Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), the rural business organisation, is calling on the Scottish Government to cut complexity and streamline service delivery to help boost the rural economy. In its responses to the Scottish Government’s consultations on public service reform and future tax and spending plans, SLE recommends a series of measures...
The major contribution of grouse shooting and moorland management to the economy, jobs, and wildlife conservation has been recognised by rural communities, as the season got underway today in the Angus Glens. The Glorious 12th marks the start of the grouse shooting season, which boosts the economy by £32m each year , part of the £155m...
Rural Scotland’s brightest individuals, businesses and community organisations are in the spotlight once again after being named as finalists in the Helping It Happen Awards 2026. Organised by Scottish Land & Estates and supported by headline sponsor NatureScot, the awards celebrate the innovation, determination and community spirit...
Rural businesses have welcomed the announcement of a new £3 million fund to support those affected by the Cairngorms wildfire. Announced by the Scottish Government , the fund will be administered by The Highland Council and will help businesses manage the immediate financial impact of the wildfire, maintain continuity and support their...
Seven estates in the Angus Glens contributed £6.6m to the economy last year while supporting hundreds of rural jobs, local businesses and biodiversity work, according to a new report published today by the Angus Glens Moorland Group and Scottish Land & Estates. The report sets out, for the first time, a comprehensive evaluation of the...
A formal wildfire partnership should be established across the Pentland Hills following a blaze that could have escalated from 17 hectares to a landscape-scale incident affecting more than 6,000 hectares, a new report has recommended. The Green Cleugh Wildfire Debrief Report examines the response to the fire at Eastside Farm in the...
The Upper Tribunal for Scotland has issued an important decision in Connell Renewables Ltd v Assessor for Highland & Western Isles Valuation Joint Board – and the hydro sector has already responded: Alba Energy has lodged an appeal at the Lands Valuation Appeal Court. Connell Renewables vs the Highland Assessor is a test case brought by...
The Prime Minister has been urged to unlock rural Scotland’s economic potential as part of the UK Government’s commitment to delivering “good growth in every postcode.” In a letter sent to Andy Burnham following his move into Downing Street this week, Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) set out how rural Scotland can help deliver jobs...
A whisky distillery has become the first in Scotland to achieve accreditation under an international wildlife and habitat recognition scheme. The Macallan Estate, a 485-acre landholding and home to The Macallan Distillery, has been accredited by Wildlife Estates Scotland, the national version of the European Wildlife Estates initiative...
Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) has praised the exceptional response from its members and the wider rural sector after dozens of land managers, gamekeepers, contractors and rural businesses answered an urgent call for assistance in relation to the Strathnethy wildfire. The response came within hours of SLE issuing a direct appeal from...
