News

Calls for bigger fines and longer sentences for wildlife criminals

Press Release

People convicted of wildlife crimes such as deer poaching, hare coursing, killing badgers or birds of prey should receive bigger fines and longer prison sentences than currently available says Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), the organisation which represents landowners and rural businesses. Following an evidence session with the Scottish...

2019 Grouse season defies predictions after late upturn

Press Release

The grouse season in Scotland is ending today, 10th December, on a high note. Experts predicted the season would be mixed at best, but as it turned out, some moors in Scotland were able to host fairly full programmes. The east of Scotland tended to fare best overall, from Aberdeenshire down to Angus, parts of Perthshire and then further...

SLE statement on hen harrier appeal

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates has issued the following statement regarding an appeal for information issued today in relation to three hen harriers. Sarah Jane Laing, chief executive of Scottish Land & Estates, said: “The disappearance or illegal killing of any satellite-tagged bird of prey is a matter of concern and we consistently support...

First female CEO appointed for 110-year-old rural business organisation

Press Release

Sarah-Jane Laing has been appointed as Chief Executive of Scottish Land & Estates, the rural business organisation, as it enters the most challenging era in its 110-year history. Sarah-Jane, who lives on the family farm in Hume in the Borders, has steadily climbed the ranks at the rural business organisation over the past fifteen years...

Women in Agriculture Taskforce Report

General News

Commenting on the Women in Agriculture Taskforce Report, Sarah-Jane Laing, Executive Director of Scottish Land & Estates and member of the taskforce said: “Speaking from personal experience, the farming sector can at times feel like an exclusive club where women only get limited access. We need to break down the barriers to women entering...

SLE comment on BBC's 'Meat: A threat to our planet?'

Press Release

Commenting on the BBC One programme 'Meat: A threat to our planet?' aired on 25 November 2019, Stephen Young, Head of Policy at Scottish Land & Estates said: “Scotland’s farmers are already playing a crucial role in fighting climate change through world-class production methods such as maximising the use of grass to feed livestock. This...

Scottish Land & Estates launches manifesto “Our Plan for a Thriving Rural Scotland”

Press Release

Establishing a new scheme to support the seasonal and permanent non-UK workforce rural Scotland relies on is absolutely essential if we want to ensure our communities are provided with the much-needed stability and support they need to thrive. Launching their manifesto “Our Plan for a Thriving Rural Scotland” for the 2019 General Election...

Major Development in Mountain Hare Counts

Press Release

Land managers in Scotland have taken a major step forward in the establishment of an evidence-based approach to counting and recording data on mountain hare populations, it was announced today. New training methods and innovative technology will enable conservation bodies to record and assess hare populations and give more sophisticated...

SLE welcomes government review of rural planning policy

Press Release

A review of rural planning legislation to be undertaken by the Scottish Government has been welcomed by rural business organisation, Scottish Land & Estates. In its announcement, the government has indicated that the need for planning permission could be removed for certain types of rural developments to help tackle depopulation and...

SLE appeals for information regarding white-tailed eagles

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates has issued the following statement regarding an appeal for information about two white-tailed eagles in the north of Scotland. Sarah-Jane Laing, Executive Director at Scottish Land & Estates, said: “Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland immediately. “Landowners in both the areas where the birds...