"I wish we had engaged with the community earlier." It's something our Good Practice team hears often from landowners and project developers.

If you're at the Black Isle Show today, keep an eye out for our Tenant Farming Manager and Tenant Farming Officer. They'll be there throughout the day and would be happy to chat about tenant farming, answer any questions, or simply say hello 👋

What does the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2025 mean for forestry? James MacKessack-Leitch, explores how the new legislation could shape investment, community engagement and woodland management in this article. Shared with permission of the Royal Scottish Forestry Society (RSFS). buff.ly/5BgvPhX

What's next for community ownership in Scotland? We're bringing together the experts behind some of the latest research and policy advice to explore where community ownership goes from here—and answer your questions in a live Q&A. 📅 20 August | 12–1pm 🎟️ Free to attend: buff.ly/PaxMPHI

After two days at this year's Royal Highland Show speaking to landlords, tenants and land agents from across Scotland, our Tenant Farming Manager, Peter MacDougall, noticed the theme of confidence coming up time and again. buff.ly/TmCZ7IY

Long-term derelict land represents a major opportunity. These sites could provide homes, jobs, green space and support wider regeneration. Our latest research explores how tax policy could play a more strategic role alongside other measures to help bring more of them back into use. buff.ly/3FFGYk7

Community ownership is already creating jobs, supporting homes, restoring nature and strengthening communities across Scotland. Our new advice sets out practical steps to help more communities succeed, including better funding, stronger support and simpler processes. buff.ly/ZhFBV2h

There's still time to apply. We're looking for a Head of Practice and Advice to help shape how responsible land ownership is put into practice across Scotland. Find out more: buff.ly/MbcN5zs

In a new guest blog, Dr Bobby Macaulay explores the barriers communities face and what could help unlock future opportunities. Next week we'll publish new advice on the practical steps that could help more communities benefit from community ownership. Read more: buff.ly/TbYCYeH

When we have a clearer picture of how land is owned, used and valued, we can make better decisions that benefit communities, public services and the economy. Our latest research explores what Scotland can learn from countries with more connected land information systems. buff.ly/skb81PR

Scotland's rural land market isn't following a single trend. Our latest Rural Land Market Report shows that while farmland has remained resilient, forestry and natural capital markets have cooled, highlighting how different sectors are responding to changing market conditions. buff.ly/Ifjhsgw

Sometimes it's easier to write things down than pick up the phone. Our new online enquiry form for the Tenant Farming Helpline lets you get in touch whenever it suits you. Share the details of your query and we'll get back to you. Find out more: buff.ly/heDd9Np

A week on from the Royal Highland Show, we're reflecting on two fantastic conversations about the future of Scotland's land. From the future of tenant farming to how better land data can support better decisions, thank you to everyone who joined us, shared insights and helped shape the discussion.

Passionate about helping landowners, managers and communities work together to create better outcomes? We're looking for a Head of Practice and Advice to lead our Good Practice team and help turn the principles of responsible land ownership into practical change. buff.ly/MbcN5zs

It was a pleasure to welcome Cabinet Secretary Gillian Martin MSP to Langholm and hear from the team behind Tarras Valley Nature Reserve. Their story shows the power of community ownership to deliver benefits for people, nature and the local economy.

This week we launched our latest Insights Report and next week, we're taking the conversation to the Royal Highland Show. If you're interested in Scotland's rural land market come along and join the discussion. Tickets are free: buff.ly/KRSgPp7

Scotland’s rural land market is becoming more cautious and selective, according to our new Rural Land Market Report 2026, produced with SRUC. After years of rapid growth, activity slowed across most sectors with buyers taking more time and looking more closely at long-term returns. buff.ly/ipqieB4

Over the past year, we've been exploring how communities can benefit from growing investment in nature through our Community Benefits from Nature project. In this blog, Annabel reflects on the lessons from a year of working with communities and landowners across Scotland. buff.ly/VKUuBb8

Drop-in sessions at the Royal Highland Show Meet the Scottish Land Commission's Tenant Farming Commissioner, Tenant Farming Manager and Good Practice Advisers for informal discussions on tenant farming, good practice and current issues affecting the sector. 📍 Find us at the following stands 👇

Come along and join the conversation at the Royal Highland Show. We’ll be discussing Scotland’s rural land market, transparency and why better land information matters for communities, people and the environment. 📍 SRUC Pavilion 📅 19 June 🕟 4.30–5.30pm 🎟️ buff.ly/LbIMlA2

A more proactive approach to ownerless land is helping turn forgotten sites into places with real community value. David Stewart explores how the Proactive Bona Vacantia Project is identifying sites for public benefit. Read the blog: buff.ly/CrjlY1M 📸 Image credit: Alan Henderson, KLTR

Senior Finance Officer Helping Scotland’s land deliver greater benefit for people and communities takes many different kinds of expertise. Our finance team plays an important role in supporting planning, governance and good decision-making across the organisation. Find out more buff.ly/4K87IrV

Our Good Practice Programme supports constructive conversations about land in Scotland. We work with communities, landowners and public bodies to encourage early conversations and better understanding. Find advice and support: buff.ly/3OJMzhC

Our second Royal Highland Show panel discussion will explore Scotland’s rural land market, land data and transparency. We’ll discuss findings from the latest rural land market report and the role of accessible land data in supporting better decision-making. Find out more and book: buff.ly/umZvOih

What next for tenant farming in Scotland? Join us at the Royal Highland Show for a panel discussion exploring the future of Scotland’s tenant farming sector, with perspectives from across farming, land management, rural policy and agricultural law. Find out more and book: buff.ly/AVBmLOv

We’re hiring a Senior Finance Officer to join our team. 📍 Inverness (hybrid considered) 💼 9-month maternity cover, possible extension ⏰ Full or part-time 💰 £38,791–£44,311 We’re looking for someone with strong financial reporting and data management skills. buff.ly/vqRh7i0

We regularly speak with land agents, community representatives, NGOs, landowners, developers and others about land decision-making in Scotland. A consistent theme is the importance of trust, active listening and constructive conversation between people with different perspectives. buff.ly/ASKiQ66

Big conversations on land and rural Scotland are coming to this year’s Royal Highland Show. We’ll be announcing our event programme soon - join our mailing list to be the first to hear what’s planned. buff.ly/xjTfiVE

📢Reminder: Invitation to Tender - New Model Lease for Environmental Purposes. Supporting implementation of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2025, this project will explore new approaches to land use alongside or beyond traditional agriculture. 📅 Deadline: 18 May 2026, 12:00 Details: buff.ly/HAiXbc7

⌛ Closing soon Applications for our Tenant Farming Officer role close this Sunday. If you’re looking to be part of a team working to make a real difference across Scotland’s agricultural sector, we’d like to hear from you. Find out more and apply: buff.ly/SnkKW2j 📸 James MacKessack-Leitch