In this episode of the Scotland Matters podcast, host Cameron Gillies catches up with the Chair of the Scottish Land Commission, Michael Russell, and SLE’s CEO Sarah-Jane Laing to explore the complexities of land reform in Scotland..
The discussion delves into the historical context of land ownership, evolving perspectives on land use, and the balance between regulation and community engagement. They discuss the importance of public benefit, social responsibility, and the need for effective communication between landowners and communities. They also address the challenges of defining success in land reform and the future of land ownership in Scotland, highlighting the importance of both scale and diversity when it comes to land management.
As always, thank you for supporting the podcast and if you'd like to find out more check out the links below!
Watch us on YouTube -
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZh6HQRipgDGqJDHxhSXVQg
Find out more about Scottish Land & Estates - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk
Find out about the Helping it Happen Awards - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/helping-it-happen
In this episode of ScotLand Matters podcast, Cameron is joined by SLE Director of Moorland, Ross Ewing, and Regional Coordinator for the Angus Glens Moorland Groups, Iona McGregor, to discuss the significance of the Glorious Twelfth, the start of the grouse shooting season in Scotland, and its multiple benefits to rural communities.
The conversation covers the economic impact of grouse shooting, the social cohesion it fosters, the implications for food security, and the environmental management practices involved. Discussion also addresses the challenges posed by policy changes and the importance of inclusivity and education in the shooting sports community.
As always, thank you for supporting the podcast and if you'd like to find out more check out the links below!
Watch us on YouTube -
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZh6HQRipgDGqJDHxhSXVQg
Find out more about Scottish Land & Estates - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk
Find out about the Helping it Happen Awards - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/helping-it-happen
This year, SLE's Chief Executive Sarah-Jane Laing celebrates her 20th year at the organisation. To mark the occasion, the ScotLand Matters Podcast is reflecting on her time here, with Donald Greig - our Membership Communications Manager - in conversation with SJ alongside friends, members and colleagues.
We were pleased to be joined by Robert Scott-Dempster, head of Land and Rural Business at Gillespie MacAndrew and chair of SLE's Legal and Tax Group; and David Johnston, former SLE Chairman and owner of Annandale Estate in Dumfriesshire .
In a wide ranging discussion we look back at the highs and lows of the last 20 years at SLE, whilst also taking a moment to look ahead at what's coming down the track for rural Scotland in the future.
This special International Women’s Day episode of the SLE Podcast celebrates the theme #AccelerateAction, amplifying the voices of women in the workplace and rural sector.
Hosted by SLE's Digital Media Assistant, Anine Stevenson, this episode features insightful conversations with SLE Chief Executive Sarah-Jane Laing and SLE Board Member Lucy Laidlaw, alongside voices from our SLE colleagues. Together, they share their experiences on leadership, resilience, and driving meaningful change.
From overcoming challenges to inspiring the next generation, this episode is packed with motivation for women in all fields and stages of life.
As always, thank you for supporting the podcast and if you'd like to find out more check out the links below!
Watch us on YouTube -
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZh6HQRipgDGqJDHxhSXVQg
Find out more about Scottish Land & Estates - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk
Find out about the Helping it Happen Awards - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/helping-it-happen
Land Reform in Scotland: Progress or Pitfall? Unpacking the Impact on Rural Communities, Climate, and Agriculture. In this episode of the Scottish Land and Estates podcast, Cameron is joined by SLE Legal Adviser, Jackie McCreery, to discuss the Land Reform Bill and its potential to strengthen rural community rights.
They examine the complexities of the current legislation, its focus on large-scale land ownership, and the Bill's impact on climate goals. With a closer look at part two of the Bill, which covers agricultural tenancies, they explore its broader implications, including the possible negative effects on land transactions, security, and the rural economy. The conversation also highlights the need for a clearer vision for land reform and more incentives to encourage positive land management behaviours.
As always, thank you for supporting the podcast and if you'd like to find out more check out the links below!
