Seòmar agus comataidhean

Is it bizarre to have a situation in which communities can be involved in and consulted on the formulation of a plan but then have no say if that plan does not materialise?

Should there be more of a role for the land and communities commissioner in monitoring that?

Should we have to rely on Andy Wightman to do that?

This is the final question from me; I know that there is a lot to get through, convener. Peter Peacock, I note that you suggested further sanctions in your written evidence, and I am keen to hear you expand on that. One suggestion was about using powers under the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Act 2024 to apply cross-compliance measures.

We have heard about some challenges with implementation of the plans and what will happen if they are not acted on properly, but there are clearly also barriers, which Andy Wightman touched on, at the front end, given the power dynamics and the fact that communities do not have the time, resources or know-how. Will you touch on that, Laurie? Peter Peacock mentioned that more guidance will be required for communities, which goes back to the point about community wealth building. How do we resource communities to be actively engaged?

I am keen to hear from Magnus Linklater on this issue. We have heard that larger estates tend to do land management plans anyway. What is your view on the bill’s provisions with regard to net zero, nature and climate? Should that sort of detail be included? Do you agree that we might need more detail at this stage?

Thank you, that is helpful. I have questions on land management plans. Can I move on to those, convener?

I was going to go on to ask about the role of community consultation, but if you want to bring in—

Perhaps we could have brief responses. If the land management plans make it into the bill, how will we ensure that consultation of communities is meaningful? What should it look like and how do we manage public expectations around it? Andy Wightman has looked at me first.

The bill includes provisions for land management plans, which have been mentioned. Those are required to set out how the land is being managed in a way that contributes to achieving net zero, adapting to climate change and increasing or sustaining biodiversity. I am keen to understand whether that level of detail is sufficient, or whether other criteria should be included.

I will go to Andy Wightman first.