The Scottish Land Commission has introduced fresh guidelines that emphasise the importance of community-centred land use decisions.

The organisation, which provides advice and recommendations for reforms to law and policy as well as leadership for change in culture and practice, has described the publication as a “groundbreaking step.”

The commission points to increasing demand for rural land in Scotland continues to rise, driven in part by the emerging potential of natural capital, and says the new guidance provides a set of fundamental principles for landowners to follow.

The principles are designed to ensure that communities directly benefit from the evolving value and use of land.

The publication, entitled ‘Delivering Community Benefits from Land’ is the first guidance on the subject and looks to guide government, landowners, and investors to be able to deliver in practice on the Scottish Government’s clear expectation that investment in Scotland’s land should deliver community benefit.

The guidance follows the Scottish Land Commission’s publication of policy recommendations on making a just transition, which includes proposals to strengthen the regulation of carbon and nature markets, build the requirement for community benefit into public grants and market frameworks, and build greater capacity supporting communities to act.

Emma Cooper, Head of Land Rights and Responsibilities at the Scottish Land Commission said: “Making the most of Scotland’s land means not only involving communities in decision-making about land, but also considering the many ways in which the community can benefit from the way land is owned, managed and used. This goes beyond engagement, to empowerment.

“Sustainable communities need affordable housing, quality jobs, local businesses, access to outdoor spaces and so much more – land is key to delivering this. With so much at stake, we believe that landowners and investors can no longer afford to see community benefits as an optional extra but as a priority when making decisions about land.

“We also know through our work that many land owners want to support local communities to achieve their needs and aspirations, but simply aren’t sure how to approach it. This guidance sets out practical ways this can be done.”

The guidance also features clear examples of land use that impacts communities directly and positively, delivering a range of benefits, from Tayvallich Initiative to Balcaskie Estate and Peatland ACTION.