News

Seismic change required to grow Scotland's rural economy

Press Release

Scotland’s rural businesses need to embrace seismic change and break the barriers that exist between land uses in order to flourish in the next decade and beyond. David Johnstone, chairman of Scottish Land & Estates, made the comments as he addressed the rural business organisation’s annual conference in Edinburgh today. With Scottish...

SLE Highland staff team strengthened

Press Release

Another new regional support officer for the Highlands & Islands has been appointed by Scottish Land & Estates. Jen Campbell will work alongside fellow Highland RSO Megan Rowland, Highland Regional Chairman Gordon Robertson and the SLE Highland Committee in supporting and promoting rural businesses in the region. Brought up on a livestock...

Next generation of land managers discuss rural economy at SLE young members dinner

Press Release

The future of land management in Scotland was at the heart of discussions at a young members dinner held this week in Edinburgh by Scottish Land & Estates. Hosted and sponsored by Hampden and Co Bank, the event was attended by Cabinet Secretary Fergus Ewing who spoke to the next generation who will play their part in a changing rural...

Environmental principles should be maintained following Brexit

Press Release

Current EU environmental principles should be formally translated into domestic law after Brexit, according to Scottish Land & Estates. Responding to a Scottish Government consultation on environmental principles and governance , the rural business organisation said adopting the principles would ensure Scotland kept pace with...

Support for appeal for information over missing hen harrier

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates has issued the following statement regarding an appeal for information about a missing hen harrier, Skylar. Sarah-Jane Laing, executive director, Scottish Land & Estates, said: “We support the appeal for information about the hen harrier, Skylar, whose satellite tag stopped working in February. Any missing...

Scottish Land & Estates welcomes fire service proposal to use preventative burning

Press Release

Calls for the increased use of controlled burning approach to combat wildfires is backed by the experience of this year’s muirburn season, land managers have said today. Scottish Fire & Rescue Service (SFRS) said last week that it was to trial the greater use of controlled burning next spring after gathering evidence on the practice...

Right support can help Scotland’s land businesses meet net-zero target

Press Release

A net-zero target for carbon emissions in Scotland by 2045 is challenging but could be achievable with the right support and leadership, Scottish Land & Estates has said. Speaking following the publication of the latest report from Committee on Climate Change (CCC), the rural business organisation said Scotland was well-placed to make a...

Land-based businesses continuing their valuable contribution despite political uncertainty

Press Release

Land-based businesses are committed to playing their part in a thriving rural economy despite the ongoing political turbulence. David Johnstone, chairman of Scottish Land & Estates, made the comment at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting at Perth Racecourse today. Following his election as chairman for another 12 months, Mr...

SLE committed to working with partners following new protected status for beavers

Press Release

Beavers in Scotland will formally obtain European Protected Species status tomorrow (Wednesday 1 May). The status is introduced simultaneously with a new management framework which is designed to manage the issues that beavers can cause for farmers and land managers. Karen Ramoo, Policy Adviser (Access, Conservation & Wildlife Management)...

Benefits of moorland management

Press Release

With moorland management under ever more scrutiny, Tim Baynes Scottish Land and Estates Moorland Group Director, has reiterated the immense value of existing moorland management practices in an open letter to The National. You can read the full letter below. Benefits of moorland management Sustainable economic growth is on the agenda for...