Watch us on YouTube -
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZh6HQRipgDGqJDHxhSXVQg
Find out more about Scottish Land & Estates - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk
Find out about the Helping it Happen Awards - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/helping-it-happen
Welcome Back & Happy New Year! 🎉
The latest episode of the Scottish Land & Estates podcast, ScotLand Matters, is here to kick off an exciting 2025!
In this episode, our Press & Public Affairs Manager, Cameron Gillies, sits down with SLE Chairman, Dee Ward, and Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon. Together, they delve into the Scottish Government’s role in supporting rural businesses while tackling pressing challenges like sustainability and depopulation.
The discussion shines a spotlight on the importance of long-term strategies for rural resilience, emphasizing private investment and housing as key growth drivers. They also address the impact of budget cuts on rural affairs and the critical need for collaboration between the public and private sectors to achieve meaningful progress.
As always, thank you for supporting the podcast and if you'd like to find out more check out the links below!
Watch us on YouTube -
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZh6HQRipgDGqJDHxhSXVQg
Find out more about Scottish Land & Estates - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk
Find out about the Helping it Happen Awards - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/helping-it-happen
Welcome back to another episode of the Scottish Land & Estates Podcast, ScotLand Matters! In this episode, the discussion revolves around the recent UK budget and its implications for Scotland's rural sector.
In this episode, Cameron is joined by Eleanor Kay (Senior Policy Adviser for Agriculture and Climate Change) and Jackie McCreery (Legal Adviser) to discuss the budget's impact on agriculture, particularly concerning inheritance tax changes and the cumulative effects on rural businesses.
As always, thank you for supporting the podcast and if you'd like to find out more check out the links below!
Watch us on YouTube -
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZh6HQRipgDGqJDHxhSXVQg
Find out more about Scottish Land & Estates - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk
Find out about the Helping it Happen Awards - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/helping-it-happen
Welcome back to another episode of the Scottish Land & Estates Podcast, ScotLand Matters!
In this episode, Cameron explores the current state of rural affairs in Scotland, highlighting the challenges and opportunities faced by rural communities. It discusses the importance of legislative developments, the role of rural estates in the economy, and the commitment to sustainable development in the region. The conversation emphasises the need for a unified approach to support rural Scotland's growth and resilience.
As always, thank you for supporting the podcast and if you'd like to find out more check out the links below!
Watch us on YouTube -
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZh6HQRipgDGqJDHxhSXVQg
Find out more about Scottish Land & Estates - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk
Find out about the Helping it Happen Awards - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/helping-it-happen
Welcome back to another episode of the Scottish Land & Estates Podcast, ScotLand Matters!
In this episode, Cameron is back and joined by Anna Gardiner, our Rural Property Policy Adviser, to discuss Scotland's housing crisis. The Scottish government has declared a housing emergency, raising urgent questions about the factors driving this crisis. In this episode, Anna and Cameron analyse the shortage of affordable rental homes, particularly in rural areas where depopulation is an escalating concern, exploring whether recent rent control measures may be exacerbating the issue. Join us for an insightful discussion on Scotland's housing challenges, followed by an audience Q&A segment.
Plus, stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll dive into the new Programme for Government and its implications for the nation’s future.
As always, thank you for supporting the podcast and if you'd like to find out more check out the links below!
Watch us on YouTube -
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZh6HQRipgDGqJDHxhSXVQg
Find out more about Scottish Land & Estates - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk
Find out about the Helping it Happen Awards - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/helping-it-happen
Welcome back to another episode of the Scottish Land & Estates Podcast, ScotLand Matters!
In this episode, we are joined by Director of Policy Stephen Young and Senior Policy Advisor for Agriculture & Climate Change Eleanor Kay.
The conversation discusses the newly passed Agriculture and Rural Communities Bill in Scotland. It also highlights the opportunities for Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) members to engage with government workshops and support schemes. SLE played a role in advocating for changes in the bill, such as including food security reporting and supporting integrated land management.
