The commission has drawn lessons from the experience of the Tenant Farming Commissioner in seeking to influence behaviour, culture and practice. The programme is:

• based on promoting a fair and reasonable behaviour rather than policing compliance
• supports people to come to their own decisions and outcomes in a spirit of mutual respect
• provides a reference point for what is seen as expected and reasonable
• provides a support with advice and guidance.

The programme provides guidance on the practical implementation of the Scottish government’s Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement (LRRS), setting out expectations of what ought to happen in normal circumstances.

Included in the programme will be protocols to guide people and organisations in supporting change and good practice alongside case studies, with explainers and topic papers. They will focus on a wide range of issues including support for compliance with existing and forthcoming land reform legislation.

Scottish Land Commissioner, Sally Reynolds, said: “Decisions about land ownership, use and management are central to key challenges we are facing including climate action, productivity and a fair economy. We are developing this good practice programme with stakeholders to create a resource that is straightforward and practical. We hope it will be a valued reference point for landowners, land managers and communities.”

By promoting and sharing good practice the Commission aims to develop capacity and confidence in good practice among those with an interest in land in both rural and urban Scotland.

The LRRS is a key step in guiding land reform in Scotland, including matters relating to the ownership, use and management of land and associated rights and responsibilities. It applies to all urban and rural land, buildings and other infrastructure in Scotland, and it is relevant to all the people and communities of Scotland.