Landscape with fields in foreground and mountains in background

Walk & Talk: Embracing Opportunities from Forestry, Renewables and Natural Capital at Rothes Estate

Sorry, you must be a member to book onto this event.
Date
Time 10:00 - 15:00
Capacity Only 5 places remaining
Booking Cut-off Friday 28 Aug, 12:00:pm
Organiser Fiona Van Aardt

Image credit: Ewen Weatherspoon

Rothes Forest Estate was purchased by Eagle Star Life Assurance Company Ltd during the 1950s and 60s from the Seafield Estate. At that time, it was run as a pension fund investment with substantial forestry planting and extended to some 13,000 hectares including numerous farms and extensive fishing on the River Spey. 

Eagle Star took the decision to sell the property in 1992 and it was purchased by Broadland Properties Ltd who sold most of the tenant farms to their occupiers and retained the core estate. The estate now totals 5,500 hectares made up of 1,125ha. of in-hand open hill and agricultural land, some 3,716ha. of forestry, 240ha. under agricultural tenancy (SLDT) and 422ha. leased for wind farm development. 

Rothes Estate is commercially run with a view to maximising income from the property wherever possible and revenue streams include quarry rentals, radio masts, rents (farming, wind farm, CHP plant), let housing and a small hydro scheme. There is also significant income from the forestry investment which is designed to give consistent revenue year on year. 

On top of the day-to-day estate management, negotiations are in progress for the ASTI 400 KVA powerline through estate land and the proposed construction of the 164MW Rothes III Wind Farm which extends across three estates. 

Members are warmly invited to join this Walk & Talk which will be led by Peter Graham (Senior Partner) and Fiona MacLeod (Partner) of Paton & Co, and Steve Conolly, Managing Director of Cawdor Forestry. 

The following key topics will be covered in the programme:  

  • Background to the land and the history of land management and infrastructure projects  
  • The vision for the land and the strategic plan being progressed 
  • Approach to commercial forestry and forestry infrastructure  
  • How major renewable projects have enabled the estate to secure diversified, long-term, and stable income streams 
  • Future opportunities from compensatory planting & BNG projects 
  • Integration of land management activities – agriculture, productive forestry, deer 

management, alongside habitat and ecological restoration 

This event is free of charge to SLE Members, but booking is essential through the SLE website. 

Additional event information: 

Format of the event: Participants will gather at Coneloch, Longmorn, near Elgin, IV30 8SN, from 10:00 for registration, tea and coffee. The programme will start at 10:30 with short introductions to Rothes Estate and the history of management activities on the land and before we head out to see various aspects of estate operations and current and future projects. For the drive around the estate, we will get into a smaller number of vehicles.  

A sandwich lunch will be included as part of the programme. We aim to be back at Coneloch for 14:30/15:00. 

Other information: This event will take place outdoors and will involve a small amount of walking so please bring suitable clothing and footwear.  

Booking information: Booking is essential. To secure your place please book online today.  

Date: Tuesday 1 September, 2026 

Time: 10:00-15:00 

Meeting point:   

Coneloch, Longmorn, near Elgin, IV30 8SN 

Google maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Wj5DrhYcmqvrpand8  

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