As always, thank you for supporting the podcast and if you'd like to find out more hit the links below!
Watch us on YouTube -
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZh6HQRipgDGqJDHxhSXVQg
Find out more about Scottish Land & Estates - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk
Find out about the Helping it Happen Awards - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/helping-it-happen
Happy Monday! This episode is a special of sorts, recorded live from our stand at the Royal Highland Show!
This episode unpacks our key priorities for rural Scotland leading up to the General Election, whilst celebrating the wonders of the Royal Highland Show.
In this episode, Cameron sits down with an SLE member Alex Bailey, Scottish Forestry's Will and Lynne on the transformative impact of woodland creation, Nadia and Ross from SLE, and Scottish Conservatives Rachael Hamilton and Finlay Carson.
As always, thank you for supporting the podcast and if you'd like to find out more hit the links below!
Watch us on YouTube -
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZh6HQRipgDGqJDHxhSXVQg
Find out more about Scottish Land & Estates - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk
Find out about the Helping it Happen Awards - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/helping-it-happen
Welcome back to the SLE podcast! We've got a brand new season for you, with lots more to come so stay tuned! In this episode, Cameron Gillies is joined by Sarah-Jane Laing and Stephen Young to discuss the current state of rural affairs in Scotland, including changes in tone from politicians, the impact of recent legislation, and the implications of The Land Reform Bill. It also explores the upcoming general election and the expectations for rural Scotland. The conversation delves into the Agriculture Bill, Land Reform, Energy Strategy, and Rural Proofing, highlighting the need for rural impact assessments and continued investment in rural areas.
In this, our final episode for season one, Stephen Young, our Director of Policy, is joined by our newly appointed Press & Public Affairs Manager Cameron Gillies as they provide a summary of the work SLE is currently undertaking and share a glimpse of what’s coming next.
Following that, you’ll hear our Chief Executive Sarah-Jane Laing sit down to chat with Cameron, and our Senior Policy Adviser (Agriculture and Climate Change) Eleanor Kay, as they discuss the Scottish Government’s Cabinet reshuffle and its implications.
This episode was recorded on 7 and 12 February 2024.
ScotLand Matters is the official podcast of Scottish Land & Estates, hosted by Carmen McPherson and produced by Calum Henderson.
Find out more about Scottish Land & Estates - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk
View our schedule of events - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/events
Find out about the Helping it Happen Awards - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/helping-it-happen
Read the latest edition of LandBusiness Magazine - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/resources/land-business-magazine
Find out what a Scottish Land & Estates Membership can do for you - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/membership
In this episode, the first of two recorded in person at Leys Estate in Banchory, our Head of Regions Fiona Van Aardt sits down with members of Leys' team to hear about how they have been celebrating the estate's 700th anniversary.
This episode was recorded on 21 and 22 September 2023.
ScotLand Matters is the official podcast of Scottish Land & Estates, hosted by Carmen McPherson and produced by Calum Henderson.
Find out more about Leys Estate - www.leysestate.com
Find out more about Scottish Land & Estates - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk
View our schedule of events - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/events
Find out more about the Helping it Happen Awards - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/helping-it-happen
Read the latest edition of LandBusiness Magazine - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/resources/land-business-magazine
Find out what a Scottish Land & Estates Membership can do for you - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/membership
In this episode of ScotLand Matters, our last for 2023, you’ll hear our Chief Executive Sarah-Jane Laing sit down with SLE Chairman Dee Ward as they discuss what 2023 looked like for Scottish Land & Estates.
In this episode, expect to find out:
This episode was recorded on Tuesday 19 December.
ScotLand Matters is the official podcast of Scottish Land & Estates, hosted by Carmen McPherson and produced by Calum Henderson.
