Community Engagement Obligations and draft large land holdings guidance under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2025

Closes 26 Jan 2027

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Community Engagement Obligations: Land Management Plans - requirements to update

This section asks questions about what requirements there should be for plans to be updated, either because there has been a significant change, or because of a review.

What the Act requires

The 2025 Act requires community engagement to be undertaken when a LMP is subject to a significant change. The 2025 Act does not define what constitutes a significant change.

What we propose

We propose that guidance sets out when engagement would be expected following changes to a LMP.  This would reflect the likely effects of the change and if it has a significant impact on the local community and take into account existing guidance such as the Guidance on Engaging Communities in Decisions Relating to Land published under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016, and related Scottish Land Commission protocol.

Some illustrative examples could be:

  • a substantial change in the primary use of land (for example when the primary land use changes from agricultural to forestry);
  • significant changes to public access arrangements;
  • a significant change to the extent of the landholding (e.g. if purchased by a new landowner and is now connected to further landholdings).
  • proposals for new infrastructure or developments which may affect local communities (for example housing, land to build new village hall,);
  • changes affecting community use of land or facilities,
  • other changes that are likely to have substantial social, economic, environmental or cultural impacts at a local level (for example job creation, large scale environmental project).

We propose that routine updates, factual corrections and minor operational changes would not normally be regarded as significant changes requiring further engagement.

40. Are there particular types of change that you view should normally be regarded as significant and trigger further community engagement?
41. Are there particular types of change that you view should normally be regarded as minor and not require further community engagement?
42. Do you agree that further detail on what constitutes a “significant change” to a LMP should be provided through guidance rather than through a definition in regulations?
43. Do you agree that guidance should explain that a change to a LMP is likely to be significant where it is likely to have a significant impact on the local community, taking account of the approach set out in the Guidance on Engaging Communities in Decisions Relating to Land?

Definition of 'Significant impact'

Guidance on Engaging Communities in Decisions Relating to Land states that a 'significant impact is one which is felt at the level of the local population, rather than just at the level of an individual person or household. It will usually include things that impact on opportunities for local sustainable development, wellbeing, the fulfilment of human rights, and sustaining a viable community.' 

Some illustrative examples relevant to LMPs could be:

  • a substantial change in the primary use of land (for example when the primary land use changes from agricultural to forestry);
  • significant changes to public access arrangements;
  • a significant change to the extent of the land holding (e.g. if purchased by a new landowner and is now connected to further land holdings).
  • proposals for new infrastructure or developments which may affect local communities (for example housing, land to build new village hall);
  • changes affecting community use of land or facilities,
  • other changes that are likely to have substantial social, economic, environmental or cultural impacts at a local level (for example job creation, large scale environmental project).