News

SLE launches manifesto with a call to tackle fly-tipping in rural Scotland

Press Release

Fly-tipping is more than an eyesore and protecting our rural communities from it must be a priority for the next Scottish Government, Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) said as they launched their manifesto “People, Jobs and Nature” ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections. The rural business organisation called on candidates to prioritise...

Countryside deserves our care over Easter period

Press Release

Enjoying Spring sunshine at Easter in Scotland’s countryside is an appealing prospect – but care needs to be taken to treat the rural landscape with respect in the weeks and months ahead. Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), which represents farmers, land managers and rural businesses, has said visitors and access-takers should enjoy rural...

Time to recognise rural Scotland’s achievements

Press Release

People across rural Scotland who have helped their business and surrounding communities flourish, are being urged to enter the 2021 Helping It Happen Awards. Organised by Scottish Land & Estates, the rural business organisation, the annual Helping it Happen Awards, which are free to enter, will showcase the work done in 2020/21 by...

Land use key to helping achieve Scotland’s climate change targets

General News

Building the best future for Scotland’s environment and tackling climate change is achieved through ambitious land use - rather than ownership being the deciding factor. Following publication of a new report by Community Land Scotland on the role played by community landowners in tackling the climate emergency, Scottish Land & Estates...

Anxieties remain over future of deer management

Press Release

Acknowledgment by government of the substantial recent progress in deer management has been welcomed by estates - but concerns remain over the future regulation of the species. Scottish Land & Estates, the rural business organisation, made the comments following the Scottish Government’s response to the recommendations of the Deer Working...

Short term strategy welcomed but long-term land use plan is required

Press Release

A long-term plan for land use is required which recognises the key role land has to play in our economic recovery, ensuring our communities thrive and in addressing climate change. Scottish Land & Estates, the rural business organisation, spoke today following the publication of the Scottish Government’s strategic paper “Land use -...

Rural land managers ahead of the game on land reform

Press Release

Rural land managers are ahead of the game on positive engagement with land reform guidance, Scottish Land & Estates said today. After a review was published by the Scottish Government regarding the Guidance on Engaging Communities in Decisions Relating to Land, the rural business organisation said it was clear that rural land managers had...

SLE says Livestock Attack Bill is good news for farmers

Press Release

The imminent passage of 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 thrown its weight behind the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill. A member’s bill brought forward by Emma Harper MSP. It will...

Carbon land tax would not aid environmental outcomes

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates, the rural business organisation, has responded to a call from the John Muir Trust for the introduction of a new carbon land tax. Stephen Young, Head of Policy at Scottish Land & Estates, said: "Owners of rural land are already playing a huge role in helping meet the Scottish Government's climate change targets...

Scottish Government 2021 Covid-19 timetable announced

General News

Commenting on the First Minister’s Covid timetable published today (16 March 2021), Stephen Young, Head of Policy at Scottish Land & Estates said: “We welcome the additional clarity provided by the First Minister’s statement on reopening the economy and society. These indicative dates offer hope for many of our members who employ people...