News

Statement on RSPB call for grouse moor licensing regime

Press Release

In response to publication today (December 14) of a report by RSPB calling for the introduction of licensing of grouse moors, Scottish Land & Estates issued the following statement. David Johnstone, chairman of Scottish Land & Estates, said: “The Scottish Wildlife Crime Report published annually by the Scottish Government has reported a...

Response to Scottish Land Commission report

Press Release

In response to the Scottish Land Commission’s final report on a potential land value tax in Scotland, Sarah-Jane Laing, Executive Director, Scottish Land & Estates, said: “We’ll need to reflect on the details before commenting further but we can say that taxation must be considered in the round, rather than looking at just one idea in...

Positive vision for Scottish forestry would benefit from enhanced land use strategy

Press Release

A bright future for Scottish forestry lies ahead if an integrated land use strategy which underpins forestry, farming and other sectors can be realised. Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) made the comments in its response to the consultation on Scotland's Forestry Strategy 2019-29 which was undertaken by the Scottish Government. The...

SLE supports call to scrap new rates levy on out of town business

General News

We have joined twenty of the country’s leading business organisations in a joint letter to Scottish Finance Secretary, Derek Mackay MSP, urging him to scrap the proposed new business rates levy on out of town premises. The organisations represent a wide cross section of Scottish industry including manufacturing, retail, energy, commercial...

Scottish Land & Estates' statement on community ownership report

Press Release

In response to publication today (Friday, November 23) of a report by the Scottish Land Commission on community land ownership, Scottish Land & Estates issued the following statement. Sarah Jane Laing, executive director, Scottish Land & Estates, said: "Community ownership of land and property can deliver positive outcomes for rural areas...

Rural businesses must meet challenges of Brexit head on

Press Release

Rural businesses in Scotland will have to make daring and innovative investment ecisions to meet the challenges of Brexit successfully. Failure to adapt to current uncertainty and the post-Brexit landscape will have far reaching consequences for generations to come. The call for rural businesses to ‘grab the steering wheel’ to shape their...

Brexit no barrier to rural business enhancing Scotland’s economic activity

Press Release

New jobs are ready to be created by farms and estates if politicians deliver a Brexit deal which serves Scottish agriculture and rural business well. That was the message from Scottish Land & Estates chairman David Johnstone as he addressed attendees at the Royal Highland Show today. Mr Johnstone said that SLE’s Helping it Happen...

New Vice Chairman at Scottish Land & Estates to support the voice of rural business

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates today announced the appointment of a new vice chairman to further enhance its public affairs and policy capabilities. Mark Tennant, proprietor of Innes Estate near Elgin, has taken up the newly created position of Vice Chairman (Policy) at the rural business organisation. Part of his role will be to chair Scottish...

Scottish Land & Estates appoints new North East Regional Support Officer

Press Release

A new Regional Support Officer for north east Scotland has been appointed by Scottish Land & Estates. Fiona Van Aardt joins the organisation to support and enhance member activities in the region, including engagement with politicians, stakeholders and assistance in organising events and estate visits. A business manager with over 25...

Scottish Land & Estates statement on Buccleuch tenant farming commissioner report

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates has issued the following statement following publication of a report by the Tenant Farming Commissioner on Buccleuch’s negotiations with agricultural tenants. David Johnstone, chairman of Scottish Land & Estates, said: “The Tenant Farming Commissioner’s report should be seen against the backdrop of government and...