1. Community engagement – the landowner perspective | 14-09-2017
Gavin Mowat
Policy Officer (Communities & Rural Development)

2. Community engagement – the landowner perspective
Land Reform/Community Empowerment
timeline
Guidance on Engaging Communities in Decisions Relating to Land.
Land Reform (Scotland) Bill put before Parliament June, 2015.
Abolition of Feudal Tenure (Scotland) Act 2000.
The Land Reform Review Group 2012.
Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016.
Abandoned and neglected land.
LRRS.
Sustainable development.
Late 1990’s: Land Reform Policy Group.
Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.
Future of Land Reform in Scotland consultation 2014.
Community Empowerment (Scotland)Act 2015.
The Land Commission, Community Planning, Community Asset Transfer etc.
Various parts of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 begin to be implemented.

3. Community engagement – the landowner perspective
Our message
We do not advocate protection of private property rights at all cost
We help members explore all opportunities working with communities including involvement in the management or complete transfer of assets
We support the principle of transparent ownership
We support the principle of the Land Commission
We support community engagement provisions.
Land Reform context
Our members should undertake to manage land based businesses on principles of:
Openness
Inclusive working
Enabling, and
Responsibility.
Landowners’ Commitment

4. Community engagement – the landowner perspective
Genuine engagement and collaboration with estate communities and other partners will result in a long-term change in the image of privately-owned estates, increased wider confidence in the estate sector, and recognition of the important role of estates in delivering multiple public benefits.
- Glass et al., 2012: p25

5. Community engagement – the landowner perspective
Barriers to community engagement from the landowner perspective
Outdated attitudes
Local Groups, Community Councils and Trusts competing for the same project/resources
‘Resources for Results’ – small estates might have limited assets
Capacity and succession issues
Trust

6. Outdated views Resources Trust
Community engagement – the landowner perspective
How effective community engagement can help
Owners, managers, land agents must all work to be held in a positive light.
Trust
Outdated views
Resources
Small estates can be brought together to share resources with each other and the community.
Generated over long periods of engagement and building first hand relationships.

7. Community engagement – the landowner perspective
Our community engagement work
Community Engagement Programme - Working Together for Sustainable Estate Communities
Protocol for Negotiated Sales
Signposting to VOiCE
Signposting to case studies like Helping it Happen
Community Engagement Programme - Guidance on Engaging Communities in Decisions Relating to Land

8. Community engagement – the landowner perspective
Conclusions
Effective community engagement is in the best interests of all stakeholders
Good communication is key to building trust and trust is a foundation of good engagement
A lot of work is being done and people’s knowledge base is increasing
There is always more that can be done
My door is always open

9. Community engagement – the landowner perspective
Cause for celebration?

10.
@ScotLandEstates