News

Keep up-to-date with the latest news and success stories from our network.

SLE statement on illegal killing of a goshawk

24 Apr 2026
Press Release

The illegal killing of a goshawk in Perthshire has been condemned by Scottish Land & Estates. The rural business organisation commented following the conclusion of proceedings at Perth Sheriff Court today. The incident itself took place in February 2024. Ross Ewing, Director of Moorland and Special Projects at Scottish Land & Estates...

SLE welcomes EFRA committee call for evidence on wildfires

22 Apr 2026
Press Release

The launch of a UK Parliamentary examination of the growing threat of wildfires has been welcomed as a ‘timely and necessary step’ in addressing an escalating risk to rural communities, landscapes and the wider environment. Scottish Land & Estates, the rural business organisation, was commenting after the call for evidence by the...

Mixed picture on livestock worrying causes concern

16 Apr 2026
Press Release

New figures on livestock worrying in Scotland show a decline in recorded incidents last year but rural business organisation Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) warns the number is still too high, notably in Spring, when lambs and calves are in the field. According to data from Police Scotland’s National Rural, Acquisitive and Business...

SLE appoints Sara Ward and Neil Johnstone as operations expand

13 Apr 2026
Press Release

Rural business organisation Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) has appointed Sara Ward and Neil Johnstone to support its growing range of services to members. Sara Ward has been appointed as events and membership services co-ordinator while Neil Johnstone joins SLE as digital and marketing officer. Stephen Young, director of policy for SLE...

Scotland’s rural heroes urged to step forward as landmark 10th Helping It Happen awards open

9 Apr 2026
Press Release

New £10,000 ‘Rural Champion’ prize launched in biggest year yet Scotland’s rural heroes are being called into the spotlight as nominations open for the 2026 Helping It Happen Awards – with a brand new £10,000 prize up for grabs in the awards’ milestone 10th year. Organised by Scottish Land & Estates, the awards have spent the past decade...

Scotland is a model for world-leading wildlife conservation, based on joined-up approach

2 Apr 2026
Press Release

Scotland’s approach to conservation is a model for other nations to follow, delegates were told at the Wildlife Estates Scotland (WES) Assembly at Hopetoun House this week. Land managers from across the UK and Europe joined conservationists, agricultural consultancies and rural business leaders to share best practice, evaluate the risks...

Rural economy takes centre stage as party heavyweights clash at key election hustings

2 Apr 2026
Press Release

Driving growth, investment and opportunity in Scotland’s rural economy took centre stage as senior political figures from across the spectrum came head-to-head at a major pre-election debate hosted by Scottish Land & Estates. The Rural Debate, held at The Pavilion at Ingliston in front of an audience of 75 rural business leaders and...

SLE backs Cairngorms fire ban as “vital step” to reduce growing wildfire risk

31 Mar 2026
Press Release

The introduction of a new seasonal byelaw in the Cairngorms National Park banning barbeques and campfires is a vital step in protecting communities, wildlife and rural businesses from the increasing threat of wildfires. Scottish Land & Estates has given its support to the byelaw which will come into effect tomorrow (Wednesday, April 1)...

Rural Support Plan provides positive platform for next phase of agricultural reform

27 Mar 2026
Press Release

The new Rural Support Plan has been welcomed as a constructive starting point for the next phase of agricultural reform - but future Scottish Ministers have been urged to build on it with stronger investment and clearer communication to give rural businesses confidence to plan for the future. Scottish Land & Estates, the rural business...

Crofting Bill sets foundation for joint action

25 Mar 2026
Press Release

Rural business organisation Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) has cautiously welcomed the approval of the Crofting and Scottish Land Court (Scotland) Bill by the Scottish parliament yesterday (24 March). The Bill seeks to simplify and streamline crofting legislation, as well as introducing an expanded Scottish Land Court, taking on the...