Ministers selected Dr Lucy Beattie and Dr Calum MacLeod as land commissioners and the appointment of Robert Black as tenant farming commissioner at the Scottish Land Commission, following their recommendation by an independent panel.

In line with the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016, ministerial appointments to the SLC are subject to Parliamentary approval. The appointment of the commissioners will be confirmed and publicised next month once the public appointments process is completed.

The role of the Scottish Land Commission is to advise the Scottish Government on an ongoing programme of land reform, and to provide leadership for change in culture and practice.

Rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “I would like to congratulate Dr Beattie, Dr MacLeod and Mr Black and look forward to working with them. They have the opportunity to build on past achievements and I know that they will continue to work hard to create a Scotland where everyone can benefit from the ownership and use of the nation’s land and buildings.

“I would like to thank Dr Sally Reynolds and Lorne McLeod who are stepping down as the Land Commissioners, as well as the outgoing Tenant Farming Commissioner Dr Bob McIntosh for his leadership and achievements as Tenant Farming Commissioner.

“From getting the Commission established on time to developing it into a well-respected and trusted voice on land reform, the achievements of the outgoing members are numerous. They have undertaken key research and informed policy decisions, whilst Bob’s many achievements and leadership have been invaluable in establishing the role of the Tenant Farming Commissioner as a trusted voice and advocate.”