News

SLE statement on Labour MSP's land reform proposals

Press Release

Following the publication today of land reform proposals by Labour MSP Mercedes Villalba, Scottish Land & Estates issued the following statement. Sarah-Jane Laing, Chief Executive, Scottish Land & Estates, said: “Land owners of all types whether they be private individuals such as farmers and estate owners, charities, local authorities or...

Dee Ward elected Chair of Scottish Land & Estates

Press Release

Dee Ward has been appointed as the new chair of rural business organisation, Scottish Land & Estates. Mr Ward was appointed to his role at SLE’s Annual General Meeting, held at Dunblane Hydro Hotel today. He succeeds Mark Tennant who has been SLE chair since April 2020. Dee is the owner of Rottal Estate, an upland estate in the Angus...

Young people connect with nature across Scotland

Press Release

The Estates that Educate initiative has returned for 2023 offering young people a hands-on experience of the variety of activities undertaken by Scottish estates to maintain the unique biodiversity of the uplands. From the Southern Uplands to the Angus Glens, Grampian, Tayside and the banks of Loch Ness, nearly 2,000 young people will...

Biodiversity Minister Lorna Slater visits pioneering Pentlands wildlife collaboration

Press Release

The innovative conservation work of land managers in the Pentland Hills has been explored during a visit and meeting with Scottish Government Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity, Lorna Slater MSP. In collaboration with the Wildlife Estates Scotland (WES) accreditation scheme, a group of six privately-owned...

Immediate progress required on Scotland's future agriculture policy

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), the rural business organisation, has reiterated its plea for clarity on future support on food production, climate change, and biodiversity. The organisation was speaking ahead of a debate in the Scottish Parliament today (Thursday 25 May) on future agriculture policy in Scotland. SLE also said it wanted to...

SLE enhances Policy Team with new adviser on biodiversity and woodlands

Press Release

A new policy adviser on biodiversity and woodlands has been appointed by Scottish Land & Estates. Nathan Bryceland has joined the rural business organisation to support the work of SLE members across Scotland as they work to address the nature crisis. Nathan joins Scottish Land & Estates with 20 years’ experience working in countryside...

SLE responds to Scottish Land Commission report on land market

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates, the rural business organisation, issued the following statement in response to the publication of the Scottish Land Commission’s Rural Land Market Insights Report 2023, which covers patterns of landownership in Scotland. Sarah-Jane Laing, chief executive of Scottish Land & Estates, said: “We fundamentally disagree...

Rural estates in Argyll host visit by John Lamont MP

Press Release

Issues affecting rural businesses and communities in Argyll have been raised with the UK Government during a visit by John Lamont MP to Ardkinglas Estate near Cairndow. Mr Lamont, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Scotland Office, joined representatives from several estates in the region in a meeting organised by Scottish...

SLE responds to RSPB Scotland claims regarding hen harrier survival rates

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates has issued the following statement in response to a new report by RSPB Scotland regarding hen harrier survival rates. Mark Tennant, chairman of Scottish Land & Estates, said: "The vast majority of the UK’s hen harrier population is found in Scotland, with more than 500 pairs recorded in a recent report by...

Estates play key role in delivering rural success

Press Release

The Scottish Government’s land reform plans run the risk of ‘failing rural Scotland for generations’ if the private business sector’s economic and environmental contribution is not embraced. Speaking today at the annual conference of Scottish Land & Estates – which represents rural businesses across Scotland – Mark Tennant, chairman of...