Calum Stewart and Karen Grant will support the organisation’s work shaping change on the ground to ensure more people benefit from Scotland’s land.

The two will work with landowners and managers, community organisations, local authorities, and a range of wider stakeholders to raise awareness of how to fulfil land rights and responsibilities.

This work supports the practical implementation of the Scottish Government’s land rights and responsibilities statement, which sets the vision for a strong and dynamic relationship between Scotland’s land and its people. Land rights and responsibilities applies to all urban and rural land and buildings in Scotland and the expected behaviour of those with an interest in that land. The statement underpins the work of the Scottish Land Commission in promoting change and setting expectations for the way our land is owned and used.

The Commission’s series of Land Rights and Responsibilities Protocols set out in practical terms what should be expected as normal practice, for example in community engagement and transparency of ownership.

Mr Stewart and Ms Grant will be responsible for supporting the on-the-ground implementation of the Protocols, working with a range of landowners and communities to provide practical advice and training to promote change in the way land is owned and used in Scotland.

Emma Cooper, head of land rights and responsibilities, commented: “I am delighted to welcome Karen and Calum to the Commission’s Good Practice team. Their experience will further strengthen our ability to lead positive change on the ground in the ways Scotland’s land is owned and used.

“It is vital in current times, as we shape an economic recovery and work towards Scotland’s ambitious climate targets, that Scotland’s land is owned and used in a fair and productive way, to deliver on the needs and ambitions of people, communities and businesses across rural and urban Scotland.

“The Scottish Land Commission’s role will continue to combine driving change on the ground in current practice as well as shaping proposals for the next stages in Scotland’s land reform programme.”