News

SLE responds to Scottish Land Commission's 2025 Land Market Report

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates, the rural business organisation, has issued the following response to the Scottish Land Commission’s Rural Land Market Insights Report 2025 , which explores trends in land sales across Scotland. Stephen Young, Director of Policy at Scottish Land & Estates, said: “This latest report provides a useful snapshot of...

SLE welcomes delay to muirburn licensing implementation

Press Release

A decision to postpone the introduction of muirburn licensing has been welcomed as a ‘pragmatic and necessary step’. Scottish Land & Estates, the rural business organisation, commented after the Scottish Government confirmed that it would delay the start date for licensing until January, 1, 2026 – just over three months later than the...

Land Reform Bill: Lotting plans ‘a recipe for chaos across the countryside'

Press Release

Land businesses call on Ministers to listen to fears and accept changes. Scottish Land & Estates, the rural business organisation, today called on Ministers to rethink land sales proposals in the new Land Reform (Scotland) Bill that will cause ‘chaos in the countryside’. As the Scottish Parliament’s Net Zero, Energy and Transport...

Clarity on Enhanced Greening requirements for farmers welcomed by SLE

Press Release

Clarity provided to farmers following the Scottish Government’s confirmation of new Enhanced Greening rules, set to take effect from 2026 as part of its Agricultural Reform Programme, has been welcomed by rural business organisation Scottish Land & Estates (SLE). The Enhanced Greening payment, which will supplement the Basic Payment...

Scottish Land & Estates supports balanced approach to common grazings in Crofting Bill

Press Release

The new Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill provides a good opportunity for stronger regulation of crofts and a fairer balance of rights and responsibilities in the use of common grazings. Scottish Land & Estates, the rural business organisation, was speaking following the publication of the Bill on June 3. The Bill includes measures to...

Rural business organisation hails inclusion of rural impact assessments in new legislation

Press Release

Rural business organisation Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) has welcomed the passing of amendments to ensure the needs of rural and island communities are considered as the Housing (Scotland) Bill enters its final stage. Over 600 amendments to the Bill were proposed by a wide range of different groups, indicative of the scale of concern...

MSPS Urged To Rethink Land Reform Bill As They Face Critical Decision Point

Press Release

Rural estates and farming businesses are urging politicians to rethink proposed land reform measures as the Land Reform Bill reaches a critical ‘make-or-break’ stage - warning they will result in lasting damage to Scotland’s rural economy. As the Bill enters Stage 2 of the parliamentary process, Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), the rural...

Scottish Land & Estates Recognised With Prestigious Silver Award For Armed Forces Support

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) has been awarded the Silver Award under the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), recognising the organisation’s outstanding commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community. As a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, SLE is a long-standing supporter of service personnel, veterans...

Scottish Land & Estates Responds to Rejection of Galloway National Park Proposal

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), the rural business organisation, has welcomed the Scottish Government’s decision not to proceed with a new national park in Galloway, saying the outcome reflects the views of local communities and land-based businesses who would be most affected by such a designation. The decision follows a public...

“Release The Handbrake On Rural Scotland” – Estates Call For Support On Growth And Sustainability

Press Release

Bold, practical steps from the government can help take the handbrake off Scotland’s rural economy and create an environment for investment, innovation and climate action. Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), the rural business organisation, made the call as delegates gathered for SLE’s Annual Conference in Edinburgh. Deputy First Minister and...