News

Tough legislation long overdue to tackle flytipping scourge

Press Release

Tougher penalties for flytipping offenders and increased protection for victims contained in proposed legislation is welcome and long overdue, Scottish Land & Estates said today. The rural business organisation has submitted its consultation response for a proposed Member’s Bill in the Scottish Parliament brought forward by Scottish...

Rural solutions needed to solve Scotland’s rural housing crisis

Press Release

Landowners have appealed to help resolve Scotland’s rural housing crisis – and asked government to knock down the barriers that exist in providing new and existing homes. Scottish Land & Estates, which held its annual conference in Edinburgh today, said population decline and government ambition to improve rural housing will not be...

Houses let via tenanted farms 'require bespoke rural solutions'

Press Release

Regulating houses let as part of agricultural holdings through private rented sector legislation instead could lead to intractable problems for farming businesses, Scottish Land & Estates said today. The rural business organisation held its annual conference in Edinburgh today which a focus on rural Scotland’s housing stock. The Scottish...

Organisations warn Scotland's private rented sector jeopardised by tenancy reforms

Press Release

Three organisations have written a joint open letter to the Scottish Government warning that the supply of homes for rent – particularly in rural Scotland - may be irreparably damaged by proposed new legislation. Scottish Land & Estates, the Scottish Association of Landlords and NFU Scotland said tenancy proposals contained within the...

Post-Brexit agriculture announcement welcomed

Press Release

The latest update on the shape of post-Brexit subsidy support for Scotland’s agricultural sector is welcome, but further clarity is needed soon from the Scottish Government, says a leading membership organisation for rural businesses. Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), whose diverse membership includes farmers, land managers, and rural...

Walk & Talk showcases tourism success of Moray Estate

General News

The success of a Moray estate in diversifying its business despite the challenges of the pandemic has been showcased at a walk and talk event organised by rural business association, Scottish Land & Estates. Duffus Estate, near Elgin, which is managed by owners Ed and Caroline Dunbar, saw plans to invest in its tourism and hospitality...

Aim to Sustain members in united response on transition to non-lead shot

General News

Two years ago in February 2020, nine shooting sector organisations including SLE announced the intention to make a voluntary transition from lead shot to alternatives over a five year timescale. Earlier this month, the RSPB and the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) wrote to those organisations, complimenting the sector on its approach but...

Private rental proposals could cut number of homes available for rent

Press Release

The number of properties available for private rent across rural Scotland could face dramatic cuts if Scottish Government plans to reform the sector proceed, a leading rural organisation has warned. According to a recent survey of its members, Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), a rural business membership organisation, believes that 20% of...

Simple steps can free rural Scotland from livestock attacks this Easter

Press Release

Dog-walkers, land managers and farmers can work together to reduce the risk of attacks on livestock during Easter and beyond. Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), which represents rural businesses, said it was crucial to minimise the risk of dog attacks when the lambing season was underway and the countryside was welcoming visitors and walkers...

Rural land market insights report: Scottish Land & Estates statement

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates has issued the following statement in response to the Rural Land Market Insights Report published by the Scottish Land Commission. Sarah-Jane Laing, chief executive of Scottish Land & Estates, said: “The report acknowledges that the land market in Scotland is complex and there are multiple reasons for purchasing...