News

SLE backs livestock attack Bill

Press Release

Targeted legislation to deal with dog attacks on livestock is a hugely welcome move for rural Scotland, Scottish Land & Estates said today. The rural business organisation has said it supports the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill, a Members Bill brought forward by Emma Harper MSP. The Bill will be debated by...

Practical support needed to help Scottish agriculture meet climate change targets

Press Release

Scottish farmers and land managers can do more in the fight against climate change but need practical and detailed support in order to do so, Scottish Land & Estates said today. The rural business organisation was responding to a public consultation on an update to Scotland’s Climate Change Plan 2018-2032. SLE said while some progress had...

SLE statement on UK-EU trade deal

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates, the rural business organisation representing farmers and land managers, has issued the following statement regarding the UK-EU trade deal. Sarah-Jane Laing, chief executive at Scottish Land & Estates, said: “Most within the Scottish farming and food sectors will view the trade deal with the EU as positive news at...

Grouse shooting sector welcomes wildlife crime report which shows ‘real progress’ in tackling raptor persecution

Press Release

Following the publication of the annual wildlife crime report today by the Scottish Government, Scottish Land & Estates has issued the following statement. Sarah Jane Laing, chief executive of Scottish Land & Estates, said: “We share the Scottish Government’s ambition to address urgently climate change and biodiversity and agree that...

Call to care for the countryside over the Christmas period

Press Release

Festive frosty walks in Scotland’s countryside can be a highlight of Christmas – but with an appeal being made to enjoy our rural areas responsibly and respectfully during this period. Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), which represents farmers, land managers and rural businesses, has said the next few weeks should be enjoyable for access...

Urgent rethink required on licensing of short-term lets during Covid recovery

Press Release

Pursuing a new licensing regime for short-term lets in the midst of the pandemic has the potential to cause further serious damage to the rural economy, Scottish Land & Estates said today. The rural business organisation said it was perplexed by the Scottish Government announcement that it was pressing ahead with a licensing regime. Gavin...

SLE statement on Land and Property Taxation report

Press Release

In response to a new report prepared for the Scottish Land Commission on land and property taxation in Scotland, Sarah-Jane Laing, chief executive of Scottish Land & Estates, said: “We’ll need to reflect on the detail of the report but we continue to urge the Scottish Land Commission to consider taxation in the round, with full...

Proposed Fair Rents Bill could unintentionally create higher rents

Press Release

Tenants could be subjected to higher and more frequent rent rises if the Fair Rents Bill is passed through the Scottish Parliament as planned, Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), the rural business organisation, has warned today. In its response to the Call for Evidence on the Bill, which is calling for a rent cap on private rented properties...

Dunvegan Castle & Gardens awarded a £1 million grant from the Scottish Government and EU for an ambitious native woodland creation scheme at Dunvegan on the Isle of Skye

General News

After over a year and a half in development, the MacLeod Estate’s new native woodland creation scheme has been awarded a £1million grant from the Scottish Government and EU. The project is being overseen by Scottish Woodlands Ltd, who will plant the scheme on the estate’s behalf by the end of 2021. This native woodland creation scheme is...

SLE statement on grouse moor management

Press Release

Following publication of Scottish Government’s response to Werritty Review of grouse moor management, Scottish Land & Estates has made the following statement. Mark Tennant, chairman, Scottish Land & Estates, said: “The people who live and work in rural Scotland and help make grouse shooting a world-class tourism offering have been let...