New chairman at Scottish Land & Estates

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), the rural business organisation, is pleased to announce the appointment of Patrick Colquhoun as its new chairman.

The rural business organisation, which is headquartered in Musselburgh, has appointed Mr Colquhoun to the role at its AGM today, succeeding Dee Ward, the owner of Rottal Estate in the Angus Glens, who concludes a three-year term as chairman. Mr Ward will remain as a director of SLE.

Patrick assumes his new role having served as Vice Chair (Policy) of SLE since 2024 - a role which has seen him steer the policy development and political positions of SLE, as well as chairing its National Policy Group and acting as an SLE representative externally. 

Outside of his role with SLE, Patrick is Managing Director of Luss Trading Company, and part of the family ownership of Luss Estates Company, focusing on land and property areas of the business. He has been operationally involved with Luss Estates since 2016, having previously served as a director of the company for over 10 years. 

Patrick is closely involved in policy, planning, and strategy for the estate, working closely with stakeholders including Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, NatureScot, local authorities and central government as part of decision-making for the business.

He has been involved in a number of community-led roles and is presently a director of the Luss and Arden Development Trust. Patrick is also on the board of the Tourism and Hospitality Industry Leadership Group (THILG), sitting as a rural representative on the group. 

Early in his career, Patrick lived in Dubai and Singapore, working in executive search, and graduated with a degree in American History from Kings College, London. He completed an MBA at Strathclyde University in 2015. His time is spent between Luss and Edinburgh, and he lives with his wife Lottie and his two sons. 

Patrick Colquhoun said: “Rural businesses across Scotland have faced significant change and sustained challenges in recent years, yet they continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience and ingenuity. Time and again, they are not only adapting to changing circumstances but also creating positive opportunities for jobs, the wider economy, the environment, wildlife and the communities of which they are such an important part.

“SLE has played, and will continue to play, a vital role in ensuring rural voices are heard by politicians and decision-makers. As MSPs and a new government takes office, we will engage constructively with parties across the political spectrum to ensure the positive contribution of our members is properly understood and recognised. Just as importantly, we will work to ensure rural businesses are properly supported to deliver what is being asked of them, whether that is food production, nature restoration, housing, clean energy, or visitor and tourism opportunities.

“It is a privilege to take on the chairmanship of SLE at a time when the opportunities for rural economies to make a real and tangible contribution to Scotland’s national priorities have never been greater. Dee Ward, working alongside SLE’s senior leadership team, has been an outstanding chairman over the past three years and will be a tough act to follow. I am looking forward to getting started and to working on behalf of our members in the months and years ahead.”

Dee Ward said: “I am delighted to be handing over the baton to Patrick, who will bring his own insight, experience and knowledge to the role in the years ahead.

“As an organisation, we have worked hard to ensure our members are recognised as delivery partners for government and as a positive force for rural Scotland. My appeal to policymakers is to match that ambition by being an enabling force for good - giving rural businesses and communities the tools, confidence and support they need to make even greater progress.”

Sarah-Jane Laing, chief executive of SLE, added: “We have already worked closely with Patrick over the past three years and know what a significant asset he is to the organisation. Rural businesses should be encouraged to have such a forward-thinking and practical voice representing their interests. We are certain he will make a positive impact at what looks set to be another important and busy parliamentary term for rural Scotland.”