Community engagement – the landowner perspective | 14-09-2017 Gavin Mowat Policy Officer (Communities & Rural Development)
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.
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
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
Community engagement – the landowner perspective Barriers to community engagement from the landowner perspective Outdated attitudes Local Groups, Community Councils and Trusts competing for the same project/resources ‘Resources for Results’ – small estates might have limited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
Outdated views Resources Trust Community engagement – the landowner perspective How effective community engagement can help Owners, managers, land agents must all work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 Trust Outdated views Resources Small estates can be brought together to share resources with each other and the community.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.
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
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
Community engagement – the landowner perspective Cause for celebration?
Gavin.mowat@scottishlandandestates.co.uk @ScotLandEstates