New leadership team to help shape Scotland’s land policy

Sarah Madden has joined the Commission as head of practice and advice and will be responsible for leading the Commission’s Good Practice Programme, working with public and private landowners, sector professionals, community groups and individuals to support responsible land ownership and use. Sarah comes from Woodland Trust Scotland, where she took forward a programme of policy development and advocacy on all things forestry and land use.

With a background spanning rural policy, community engagement and environmental advocacy, she brings first-hand experience of working with communities, landowners and decision-makers. Her previous roles include rural communities policy adviser at Scottish Land and Estates, where she supported the Commission’s good practice programme, and earlier in her career, casework for a Member of Parliament.

Sarah Madden said: “It’s a really exciting time to join the Scottish Land Commission. Our land plays a critical role in Scotland’s response to climate change, reversing nature loss, supporting communities and local economies, and its role will be even stronger in the years to come. I’m looking forward to working alongside land managers and communities of all kinds to support positive behaviours in land ownership and use, helping ensure the benefits are felt widely.”

Kathie Pollard has been appointed as head of policy, leading the team responsible for policy advice, analysis and research to inform Scotland’s approach to land reform. Kathie has worked at the heart of the Commission since 2018, shaping advice on topics ranging from land tax and tackling vacant and derelict land to measures addressing concentrated landownership. She brings a strong background in planning, environmental and nature finance policy, with previous roles in the Scottish Government and third sector.

Kathie Pollard said: “We are facing a crucial point in time where we need a wide range of policies and legislation to make sure that land, how its owned and used, makes a real difference to people and places. I’m pleased to be leading the policy team help with this challenge and excited about what can be achieved.”

Hamish Trench, chief executive of the Scottish Land Commission, said: “Sarah and Kathie bring a wealth of expertise and fresh energy to our work. Their leadership will help us deliver ambitious advice on policy and practice at a key stage for land reform in Scotland.”