Renowned Actor David Hayman to co-host major conference for land reform with Lesley Riddoch
We're delighted that renowned actor David Hayman, who has starred next to Bruce Willis and Pierce Brosnan, will be hosting our landmark conference alongside the brilliant Lesley Riddoch.
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The question at the core of the conference is the fact that just 433 individuals control half of Scotland’s private land, an imbalance that has far-reaching consequences for local communities, wildlife and the environment.
As well as performing in many prestigious international film and television productions, David Hayman also presented BBC's The Battle for Scotland's Countryside.
David Hayman underscored the significance of the conference, commenting:
“For too long, Scotland’s land has been in the hands of the few. The Big Land Question is about bringing people together – from activists and policymakers to those directly impacted – to ask the tough questions about what land reform means in practice. This is an important conference with a provocative and inspiring programme. Ultimately, it’s about fairness and how we ensure that Scotland's land benefits the many.
“Access to land and decisions about how it’s used affect so many aspects of Scottish life, from housing and the economy to recreation and wellbeing. The highly concentrated nature of Scotland’s land ownership is a roadblock to unlocking the potential prosperity of our nation’s natural resources. We need bold, innovative solutions and more ambition in our policy approach, and this conference is where those conversations will happen. We’ve got a real chance to drive change and this could be the turning point for Scotland’s people, wildlife and environment we've been looking for. I’m proud to be part of it."
The Big Land Question Conference programme:
When: November 10th.
Where: Perth Concert Hall.
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Doors open - 11.05 am
Conference welcome by David Hayman & Lesley Riddoch - 12 noon
Session One - Launching the Big Land Question: 12.30 pm - 1.15 pm
- Dr Ruth Tingay, Raptor Persecution UK
- Robbie Marsland, Director of the League Against Cruel Sports Scotland
- Max Wiszniewski, Campaigns Manager for REVIVE
- Mhairi McFarlane, Research Manager at Diffley Partnership
Lunchtime: 1.15 pm - 2.15 pm
Session Two - The Battle for Scotland's Countryside, and more: 2.15 pm - 3.30 pm
- Dr Josh Doble, Policy Manager for Community Land Scotland
- Kirsty Jenkins, Director of Policy for OneKind
- Kevin Cumming, Rewilding Director at Rewilding Britain and Deputy Convenor of the Scottish Rewilding Alliance
- Donna Smith, Chief Executive Scottish Crofting Federation
- Ariane Burgess, Scottish Green Party MSP for Highlands and Islands
FOLLOWED BY A Q&A SESSION
Short break: 3.30 pm - 3.45 pm
Session Three - The Future of Our Land: 3.45 pm - 4.55 pm
- Rhoda Grant, Scottish Labour MSP for Highlands and Islands
- Andy Wightman, Author, land reform campaigner and former MSP
- Jenny Barlow, Estate Manager at Tarras Valley Nature Reserve
- Robin McAlpine, Head of Strategic Development at Common Weal
FOLLOWED BY A Q&A SESSION
Closing speeches: 4.55 pm - 5.30 pm
Michael Russell, Chair of the Scottish Land Commission
Address by Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Mairi Gougeon
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