News

Major Development in Mountain Hare Counts

Press Release

Land managers in Scotland have taken a major step forward in the establishment of an evidence-based approach to counting and recording data on mountain hare populations, it was announced today. New training methods and innovative technology will enable conservation bodies to record and assess hare populations and give more sophisticated...

SLE welcomes government review of rural planning policy

Press Release

A review of rural planning legislation to be undertaken by the Scottish Government has been welcomed by rural business organisation, Scottish Land & Estates. In its announcement , the government has indicated that the need for planning permission could be removed for certain types of rural developments to help tackle depopulation and...

SLE appeals for information regarding white-tailed eagles

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates has issued the following statement regarding an appeal for information about two white-tailed eagles in the north of Scotland. Sarah-Jane Laing, Executive Director at Scottish Land & Estates, said: “Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland immediately. “Landowners in both the areas where the birds...

New entrants and farming resilience schemes could benefit from convergence funding boost

Press Release

Greater support for young and new entrants could have been delivered by convergence funding, Scottish Land & Estates said today. The rural business organisation welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement that the first instalment of funding is to be delivered to Scottish farmers but added that it would like to have seen more...

European conservation accreditation awarded to Highland estate

Press Release

A traditional sporting estate in the Highlands has retained a prestigious independent accreditation which recognises landowners who are committed to best practice in conservation, habitat and wildlife management. The Reay Forest estate, Sutherland, in the north west Highlands, part of the Grosvenor Estate, has been reaccredited by...

Regenerative Agriculture Walk & Talk event

General News

On Tuesday, 15 October 25 SLE Members visited Balbirnie Home Farms to learn of the regenerative agricultural practices taking place there. Aimed at farmers, landowners and conservation professionals, this event allowed interested parties to come together in an informal setting to meet, network and learn of the regenerative agriculture...

Vital contribution of grouse moor management highlighted in final Langholm report

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates said today that the final report of the Langholm Moor Demonstration Project (LMDP) published today has highlighted the vital conservation and environmental contribution made by grouse moor management. The full LMDP report can be read here . David Johnstone, chairman of Scottish Land & Estates, said: “This...

Spirits and Squirrels win big at the Helping it Happen Awards 2019

Press Release

From spirits to squirrels, and houses to hotels, the Helping It Happen Awards has shone a light on some of Scotland’s most innovative, diverse and quirky businesses who are going the extra mile to help rural Scotland thrive. The Helping It Happen Awards enjoyed a third annual gala at the Sheraton Hotel, Edinburgh. Hosted by member...

Land management recognised in the Climate Change Bill

General News

After months of work the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill passed its stage 3 debate this week, and is on the way to receive Royal Assent. Throughout the progress of the Bill SLE met with ministers, MSPs, civil servants and the Bill team to ensure the threat of sectoral targets was removed and that agriculture...

Urgent clear direction needed for land management

Press Release

Critical decisions about the future of Scottish farming and land management must be taken now to prevent long-lasting negative consequences for the sector says Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), the rural business organisation. In its new report, #Route2050 - A direction of travel for Scottish land management to 2050, published today (16...