Loch Lomond landowners discuss Scotland's environment

18 people took part in the event in Kinlochard Village Hall which featured sessions and discussions around fairness, engagement, and opportunities for land in Scotland.

The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority was pleased with the discussions which aligned with their National Park Partnership plan which hopes to launch this spring.

Dominic Hall, of the authority, said: “Our new National Park Partnership plan lays down an ambitious vision for a nature-positive, carbon-negative, thriving place.

“Our land managers will be key in delivering that and so we’re delighted to have been involved in a hugely positive day which demonstrated how engaged land managers and communities are in working together to meet this challenge and deliver a thriving place for all.”

Hosted by the Scottish Land Commission, in partnership with Scottish Land and Estates and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, the meeting was the latest Scottish Land Commission event focusing on the Scottish Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement (LRRS).

The LRRS sets out the best practice and vision for the ownership, use and management of land, setting out how there should be a balance between the rights of landowners, managers, local communities, and society at large.

Head of land rights and responsibilities at the Scottish Land Commission, Emma Cooper, said: “It is encouraging to have such positive engagement from significant landowners and managers in the national park in developing good practice.

“Each participant took time away from their usual activities to consider what responsible landownership looks like, demonstrating leadership and commitment to good practice.

“The group of landowners and managers expressed their support for the principles of the LRRS.

“Insights were shared about practical good practices in community engagement and transparency and there was robust discussion about land reform legislation and voluntary approaches.”

Landowners and managers discussing (Image: Holyrood PR)

The discussion focussed on ways landowners, land managers, and communities can collaborate - citing case studies from Luss Estates and Lochgoil Community Trust showing the benefits collaborative planning can bring landowners and communities.

Policy adviser at Scottish Land and Estates, Sarah Madden, said: “This event was a fantastic opportunity to connect land managers with the Scottish Land Commission.

“The discussions around good practice in land management and the challenges that can arise in effective community engagement were hugely constructive and honest.

“It was particularly useful to hear from the fantastic case studies - a community strategy success story from a land manager's perspective as well as the successes and challenges of managing a community trust in the park.

“Connecting these different perspectives is imperative for the formation of sound ideas and policy.”

The event was part of the Good Practice Programme of the Scottish Land Commission, which works to align ownership and management of land with the principles of the LRRS.

This is done in rural and urban contexts across all sectors and types of landownerships and management – including public, private and community bodies.

The Scottish Land Commission seeks to support the development of good practice through guidance, resources, training, and casework, as well as enabling discussions on land issues.

They provide advice and recommendations for reforms to law and policy as well as leadership for change in culture and practice.

To find out more about the Scottish Land Commission, please visit www.landcommission.gov.scot.