News

UK not prepared for wildfires despite first ever ‘megafire’

Press Release

An Integrated Fire Management Strategy is needed for the whole of the UK, as public policy has not kept pace with the increasing risk of high-intensity, large-scale and more frequent wildfires. In many parts of the UK, temperatures today are expected to reach a new record high for May, potentially adding to the wildfire risk. In its...

Scotland’s rural businesses key to growth – but new course must be set on tax & regulation

Press Release

Rural businesses can be a driving force in Scotland’s economic growth - but government must adopt a more ambitious and enabling approach if that potential is to be fully realised. Rural business organisation Scottish Land & Estates held its annual conference today with a call for a more focused and practical approach to economic growth —...

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...

Extreme wildfire risk in Scotland – land managers urge responsible access

Press Release

Rural business organisation Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) is urging members of the public to be aware of the risk of wildfire and to act responsibly in the countryside this bank holiday weekend. The wildfire risk for the whole of Scotland remains ‘extreme’ today and ‘very high’ for much of the Highland region going into the bank holiday...

SLE statement on illegal killing of a goshawk

Press Release

The illegal killing of a goshawk in Perthshire has been condemned by Scottish Land & Estates. The rural business organisation commented following the conclusion of proceedings at Perth Sheriff Court today. The incident itself took place in February 2024. Ross Ewing, Director of Moorland and Special Projects at Scottish Land & Estates...

SLE welcomes EFRA committee call for evidence on wildfires

Press Release

The launch of a UK Parliamentary examination of the growing threat of wildfires has been welcomed as a ‘timely and necessary step’ in addressing an escalating risk to rural communities, landscapes and the wider environment. Scottish Land & Estates, the rural business organisation, was commenting after the call for evidence by the...

Mixed picture on livestock worrying causes concern

Press Release

New figures on livestock worrying in Scotland show a decline in recorded incidents last year but rural business organisation Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) warns the number is still too high, notably in Spring, when lambs and calves are in the field. According to data from Police Scotland’s National Rural, Acquisitive and Business...

SLE appoints Sara Ward and Neil Johnstone as operations expand

Press Release

Rural business organisation Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) has appointed Sara Ward and Neil Johnstone to support its growing range of services to members. Sara Ward has been appointed as events and membership services co-ordinator while Neil Johnstone joins SLE as digital and marketing officer. Stephen Young, director of policy for SLE...

Scotland’s rural heroes urged to step forward as landmark 10th Helping It Happen awards open

Press Release

New £10,000 ‘Rural Champion’ prize launched in biggest year yet Scotland’s rural heroes are being called into the spotlight as nominations open for the 2026 Helping It Happen Awards – with a brand new £10,000 prize up for grabs in the awards’ milestone 10th year. Organised by Scottish Land & Estates, the awards have spent the past decade...

Scotland is a model for world-leading wildlife conservation, based on joined-up approach

Press Release

Scotland’s approach to conservation is a model for other nations to follow, delegates were told at the Wildlife Estates Scotland (WES) Assembly at Hopetoun House this week. Land managers from across the UK and Europe joined conservationists, agricultural consultancies and rural business leaders to share best practice, evaluate the risks...