Michael Russell

The role of the commission is to advise the Scottish government on an ongoing programme of land reform, and to provide leadership for change in culture and practice.

Craig MacKenzie and Deborah Roberts were appointed as land commissioners.

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “I would like to congratulate the new chair and new Land Commissioners and look forward to working with them. They have the opportunity to build on these achievements and I know that they will continue to work hard to create a Scotland where everyone can benefit from the ownership and use of the nation’s land and buildings.”

Scottish Tory MSP Murdo Fraser said on X: “Of all the potential candidates to be Chair of @ScottishLandCom, are we seriously expected to believe that it’s just a coincidence that SNP President Michael Russell was deemed best qualified?

“The stench of corruption around this failing SNP Govt grows ever stronger.”

Former Scottish Greens MSP Andy Wightman said last week that the appointment was “very odd” for a non-departmental public body.