News

SLE supports new bill aiming to secure fair deal for farmers

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), the rural business organisation, has welcomed a new Bill proposed by Alistair Carmichael, MP for Orkney and Shetland, designed to ensure fairer returns for farmers in Scotland and across the UK within the food supply chain. The Food Products (Market Regulation and Public Procurement) Bill, known as the Food...

Unworkable Land Reform Bill Will Inflict 'Wanton Damage' On Rural Scotland Unless Changes Are Made

Press Release

The Land Reform (Scotland) Bill will inflict ‘an era of wanton damage’ on rural Scotland unless the Scottish Government accepts that key changes should be made to the proposed legislation. Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), the rural business organisation, said today the Bill as it stands is unworkable and jeopardises the ability of estate...

Next generation of rural workers honoured at the ALBAS awards 2025

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) has congratulated the winners of Lantra Scotland’s ALBAS Awards 2025, which recognise talented young people starting their careers in the rural sector. Scottish Land & Estates sponsors the Game and Wildlife Learner of the Year award, won this year by Murray Henderson, with Fenna Whittaker taking the runner-up...

Scottish Land & Estates Supports Appeal for Information Following Red Kite Death In Aberdeenshire

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates today supported a police appeal for information following the death of a red kite in Aberdeenshire. The bird of prey was initially found by a member of the public in the Glenbuchat area of Strathdon and was recovered before further investigations found that the bird had been shot. It is believed the bird was shot...

Scottish Land & Estates welcomes reduction in wildlife crime in Scotland

Press Release

A significant decrease in wildlife crime offences in Scotland has been welcomed by Scottish Land & Estates (SLE). The rural business organisation reacted to the publication of the Scottish Government’s Wildlife Crime in Scotland Report 2022-23, which shows a 23% reduction in overall wildlife crime offences compared to the previous year...

Rural Businesses 'Disillusioned' As Scottish Budget Leaves Them Out In The Cold

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), the rural business organisation, has shared its disappointment at the Scottish Budget, passed today in Holyrood, saying that rural voices have been ignored Rural affairs is the only government department facing a real terms cut, despite the major contribution of rural businesses to the Scottish exchequer and...

Scottish Land & Estates responds to the newly published Natural Environment Bill

Press Release

The Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill can deliver important progress for wildlife and biodiversity in Scotland – but Scottish Land & Estates has urged government to work collaboratively with landowners to deliver those improvements. The rural business organisation has given its initial reaction to the wide-ranging Bill which was...

UK Government's Tax Plans Ignore Scotland's Farming Structure

Press Release

The impact of tax changes on Scotland’s distinctive farming sector is either severely misunderstood or being deliberately ignored by the UK Government, Scottish Land & Estates said today. The rural business organisation was speaking following the meeting HM Treasury held with some representative sector organisations on Tuesday – a meeting...

Small Farms 'At Risk' From New National Park Proposal

Press Release

Proposals for a new National Park in Galloway could place additional financial and regulatory pressures on small businesses which are already struggling, Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) has said today. The rural business organisation made the comments in its response to a NatureScot consultation on the National Park proposals. SLE warned...

SLE statement on suspected illegal release of feral pigs in the Cairngorms

Press Release

Following confirmation from the Cairngorms National Park Authority that feral pigs had been spotted in an area near Uath Lochans , near Insh, Speyside, Scottish Land & Estates has released the following statement. Ross Ewing, Director of Moorland at Scottish Land & Estates, said: "This appears to be a reckless and illegal act which...