Supporting Scotland's transition - land use and agriculture: consultation analysis report

1. Executive summary

This summary sets out headline findings from the analysis of responses to the Scottish Government’s public consultation on the draft Land use and Agriculture Just Transition Plan (LAJTP). The consultation exercise was launched on 6 August 2025 and closed on 5 October 2025. In total, 39 responses were received, of which 28 were from groups or organisations and 11 from individual members of the public.

The long-term vision and outcomes for a just transition in land use and agriculture

Whilst responses to the consultation reflect broad support for the ambitions of the vision and long-term outcomes of a just transition in land use and agriculture, respondents expressed a strong desire for greater clarity, inclusivity, and actionable detail. Stakeholders are looking to the Scottish Government to strengthen the Plan by grounding it in practical realities and ensuring it delivers tangible, equitable outcomes for all stakeholders in Scotland’s land use and agriculture sectors.

Short-term objectives

The inclusion of short-term objectives was received positively, with respondents also highlighting the need for systemic reform, investment in infrastructure and education, and a clear roadmap that empowers communities and supports equitable land use transitions across Scotland.

Monitoring and evaluation

Long term outcomes: Just over half of the respondents agreed that the draft indicators provide a good basis for measuring progress towards the outcomes. However, it was noted that whilst the draft indicators offer a starting point they require significant ongoing refinement to effectively measure progress towards the outcomes in the context of a Just Transition.

Short term objectives: The majority of respondents broadly agree that combining indicators with anecdotal evidence is essential for measuring progress towards the Plan’s short-term objectives. They highlighted that whilst quantitative data provides structure, qualitative insights offer depth and relevance. Additional indicators suggested include areas such as mental health, youth engagement, community empowerment, environmental sustainability, and worker conditions.

Assessing impact and additional information

Respondents emphasised that the proposed ambitions and outcomes must reflect the diverse experiences of rural and marginalised groups, emphasising that whilst the transition is necessary, its costs and burdens must be anticipated and equitably distributed.

In response to the request for additional information, key themes raised include the need for actionable detail, sector-specific support, community empowerment, environmental justice, policy coherence, food system resilience, robust monitoring, and fair work principles.

What next?

This consultation follows on from a period of stakeholder engagement as part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to co-design and co-development of the Land use and Agriculture Just Transition Plan. All the insights gathered, from both the consultation and wider engagement, will inform the final Plan. It is anticipated this will be published in 2026, following publication of the Climate Change Plan 2026 - 2040.