Who's up for being a Land Commissioner?

How quickly things change. Before the Land Reform Review Group reported in 2014, government interest in land reform was thought to be adrift in the political doldrums. And yet today, a progressive programme of land reform is being seen as a central plank of Scottish Government policy. Recognising that land reform is both long term and multi-dimensional, the Scottih Government has committed itself to establishing a new mechanism to safeguard against any loss of momentum in the future. The call is out for candidates to become Scotland’s first Land Commissioners.

The Commission is looking for expertise in a range of areas, from land reform, community empowerment and human rights

Membership of the new Scottish Land Commission will be made up of five Land Commissioners and a Tenant Farming Commissioner. The Commission will conduct studies and research into the effect of law, policies and practices which will help form the evidence base for any future land reform measures. Land Commissioners will have the opportunity to help shape the way that policies on matters relating to urban and rural land are researched, reviewed and understood, and how advice is given to Ministers. The Commission is looking for expertise in a range of areas, from land reform, community empowerment and human rights. These are key areas of expertise within our sector. It would be great to have a diverse Commission that reflects the needs of Scottish communities - that's why we’re encouraging applications from the third sector. This is a real opportunity to ensure that momentum is maintained on the issue of land reform. Regardless of the political climate, we believe land reform and community empowerment is a pivotal issue. If we want this Commission to be responsive to third sector views, we need to ensure the sector has a strong representative voice. Only then can we guarantee that the Commission will drive forward the objectives of sustainable growth, community ownership and human rights. If you think you’d like to be at the heart of the land reform agenda, visit the public appointments website to find out more about the posts, including time commitment and remuneration. The deadline for applications is the 2nd of September. Angus Hardie is the Director of the Scottish Community Alliance.