News

SLE welcomes signs of Scottish Government listening to concerns of housing providers

Press Release

The Housing Minister, Paul McLennan MSP outlined an amendment to the Housing (Scotland) Bill today that restructures the Scottish Government’s rent control proposals, taking into account the cost of inflation (CPI). The rent control system as proposed sets a cap on rent increases in certain areas. The announcement today adjusts the cap...

Statement on the 2024 Budget

Press Release

SLE Chief Executive Sarah-Jane Laing made the following statement in response to the Budget announced on 30 October. SLE Chief Executive Sarah-Jane Laing said: “The UK Budget represents a double blow for Scotland’s rural communities, who will rightly feel let down by the Chancellor’s announcements. “Despite repeated calls from the farming...

SLE statement on RSPB bird crime report

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates has issued the following statement regarding the RSPB Birdcrime report, which has been published today (Wednesday 23 October). Ross Ewing, Director of Moorland, Scottish Land & Estates, said: “In recent years, Scottish Government official wildlife crime reports have demonstrated a decline in bird crime to the...

SLE urges UK Government to support rural communities in upcoming Budget

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), the rural business organisation, has said the upcoming UK Budget presents the opportunity for significant fiscal reforms to support Scotland's rural communities, tackle climate change, and ensure the sustainable future of the rural economy. In a pre-budget submission, SLE outlines critical areas requiring...

SLE expresses disappointment at closure of Rural Housing Scotland

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) is deeply saddened to learn of the closure of Rural Housing Scotland (RHS), which has served rural communities for over two decades. The charity announced its closure on Tuesday due to severe funding difficulties. Since it was established in 2001, the organisation has made a significant and sustained...

Appeal For Information Following Peregrine Falcon Death In Angus

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates today supported a police appeal for information following the death of a peregrine falcon in Angus. The injured bird was found in distress in Glen Esk on September, 3, and the Scottish SPCA was called to attend. The falcon was later euthanised and following further investigations, the bird was found to have been...

Rural champions shine as Helping It Happen Awards celebrate Scotland’s unsung heroes

Press Release

Eleven outstanding businesses, innovative partnerships, and visionary individuals from across rural Scotland have been honoured at the national Helping it Happen 2024 awards. The glittering ceremony, held in Edinburgh on Wednesday (October 2) evening and organised by Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), recognised exceptional contributions to...

Drew McFarlane-Slack MBE Honoured for Outstanding Contribution to Rural Scotland

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates celebrates the immense contribution of Drew McFarlane-Slack at the Helping it Happen Awards 2024 Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) is delighted to announce that Drew McFarlane-Slack MBE has been awarded the prestigious Award for Outstanding Contribution to Rural Scotland as part of the annual Helping it Happen Awards...

Rural businesses voice opposition to ‘unsound’ Galloway National Park proposals

Press Release

Proposals for a new national park in Galloway fail to explain the tangible benefits it would bring to the region, businesses and communities, a rural business organisation said today. Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) said it would not support plans for the new national park following a survey of its members. Of the SLE members surveyed...

Rural voice vital as Scottish Government plans changes to rented sector and heating standards

Press Release

The needs of rural Scotland must be placed front and centre by the Scottish Government as it seeks change to Scotland’s private rented sector and building heating standards. Scottish Land & Estates, the rural business organisation, reacted following the Programme for Government statement by the First Minister at Holyrood today. As well as...