Looking Back at Land Links
This week we wrapped our Land Links series, a programme of six webinars aimed at sparking conversations about how land in Scotland can be owned and used for the benefit of more people.
Across six engaging sessions, experts, community leaders, and stakeholders explored key topics around land reform, ownership, and collaboration. Here’s a look back at each session with replays of each webinar so you can catch up on anything you missed.
What is changing in land reform?
The opening webinar laid the groundwork, explaining the changes underway in Scotland’s land reform journey. With updates on the Land Reform Bill and discussions around shifting behaviours, this session painted a clear picture of how policies and practice are addressing long-standing inequalities and encouraging fairer ownership and use of land.
What are land rights and responsibilities? A guide for everyone.
This webinar broke down the key principles of the Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement, making it accessible to all. It explored how the principles within the LRRS apply to all everyone and helped individuals and communities understand their roles and opportunities in shaping how we own and use land in Scotland. With clear examples and practical advice, this session was a must-watch for anyone looking to learn more about how community engagement, collaboration and stewardship of land is helping to ensure that land delivers for people and nature, both now and into the future.
Where can I find out information about land?
Access to information is a vital step in engaging with how the land around you is used. This webinar provided a guide to the resources and tools available to find out about land ownership and use in Scotland. Whether you’re curious about who owns a particular piece of land or want to explore data to support community projects, this session provided a roadmap to key resources like the Land Register of Scotland.
What happens when landowners and communities work together?
Collaboration between communities and landowners can lead to incredible outcomes, but it’s not without challenges. This session explored the benefits and hurdles of working together to manage land and resources. Henry Dobson, an estate manager with the Woodland Trust, and Angela Mercer, a board member of Arkaig Community Forest, shared their experiences of collaborating to restore native woodland habitats. Their story highlighted how such partnerships can help local people reconnect with the land, support environmental restoration, and build stronger community ties.
How can you engage with local landowners?
Engagement and dialogue between communities and landowners are essential for effective land management. This session featured Rachel Skene and Sara Harkin from the North West 2045 project and Andy Rockall from the Community Woodland Association. Together, they shared insights from their groundbreaking work supporting collaboration and understanding between communities and local landowners. Their experiences offered valuable lessons on building trust and creating meaningful partnerships.
What opportunities are there for community land ownership and use?
The series concluded by exploring the routes available for communities to take ownership or lease of land and buildings. This session discussed the different types of support and funding available, alongside the opportunities that land ownership brings. From creating jobs and building homes to protecting heritage and supporting wellbeing, the session highlighted how community land ownership can address local challenges and unlock new possibilities.
What next?
The Land Links webinar series has been a powerful way for us to engage with people with an interest in Scotland’s land reform journey. By exploring perspectives and providing actionable advice, these sessions provide a strong basis to take steps toward a more equitable and inclusive approach to land ownership and use.
We invite you to continue to engage with the critical issues influencing and impacting land reform. Browse our website, follow us on social media and or join our mailing list to learn more and access additional helpful resources.
