News

First Minister’s Covid-19 update

General News

On the 14 December 2021, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced new measures that would be implemented to manage the increasing rate of Covid-19 infections throughout Scotland, thought to be resulting from the spread of the new Omicron variant. The First Minister stated that the Sottish Government intended to amend regulations to put a...

Biodiversity and economic boost from the grouse season, despite few birds

Press Release

The grouse season ends today, 10th December , and while the number of shoot days has been limited, the season continues to provide an extraordinary boost for biodiversity and the rural economy in Scotland, with numerous birds of prey nesting successfully and spending by estates rising to £15m. Tim Baynes, moorland director of Scottish...

SLE Statement on Scottish Budget

Press Release

Commenting on the Budget announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy, Kate Forbes, this afternoon, SLE Chief Executive, Sarah-Jane Laing said: “There are many positive announcements in today’s budget. £831million for affordable housing and significant investment towards energy efficiency, natural environment restoration...

SLE Calls for Smooth Transition to Post-CAP Framework

General News

SLE has today submitted its response to the Scottish Government’s Agricultural Transition consultation. We are calling for a smooth transition to a new programme of support for rural Scotland, following the UK’s departure from the Common Agricultural Policy. Any economic framework developed by the Scottish Government must enable land...

Edinglassie Hosts SLE's Second COP26 Showcase Event

Press Release

Edinglassie Estate, near Huntly, hosted SLE's second COP26 environmental event on the final day of the two-week international conference on Friday 12 November. The estate is a traditional, mixed use upland estate of 4,600 acres, with the majority being heather moorland rising from 750 to 1600 feet and is an excellent example of integrated...

COP26 Roundup

General News

As COP26 in Glasgow ends tomorrow, we reflect on the key agreements and developments and highlight the work SLE and WES have been doing to support COP26 across the two-week event. Key pledges include: The Global Methane Pledge: 103 countries signed up to a deal to reduce methane emissions by 30 per cent by 2030. The Coal Pledge: Over 40...

Craigengillan Estate Hosts Showcase SLE COP26 Event

General News

Craigengillan Estate in East Ayrshire hosted a key SLE COP26 showcase event on Friday 5 November 2021. While COP26 discussions were ongoing in Glasgow, the day at Craigengillan was one of action and to highlight how landowners in Scotland are doing their part to help tackle the twin emergencies of climate change and biodiversity loss...

SLE Joins Tourism Bodies in Backing Highland Council Opposition to Short-Term Lets Licensing

Press Release

SLE and two leading Scottish tourism organisations have welcomed a motion passed by Highland Council in support of Scotland’s self-catering sector. SLE, the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC), and the Scottish Bed and Breakfast Association (SBBA) have all expressed thanks to councillors who passed the motion, which urges the...

Agri-Environment Climate Scheme extension - SLE comment

Press Release

Commenting on the Scottish Government’s Agri-Environment Climate Scheme extension, Stephen Young, Head of Policy at Scottish Land & Estates said: “We welcome the announcement of the new Agri-Environment Climate Scheme, which will open for funding in 2022. We see this as a key part of rural Scotland’s ability to meet the challenges of the...

Scotland’s rural businesses take centre stage for their climate action at national Helping it Happen Awards

Press Release

Eleven businesses and community groups from across rural Scotland have won national Helping it Happen Awards tonight (27 October 2021) at a live virtual ceremony, for their work on combatting climate change, habitat restoration and providing training and jobs. Now in its fifth year, the Helping It Happen Awards have become firmly...