News

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...

SLE comments on Wildlife Crime in Scotland Annual Report 2020-2021

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates has issued the following statement following publication of the Wildlife Crime in Scotland Annual Report for 2020-2021. Sarah Jane Laing, Chief Executive at Scottish Land & Estates, said: “Rural businesses play an important role in addressing the nature and biodiversity crisis and working with partners to tackle...

Coalition launches crowd fund campaign for judicial review

General News

A coalition, comprising Scottish Land & Estates, Scottish Association of Landlords and Propertymark, has had its application for Judicial Review of the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) Act 2022 accepted and this will be heard in the Court of Session on 4 May 2023. How Can You Help? Although the three organisations involved in this case...

Dog Walkers Urged To Exercise Caution To Avoid Livestock Attacks This Easter

Press Release

Farmers and land managers have renewed their appeal for dog walkers and owners to take care around livestock in rural Scotland this Easter. Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), which represents rural businesses, said it was crucial to minimise the risk of dog attacks when the lambing season was underway and with a spike in visitors to the...

SLE Statement on bird of prey persecution conviction

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates has issued the following statement after a gamekeeper was convicted at Inverness Sheriff Court of killing a sparrowhawk in September 2021. Dee Ward, Vice Chair (Policy) at Scottish Land & Estates, said: “We condemn raptor persecution in the strongest possible terms and it is right and proper that anyone who commits...