Who owns Caithness? Chance to quiz commission in Thurso over land ownership and use
People in Caithness will be given a chance to question the board of the Scottish Land Commission when it visits Caithness for the first time next month.
A public meeting planned in Thurso is designed to encourage local residents to have their say on issues affecting land ownership and use in the area.
It is hoped that as many people as possible will take up the opportunity to get involved in what promises to be a lively discussion of the topics surrounding land use.
The commission provides advice and recommendations on land reform issues to the Scottish Government.
Chairman Michael Russell emphasised the importance of the commission engaging with local communities through public meetings.
“Communities play a vital role in shaping the future of our land,” the former MSP said.
“We want to hear directly from people about the practical issues land reform can help address and we look forward to discussing the issues and opportunities people see in this area.
“This is the first time since I took the chair on February 1 this year that the entire board of the commission along with its chief executive will have been open to question on the ground in a community, and it is also our first visit to Caithness.
“I hope that there will be a good take up of the opportunity to raise concerns, explore the new Land Reform Bill and suggest further work and actions for the commission.
“We would love to see as many people there as possible and encourage everyone to attend and be part of what we hope will be a lively discussion.”
The event will be attended by members of the commission’s staff including chief executive Hamish Trench and head of land rights and responsibilities Emma Cooper, who are instrumental in developing policy recommendations and the Good Practice programme, which is designed to support change in the way land is owned and used in both urban and rural Scotland.
Those attending will have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss any matters about land ownership, as well as providing an opportunity to understand more about the recent Land Reform Bill and proposed measures to improve access to land for communities.
The public meeting in Thurso, which takes place at the Pentland Hotel on September 2 from 7pm-8.30pm, is part of an ongoing effort to hear from communities across Scotland and address the issues that matter most to them.
To register for the event, visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/scottish-land-commission-public-meeting-tickets-961516129627
Established under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016, the Scottish Land Commission is made up of five land commissioners and a tenant farming commissioner. It is based in Inverness with a team of staff led by chief executive Hamish Trench.