News

Substandard food imports remain a concern ahead of trade negotiations

Press Release

The failure to enshrine a commitment against substandard food imports into the UK is deeply disappointing, Scottish Land & Estates said today. The organisation made the comments following the third reading of the Agriculture Bill in the House of Commons last night. Eleanor Kay, Policy Adviser (Agriculture) at Scottish Land & Estates, said...

Furlough scheme extended

Press Release

The Chancellor has announced that the UK Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will remain open until the end of October 2020. Furloughed workers across the UK will continue to receive 80% of their current salary, up to £2,500. New flexibility will be introduced from August to get employees back to work and boost the economy. As...

Extension to Farming Tenant’s Amnesty

Press Release

Following today’s passing of regulations by the Scottish Parliament to extend the amnesty on tenant’s improvements for a further six months to 12 December 2020, Scottish Land & Estates is echoing the call from Tenant Farming Commissioner, Bob McIntosh, in urging landlords, tenants and their agents not to use this as a reason for delaying...

UK Agriculture Bill needs enhanced consultation with devolved nations on trade commitments

Press Release

Devolved nations need to be properly consulted on World Trade Organisation (WTO) obligations which could negatively impact future farming policy, Scottish Land & Estates said today. Ahead of the third reading of the UK Agriculture Bill in the House of Commons on Wednesday, SLE said it was vital there are agreed processes for devolved...

Aid for select few private rental landlords

General News

The Scottish Government has published details of its promised interest-free loan for private landlords. The Private Rent Sector Landlord COVID-19 Loan Scheme, a £5 million fund, will offer eligible landlords up to 100% of lost rental income for a single property if their tenants are having difficulty paying rent during the coronavirus...

Scottish Government asked to step in as bin bag of human faeces found among illegally dumped rubbish

Press Release

Flytipping cases continue to surge, with a bin bag of human excrement found among items illegally dumped in the Scottish countryside during lockdown. Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), the rural business membership organisation has drawn up a list of the top 10 most random items their members, which include farmers and estate owners, have...

Open letter to Scottish Government on rise in flytipping incidents

General News

Scottish Land & Estates has written to Roseanna Cunningham MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Environment Climate Change and Land Reform, highlighting the rise in flytipping incidents since lockdown restrictions began and proposing a series of measures to support farmers and landowners who experience flytipping on their property. Letter to Ms...

SLE urges the Scottish Parliament for more ambitious farming policy

Press Release

Now is the time for bold and ambitious leadership to set out a long-term plan for Scottish agriculture that benefits everyone says Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), the organisation which represents landowners and rural businesses. After a delay of several months, the Scottish Parliament yesterday held their Stage 1 debate on the Agriculture...

Flexible planning system required to help communities recover from Covid-19 aftermath

Press Release

Greater flexibility and a rural focus in the planning system is required if rural communities are to thrive in the future as the lasting impact of the Covid-19 pandemic takes it toll, says Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), the rural business group. In their response to the Scottish Government’s call for ideas on the National Planning...

Country Sports Tourism Businesses now eligible for government help after SLE swoops in

Press Release

Scotland’s country sports tourism businesses which have been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic can now apply for grant funding of up to £25,000 after being left out of original Scottish Government funding support. The announcement comes after Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), the rural business organisation, wrote to both Kate Forbes...