2026 Simon Fraser Memorial Lecture

The Next Five Years of Community Landownership

An evening of conversation and music dedicated to the memory of Simon Fraser, a solicitor and pioneer of land reform in Scotland.

The Simon Fraser Memorial Lecture returns in 2026, continuing its bi-annual tradition of honouring the life and legacy of Simon Fraser, the legal pioneer whose work helped make Scotland’s community buyouts possible. Taking place on 22 April at Inverness Town House, this year’s lecture will be an evening of music and conversation, beginning with a drinks reception and including musical performances throughout the evening.

At the heart of the event will be a chaired discussion led by Community Land Scotland Chair Megan MacInnes, drawing on her own experience at Applecross Community Company to explore the big issues, challenges and opportunities facing community landowners over the next five years.

Maria de la Torre (Knocknagael) will share lessons from Knocknagael’s recent, difficult but ultimately successful Asset Transfer of the Smiddy Field, and challenge us to think about how asset transfer processes can work better for communities. Isla Kinnear (Fintry Development Trust) will discuss the opportunities and potential of community-owned energy projects. Michael Hunter (North Harris Trust and Carloway Estate Trust) will consider the future of large-scale estate management in community ownership, particularly in the context of ecological regeneration and land management planning.

Together, the evening will offer space for reflection, connection and forward-looking discussion on the evolving role of community land ownership in Scotland, grounded in the values that Simon Fraser championed.

This event is made possible by sponsorship from Anderson MacArthur & Co Ltd and Harper Macleod.