The Scottish Government is seeking to appoint a new Chair for the Scottish Land Commission to support its drive towards a fairer Scotland as the nation approaches a decisive time in its land reform journey.

The public body, charged with advising on land ownership and use across the country, is encouraging people to apply to be its new Chair, as well as two Land Commissioner roles.

The Scottish Government is seeking candidates to stimulate fresh thinking on the ways in which we make Scotland's land fairer for all, and will consider applicants from any background who meet the requirements of the roles.

Current Commission Chair, Andrew Thin, will depart the body following six years of guiding Scotland on its land reform journey, playing a vital role in shaping the body's recommendations to Scottish Ministers while influencing policy work on land rights and responsibilities.

Andrew said: "Over the past five years, the issue of Scotland's land ownership and fairer ways of managing and using land have grown exponentially. To have played a part in driving a programme of work towards a fairer Scotland has been a real privilege.

"We are in a significant period of change in Scotland when it comes to land ownership and use, where we must work across urban and rural Scotland to ensure a just transition that realises the potential of Scotland's land for its people and economy.


"The role of Chair is demanding but it is also an extremely rewarding post, and I would urge anyone who has an interest in improving the lives of Scotland's people to apply.

"Although I am sad to be leaving, this will be an exciting new chapter for the Scottish Land Commission and a fantastic opportunity for someone with the passion, drive, and determination to come in and contribute to addressing the very real challenges that we face in making the most of Scotland's land."

The Chair will be responsible for ensuring that the Scottish Land Commission's work and actions support the Scottish Ministers' wider strategic policies. Candidates are urged to apply before the closing date of 12 October, with two online information events taking place on 5 October at 13:00 and 19:00.

Alongside Andrew, Land Commissioners Megan MacInnes and Professor David Adams will also be stepping down from their roles, providing an opportunity for interested applicants to apply for a position on the Commission's Board.

Those appointed will help drive change on the ground and encourage fresh thinking on how land is owned, managed, and used in Scotland. Appointed by Scottish Ministers, applicants are encouraged to apply from a variety of backgrounds and a mix of career experience – from finance to property.

Chief Executive of the Scottish Land Commission, Hamish Trench, said: "Scotland's land is a finite resource and we need to be creative and ambitious in how we make the most of it for all of Scotland's people. The Commission's Board is uniquely placed to shape that journey with a role advising on policy and legislative change as well as providing leadership for culture change in practice."

"This is a great opportunity for those interested in land to add fresh thinking at the Commission, working with our staff team to continue the incredibly valuable work that our Chair and Commissioners have begun."

The Scottish Land Commission provides advice and recommendations for reforms to law and policy as well as leadership for change in culture and practice, working to create a Scotland where everybody can benefit from the ownership and use of the nation's land and buildings.