A CAMPAIGN to 'connect people to the land around them has been launched by the Scottish Land Commission, centred around a brand-new online content hub, MyLand.scot, which tells the stories of how Scotland’s land is owned, used and managed.

The website aims to tell the public how land ownership affects everyday life, impacting on work and employment, communities, and even house prices. The intention is to inspire Scottish residents – particularly those in urban Scotland – to participate in land-related conversations, ensuring land is used fairly and productively.

Chief executive of the Scottish Land Commission, Hamish Trench, explained: “The way we own and use land influences many parts of our everyday lives. From the price and availability of housing, access to greenspace, the effects of derelict sites in the heart of our communities, our ability to take climate action to giving people the means and confidence to build businesses and communities. ‘MyLand’ shines a light on communities taking an interest in the land around them so that it benefits everybody. We hope that these stories inspire people to have a look at the land around them and stir interest to take action. Helping to create a Scotland where everybody benefits from the ownership, management and use of the nation’s land."

After the Pandemic project manager, Anne Johnstone, backed his sentiments, saying: “The MyLand campaign will provide a wonderful central hub of rich stories which I believe will help raise awareness of how land use can affect us all. It was important for the After the Pandemic project to make use of derelict land to show the opportunity that is there for land use to contribute positively to climate change. Derelict land in urban areas creates a sense of disconnect for communities. For us, having this huge space in the heart of the city centre become part of Glasgow's fabric is vital – at present derelict land is part of a problem, but in future it can offer a solution, and we hope to engage people in these conversations around how land is used.”

Meanwhile in Edinburgh, Bellfield Church in Portobello is another hallmark of success for community initiatives and making the most of Scotland’s land. When the Church of Scotland decided to sell Portobello Old Parish Church, the residents came together to save this important building and keep it in the community by taking advantage of the Scottish Government’s Community Right to Buy Scheme – the first time this was used in an urban area. More recently, residents of Portobello have taken additional land into the hands of the community, as the City of Edinburgh Council accepted a proposal for the community management of its local town hall.

Portobello Central, who has taken management of the land, say they will set up a charity with a community membership who will work with Bellfield to ensure that Portobello and surrounding areas have the widest possible range of activities and services for locals.

Treasurer at Action Porty, Jennifer Elliot, explained: “I am delighted to support the new MyLand campaign. The way that land is used and owned in local areas is vital to the vibrancy and culture of the community. I am lucky enough to have been involved in both the Bellfield buy out by Action Porty and in the Porty Central negotiations to bring Portobello town hall under community management and ownership. I know the way in which taking an active interest in the land around us can empower communities to take action, and the benefits to Portobello have been astonishing. The MyLand.scot content hub will inspire people in towns, villages and cities across Scotland to look closer at the land around them and see the potential for uses that benefit communities as it has done in Portobello.”

As part of the campaign, the Scottish Land Commission will be launching a brand-new podcast, The Lay of the Land, hosted by filmmaker and broadcaster Calum Maclean.