Ms MacInnes joins the commission at an important time for land reform in Scotland, with the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2025 bringing a renewed focus on responsible land ownership and the role of communities in decisions about land.

In her new role, she will lead the commission’s Good Practice Team, working with landowners, managers and communities to encourage responsible approaches to how land is owned, managed and used. This includes supporting better community engagement, strengthening relationships and helping people put the principles of Scotland’s Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement into practice. 

She will also play a key role supporting the implementation of the new land and communities commissioner functions and developing the commission’s approach to the new community engagement obligation on large landholdings.

Most recently, Ms MacInnes spent five years managing land and assets for the Applecross Community Company, delivering projects shaped by local needs and priorities. She also previously served as one of the commission’s first Land Commissioners between 2017 and 2023.

Hamish Trench, chief executive of the Scottish Land Commission, said: “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.”

Ms MacInnes said: “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.”