FLS seeking CATS panel members
Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is looking for two new members to join the panel of its Community Asset Transfer Scheme (CATS), in particular candidates with experience in onshore wind power.
The scheme, which enables community bodies to take on ownership or lease of public land or buildings on Scotland’s national forest and land, is designed to allow the community to make better use of the asset for the benefit of their community.
Over the past nine years 33 community asset transfers have been completed, including 31 sales of land and buildings and 2 community hydro leases. FLS is now developing the CATS process to accommodate the CATS Community Access to Wind Repowering Pilot.
Panel members will provide independent and impartial advice to FLS on applications to CATS, and help to evaluate the benefits and impacts of requests. As well as attending CATS Evaluation Panel meetings up to three times a year, members may also be asked to undertake site visits.
David Leven, Director of Commercial Development, said:
"Scotland’s national forests already deliver a wide range of benefits to communities but successful applications to CATS can strengthen and empower communities and let them deliver more focussed benefits.
"This is a great opportunity to take on an advisory role in furthering community empowerment and is open to enthusiastic, diverse and talented people – professional or non-professional - from across Scotland particularly those who have experience in renewable energy and onshore wind power.
“This is interesting and rewarding work on a truly independent panel. It is committed to providing advice and recommendations to FLS having considered the full range of benefits and impacts of each application.
"If you think you can make a positive contribution to the delivery of CATS, I encourage you to apply."
Panel members are initially appointed for three years (with the possibility of re-appointment) and will be required for up to ten days per year, for which a daily fee of £280 and reasonable travel expenses will be paid.
Panel members have to analyse and evaluate a range of documents and data prior to panel meetings and may be asked to undertake and report back on site visits to meet applicants.
The candidate information pack and details on the application process can be found at: Current Opportunities and Forestry Jobs | FLS
Anyone looking to discuss the opportunity in more detail can contact resourcing@forestryandland.gov.scot
The closing date for applications is 11.55pm on 14 October 2026.
Notes to editors
- Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
- Media enquiries to media@forestryandland.gov.scot