Seòmar agus comataidhean

The Scottish Land Commission recommended that a public interest test be applied to transfers, but the Government has chosen to go for a transfer test instead. Why do you think that it has taken that approach, and not a public interest one?

I am not going to put words into your mouth.

Linda, is that your view?

Josh, you mentioned enforcement. Are you clear about what enforcement functions the commissioner will have? Are those functions sufficient, particularly in areas such as community engagement or land management plans?

Thanks.

Should the enforcement provisions for the commissioner be based on statute?

My final point is in relation to the disqualification criteria that are set out for the commissioner. A provision in section 6 says that a person is to be disqualified from the role if they have been the owner of a large landholding in the preceding year. Is the threshold sufficient?

Does Jon or Linda want to contribute on this question?

Section 6 will establish the land and communities commissioner. Has the Government got the establishment of the commissioner right?

I was just taking on board your point about the lack of a definition of “community” and testing whether you have a clear understanding of what you think should be applied in defining that against what is proposed in the bill. I take it from what you said that you think that it should not be in the bill, but should be addressed in guidance. That could be more principle based, rather than being overly prescriptive, to help to define what a community is. Is that a fair reflection of what you are saying?