Housing is one of Scotland’s most pressing challenges, particularly in rural areas, where a shortage of affordable, sustainable homes is contributing to depopulation and economic strain. The Scottish Land Commission’s latest report highlights the critical need for more housing and suggests that public land acquisition could help drive development.

As we watch fireworks illuminate the sky on Guy Fawkes Night, it’s a fitting reminder of how a single spark can have far-reaching effects. Similarly, the outcome of the U.S. presidential election creates ripples that are felt around the world, including in rural Scotland.

In any communication, particularly when delivering difficult or sensitive news, the tone, style, and delivery can shape public perception as much as the content itself. This concept is not just relevant to high-stakes situations but applies broadly, from corporate messaging to political speeches. A recent and very public example of this principle was seen during the budget announcement

As a flurry of emails and social posts jump back and forth from my land owning clients this morning about all the work that has already taken place this morning following last night's storm - work that aims to keep their employees and tenants safe as well as members of the public taking recreational access to these land holdings, I am reminded of the immense amount of work and commitment that goes in to owning and maintaining land.

Love him or loathe him, many feel that Jeremy Clarkson has done more to raise awareness of the challenges facing farmers than the large scale organisations whose main role is to do just that! But I am not here to discuss his popularity, I was however very interested to witness his approach to community engagement in the second season of Clarkson's Farm.

Many of you will have heard me talk about the importance of celebrating achievements before we ask 'what's next', and this piece of research does precisely that. It doesn't claim there isn't more to be done or that there isn't an appetite to do more, but it helps us to recognise how much is already being done, something that has been missing from the land reform debate thus far.