News

SLE statement on Programme For Government in Scotland

Press Release

The Scottish Government’s new programme for government does not provide sufficient action to foster rural economic growth, Scottish Land & Estates said today. The rural business organisation also said the omission of a new Agriculture Bill will add to the uncertainty faced by farmers and land-based businesses. Sarah-Jane Laing, chief...

Agriculture Bill consultation welcomed by SLE

Press Release

The launch of a long-awaited consultation on a new Agriculture Bill for Scotland has been welcomed by rural business organisation, Scottish Land & Estates. The consultation, which has been published by the Scottish Government today, is an important step in shaping the future of farming and land management in Scotland – and the financial...

Add your voice to the Value of Shooting

Press Release

Have your say by taking part in a vital piece of research which seeks to establish the economic, environmental and social impact of all shooting disciplines in the UK. The Value of Shooting study is being supported by 24 shooting and countryside organisations. The findings will update and expand upon previous reports published in 2006 and...

Remaining Finalists Announced for Top Rural Awards

Press Release

The Helping it Happen Awards 2022, run by Scottish Land & Estates, have announced the finalists within the remaining four of their nine categories. Each of these categories focuses on rural businesses and how these businesses interact with their local communities and with visitors – highlighting how rural areas are underpinned by the...

Rural Scotland bounces back as the grouse season starts - A boost for business and biodiversity

Press Release

Rural businesses today welcomed The Glorious Twelfth – the start of the grouse shooting season – and predicted a much-needed return of international visitors following the impact over two years of the Covid-19 pandemic. Among the first enthusiasts to take to the heather-clad moors were a shooting party on See Far Hill at Forneth Farm in...

Shortlist announced for prestigious rural awards

Press Release

The Helping it Happen Awards 2022, run by Scottish Land & Estates, have announced the finalists within five of their nine categories today. Each of the categories focuses on an area in which rural businesses are positively impacting Scotland’s economy and environment. The overall focus of the Helping it Happen Awards is on recognising the...

SLE's comment on carbon capture projects

General News

Responding to media requests for comment on the role of carbon credits, Chief Executive Sarah-Jane Laing said: “Helping to tackle climate change is a key priority for all those involved in land use and management. In Scotland, the outlook is hugely encouraging given our natural resources and existing and new landowners of all types...

Controlled burning vital in Scotland’s fight against wildfires

Press Release

Greater recognition is required for the crucial role preventative burning can play in limiting the risk of wildfires in Scotland, land managers said today. With the United Kingdom recording its hottest ever temperatures this week, wildfires wreaked havoc for fire crews in both rural and urban areas, with 440 wildfires reported across the...

New moorland director appointed at Scottish Land & Estates

Press Release

Scottish Land & Estates, which represents land businesses across Scotland, today announced the appointment of Ross Ewing as Moorland Director. Ross will start his new role on July 11 and will take the lead in all moorland and game shooting related activity within the organisation. Ross is a former public affairs manager in Scotland for...

Land-based businesses response to new land reform proposals

Press Release

Following the launch today by the Scottish Government of a public consultation on new proposals to be included in a forthcoming Land Reform Bill, Scottish Land & Estates, the organisation which represents land-based businesses across rural Scotland, issued the following statement. Stephen Young, Head of Policy, Scottish Land & Estates...