the level of interest shows an appetite to focus on the land challenges facing our towns and cities. 🎥 Watch back: www.youtube.com/watch?v=rylb...

Here’s my 5 min video as invited by the Scottish Government’s land commission… about Scotland’s Future. I describe the differences land reform makes to communities — housing, enterprise, energy & empowerment — then recite The Forge, a poem on belonging to place (published by @luathpress.bsky.social)

Michael Russell, Chair of the Scottish Land Commission, shares why we’re inviting you to take part in public meetings across Scotland – starting in Wick on 4 Sept. 🕖 7pm | 📍 Norseman Hotel 🎟 Free & open to all 🔗 buff.ly/BqUrAtQ ⚠️ Please note, our Aberdeen event is now fully booked.

What would it look like to Scotland’s land reform journey? In Part 2 of our ScotLand Futures blog series, four contributors offer fresh perspectives on ownership, legislation and the future of land reform. Read and watch our latest contributions: www.landcommission.gov.scot/news-events/...

New crofts, new opportunities Balnagown Estate and the Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust are working together to create up to 4 new tenanted crofts in Garbhad Wood. You can find out more about this project and other exciting examples of collaboration in our Governance Guide: buff.ly/D5WwOWB

Booking now live! You can now book your place at our upcoming ScotLand Futures public meetings in Stornoway and Aberdeen! We’ll be talking about land, community, and what matters most to your local area and we’d love to see you there. 🗓️ Stornoway – 8 Oct 🗓️ Aberdeen – 29 Oct 🎟️ buff.ly/629UMo8

As anyone working the land knows, change rarely comes all at once - it’s the result of steady, practical steps taken over time. In our latest blog, Peter MacDougall reflects on a challenging year and what’s needed to move forward buff.ly/iGWEzPc

We’re hitting the road! This autumn, the Scottish Land Commission is hosting public meetings across Scotland. We will be in: 📍 Wick, Dumfries, Stornoway and Aberdeen 🎟️ Booking open for Wick and Dumfries | Booking coming soon for Stornoway and Aberdeen buff.ly/X435eDE

What can land reform do for urban Scotland? Join our expert panel to explore housing, climate, and community power in towns and cities. 📅 28 August | 🕓 4pm - 4:50pm | 💻 Zoom 🔗 buff.ly/P0cbP15 #ScotLandFutures

💬 “I wish I had done things differently.” It’s something we hear often from landowners after conflict has emerged. The key? Early engagement, transparency, and active listening. Our latest blog explores why these simple principles are so powerful: buff.ly/Hf2UAMg

'To meet the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, how we use our land is fundamental. Right now, it is not fair for humans, or nature.' Read more from LINK's @naturepower.bsky.social and the other contributors to this thought-provoking series on Scotland's land reform journey. 👇

What would it mean to complete Scotland’s land reform journey? In Part 1 of our ScotLand Futures blog series, 4 contributors share bold ideas & reflections on land, power & the public interest: Deborah Long, Dee Ward, John Watt & Morag Paterson Read: www.landcommission.gov.scot/news-events/...

🚨 We’re hiring: Head of Practice and Advice Lead our Good Practice team and help shape how land is owned and used across Scotland. 💼 Permanent | £56,382–£69,018 📍 Inverness (hybrid) | 35hrs, flexible/part-time options 📅 Apply by 5pm, Fri 1 Aug 🗓 Interviews: 13–14 Aug, Inverness 🔗 buff.ly/hiKmIey