A landmark report on the social, economic and environmental contribution made by rural estates to communities should be a ‘game-changer’ in how landowners are viewed in Scotland. The research launched in Edinburgh today on the contribution of estates to the wellbeing economy dismisses the outdated image of ‘lairds’ that so often mars the...
Scottish Land & Estates has given a cautious welcome to the Hunting with Dogs Bill, as passed yesterday after almost a year of Parliamentary process and a long Stage 3 debate. All rural organisations with members responsible for managing wildlife remain sceptical that there was enough evidence of an animal welfare problem to warrant new...
Scottish Land & Estates has today welcomed a landmark report on the impact of different land management practices on peatland, and said the research provides a “golden standard” of evidence with which to shape the future of muirburn in Scotland. Researchers at the University of York are conducting a 20-year-long study into the management...
Coalition steps up court fight over rent control and eviction ban Petition for Judicial Review submitted to Court of Session A coalition of landlords and letting bodies has submitted a Petition to the Court of Session in Edinburgh seeking a Judicial Review of the Scottish Government’s rent control and eviction ban legislation. The...
A new training scheme to promote best practice in the use of muirburn has been backed by Scotland’s estates. Organised by Lantra and recognised by NatureScot, Scotland’s nature agency, the training course is designed for those who will take part in land management activities that use fire as a tool. Scottish Land & Estates, which...
Extending emergency legislation governing rented housing will be to the detriment of the private rented sector, its tenants and landlords. Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) reacted to an announcement at Holyrood by Tenants’ Rights Minister Patrick Harvie that the measures contained in the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) Act 2022 will...
Two new staff appointments have strengthened membership services at rural business organisation, Scottish Land & Estates. Carmen McPherson has joined as Membership Communications Manager at its Musselburgh headquarters whilst George Moore has been appointed as the South West Regional Support Officer. Prior to joining SLE, Carmen spent a...
Rural organisations united today to urge the Scottish Government not to damage a ‘land use that is so vital to Scotland’ through its proposals to introduce a licensing scheme for grouse shooting. The Scottish Government’s public consultation on their forthcoming Wildlife Management (Grouse) Bill proposals ends tomorrow (Wednesday...
The Scottish Government’s proposals for licensing grouse shooting are a ‘legal minefield’ with the capacity to harm rural communities and adversely impact biodiversity, land managers said today. Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), which represents rural businesses across Scotland, said some of the proposals in the public consultation on the...
A nature friendly family farm on the outskirts of Edinburgh has become the smallest landholding in Scotland to be awarded prestigious international wildlife accreditation. Easter Bavelaw Farm, which is nestled to the south of Threipmuir Reservoir in the Pentland Hills, has gained Wildlife Estates Scotland (WES) certification following a...