Find out more about Scottish Land & Estates - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk
View our schedule of events - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/events
Find out more about the Helping it Happen Awards - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/helping-it-happen
Read the latest edition of LandBusiness Magazine - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/resources/land-business-magazine
Find out what a Scottish Land & Estates Membership can do for you - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/membership
In this episode of ScotLand Matters, you’ll hear our Senior Policy Adviser (Agriculture and Climate Change) Eleanor Kay in conversation with Dr Calum Brown, Co-Chief Scientist at Highlands Rewilding. In his role as a land system scientist, Calum is interested in how land management affects ecosystems and societies.
In this episode, expect to find out:
This episode was recorded on Wednesday 25 October.
ScotLand Matters is the official podcast of Scottish Land & Estates, hosted by Carmen McPherson and produced by Calum Henderson.
Find out more about Highland Rewilding - www.highlandsrewilding.co.uk
Find out more about Scottish Land & Estates - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk
View our schedule of events - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/events
Find out more about the Helping it Happen Awards - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/helping-it-happen
Read the latest edition of LandBusiness Magazine - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/resources/land-business-magazine
Find out what a Scottish Land & Estates Membership can do for you - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/membership
In this episode of ScotLand Matters, Sarah Madden, our Policy Adviser (Rural Communities), and Hannah Lloyd, our Business Development Manager, are joined by Jim Hume, Director of Policy, Public Affairs and Communications for Change Mental Health.
Expect to hear answers to questions including:
This episode was recorded on Wednesday 25 October.
ScotLand Matters is the official podcast of Scottish Land & Estates, hosted by Carmen McPherson and produced by Calum Henderson.
Find out more about Change Mental Health - www.changemh.org
If you or someone you know is in need of advice and support, find details on how to contact the team at Change Mental Health - www.changemh.org/advice-and-support
Find out more about the National Rural Mental Health Forum - www.changemh.org/forum
Find out more about Scottish Land & Estates - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk
View our schedule of events - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/events
Find out more about the Helping it Happen Awards - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/helping-it-happen
Read the latest edition of LandBusiness Magazine - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/resources/land-business-magazine
Find out what a Scottish Land & Estates Membership can do for you - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/membership
In this episode of ScotLand Matters, our Policy Advisor (Rural Property), Anna Gardiner, is joined by Chris Duncan and Darren Albury from Mill Architects. During their conversation we hear about the team’s love of architecture in the countryside, their unique approach to retrofitting rural properties, and how they deliver for rural businesses. This includes work on a recent project that won the Rural Property Award at this year’s Helping it Happen Awards.
This episode was recorded on Wednesday 13 September 2023.
ScotLand Matters is the official podcast of Scottish Land & Estates, hosted by Carmen McPherson and produced by Calum Henderson.
Find out more about Mill Architects: www.millarchitects.co.uk
Find out more about Scottish Land & Estates - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk
View our schedule of events - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/events
Find out more about the Helping it Happen Awards - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/helping-it-happen
Read the latest edition of LandBusiness Magazine - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/resources/land-business-magazine
Find out what a Scottish Land & Estates Membership can do for you - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/membership
In this episode of ScotLand Matters, our Membership Communications Manager Carmen McPherson is joined by Caroline Pringle, Project Manager for Wildlife Estates Scotland (WES) and newly appointed WES Chairman Miles Montgomerie, along with James Joicey of Ford & Etal Estate.
The group discuss the Wildlife Estates International Congress which was held in Edinburgh at the start of September, and was attended by delegates from all over Europe, as well as Lorna Slater MSP, Scottish Government Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity.
This episode was recorded on Monday 11 September.
ScotLand Matters is the official podcast of Scottish Land & Estates, hosted by Carmen McPherson and produced by Calum Henderson.
Find out more about Wildlife Estates Scotland (WES): www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/wildlife-estates-scotland
Find out more about Scottish Land & Estates - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk
View our schedule of events - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/events
Find out more about the Helping it Happen Awards - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/helping-it-happen
Read the latest edition of LandBusiness Magazine - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/resources/land-business-magazine
Find out what a Scottish Land & Estates Membership can do for you - www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/membership
