Megan MacInnes Appointed Head of Practice and Advice at Scottish Land Commission
New appointment brings extensive experience in land reform and community empowerment to the organisation at a key time for land reform in Scotland.
By Morag Henderson
••3 min read
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The Scottish Land Commission has appointed Megan MacInnes as its new Head of Practice and Advice, bringing extensive experience in land reform, community empowerment, and responsible land management.
Megan MacInnes joins the Commission at a significant juncture for land reform in Scotland, with the recent Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2025 placing a renewed emphasis on responsible land ownership and the role of communities in land-related decisions.
In her new capacity, she will lead the Commission's Good Practice Team. Her work will involve collaborating with landowners, managers, and communities to foster responsible practices in land ownership, management, and use. This includes supporting enhanced community engagement, building stronger relationships, and assisting individuals in implementing the principles outlined in Scotland's Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement. She will also play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the new Land and Communities Commissioner functions and developing the Commission’s strategy for the new community engagement obligation on large landholdings.
MacInnes brings a robust blend of policy knowledge and practical expertise, having worked on land rights and natural resource governance internationally, alongside community-led development initiatives within Scotland. Previously, she spent five years managing land and assets for the Applecross Community Company, overseeing projects tailored to local needs and priorities. She also served as one of the Commission's inaugural Land Commissioners from 2017 to 2023.
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"We're delighted to welcome Megan to the Commission. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in land reform, alongside a real understanding of what it takes to deliver positive change in practice. With the new Land Reform Act bringing fresh opportunities to strengthen responsible land ownership and management, Megan's experience and insight will be hugely valuable as we build on the work of our Good Practice Team."
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"I'm really pleased to be joining the Commission at an important time for land reform in Scotland. My experience has shown me how important it is for communities to have a say in decisions about land, but also that good intentions need to be backed up by practical action and support. I'm looking forward to working with the team and using what I've learned over the years to help landowners, managers and communities find ways to make things work better in practice."
The Scottish Land Commission's Good Practice Programme offers free advice, guidance, and practical support to promote responsible land ownership and management, aiming to ensure Scotland's land yields greater benefits for people, communities, and the environment.
