The South of Scotland Regional Land Use Partnership (RLUP) have gathered in Langholm, to consider the Scottish Government’s proposal for a national RLUP initiative.

The partnership shared their views on:
•    The strategic role and purpose of RLUPs;
•    How policy affecting land use can be better integrated;
•    How a stronger local and regional voice can help shape land use in the region while also meeting national ambitions for climate change, biodiversity, food, timber and energy.

South of Scotland Regional Land Use Framework progress

As well as supporting the development of the national initiative, the RLUP is also overseeing a number of projects under the Regional Land Use Framework, including:
•    The development of a natural capital innovation plan for the Lyne Water catchment;
•    A scoping study for a catchment plan of the River Nith catchment;
•    The development of Scotland’s first Regional Peatland Action Plan;
•    Gathering evidence for a State of Nature report for the South of Scotland.

Looking ahead to 2026

Moving into next year, there will be an opportunity for the RLUP co-ordinator - along with the RLUP leads in Highlands and the two national parks - to work with the Scottish Government to explore how policy can be better integrated for land use.

Councillor Stephen Thompson, Leader of Dumfries and Galloway Council, and Co-Chair of the South of Scotland RLUP, said: 
‘The South of Scotland is leading the way by producing Scotland’s first Regional Land Use Framework. We are now helping to develop the Scottish Government’s National Framework for Regional Land Use Partnerships. This is a way forward for responsible and sustainable land use and a great opportunity for the many interested stakeholders to work in partnership and collaboration to find innovative solutions. These solutions in turn will guide a more integrated approach to deliver for the needs of local business, local communities and for a nature-supporting environment.  The region needs a strong voice, and I am really encouraged by the positive and constructive participation along with the innovative ideas put forward at our recent Partnership meeting.”

Councillor Scott Hamilton, Deputy Leader of Scottish Borders Council, and Co-Chair of the South of Scotland RLUP, added:
“Our region has outstanding natural capital resources, producing high quality food and timber, and the Regional Land Use Framework will help guide our actions to sustain this. The Framework aims to create opportunities for local businesses and allow communities to be actively engaged in land use change as we address the challenges of climate change and move towards a more nature-positive future.“