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19/06/2013 - Commencement of Reservoirs Act
The Scottish Government are currently consulting on the commencement of the Reservoirs (Scotland) Act 2011. This Act is relevant to members with reservoirs and artificial or part-artificial lochs with a capacity of at least 10,000 cubic metres. Reservoirs of this size and larger will fall within the new regulatory regime.
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19/06/2013 - Share Your Experiences of the Scottish Planning System
Scottish Land & Estates is seeking views from members on their experience using the Scottish planning system. We are currently preparing responses on the draft Scottish Planning Policy and National Planning Framework 3 Main Issues Report and would like to supplement our response with practical examples and statics generated f
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19/06/2013 - Parliamentary Debate on Planning
Last week saw a debate in the Scottish Parliament on progress towards National Planning Framework 3 and Scottish Planning Policy. Topics subject to extensive debate included the increasing use of the term “sustainable economic growth” over “sustainable development”, the definition of wind farm, community
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19/06/2013 - Certification Help for Small Woods - Forest Stewardship Council launches Smallholder Fund
The Forest Stewardship Council® has launched a fund to support FSC® certification among small private, family, and community forest owners, or “smallholders.” In the first year, €420,000 will be distributed from the fund. “Smallholders are a cornerstone of the FSC system,” said Kim Carstensen, Director
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18/06/2013 - Landowner Body Responds To Court Ruling On Buzzard Poisoning
Scottish Land & Estates has issued a response following a court ruling to fine a South West gamekeeper for the illegal poisoning of a buzzard. Chief Executive Douglas McAdam said: “We fully support today’s court decision to impose a £4,450 fine on a gamekeeper convicted of buzzard poisoning; close t
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17/06/2013 - Attempt to re-open hill tracks debate
A group of nine organisations under Scottish Environment LINK is trying again to put pressure on Government to change planning laws. In an article about this in The Herald on 5th June, Scottish Land & Estates said: "The issue of hill tracks as permitted development was the subject of a full Consultation by th
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17/06/2013 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 10-14 June 2013
Parliamentary Questions & Answers from 10-14 June 2013 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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17/06/2013 - Parliamentary Bulletin - 17 June 2013
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 17 June 2013. To view the Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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14/06/2013 - Confor Job Vacancy: Communications Manager
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER - Confor: Promoting forestry and wood Confor is looking for an enthusiastic communicator to promote Confor's activity, mainly to members and the forestry and timber sector. The major task is editing the well-respected magazine, Forestry & Timber News, that is published six times per year, with i
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14/06/2013 - Magnificient 7 Social Media Campaign Linking Members with Fans Worldwide
If you haven’t taken part in Scottish Land & Estates’ Magnificent 7 campaign on twitter and Facebook yet, there is no time to lose - showcase your rural enterprise or landholding in a fun and exciting way now... Supporting the Scottish Natural Heritage ‘Big 5’ campaign which highlights some of the beau
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14/06/2013 - Latest tenancy statistics published
Scottish Government this week released the latest statistics on agricultural tenancies. Douglas McAdam, Chief Executive of Scottish Land & Estates, said: “The statistics underline a number of important facts. Rents appear generally very good value and rent rises have appeared in recent years following a decade of de
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14/06/2013 - Independence to take centre stage at Highland Show
Richard Lochhead is set to outline the benefits of independence for rural Scotland at next week’s Highland Show. Mr Lochhead will make a speech and take questions at an event to be held in the Scottish Government pavilion on the second day of the show. Mr Lochhead said: “As Rural Affairs Secretary I have worked hard t
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14/06/2013 - Latest Agriculture Statistics Released
Scottish Government this week released that latest statistics on the performance of Scottish agriculture. The Economic Report on Scottish Agriculture provides an in-depth report on the sector, covering its structure and financial performance, with specific sections looking at crops, livestock, labour and some comparisons
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14/06/2013 - Invermark: trial by media
In a television news item about the alleged felling of a tree containing a sea eagle nest, the BBC have acknowledged that sporting estates feel they are being subjected to “trial by media”. In this case a police inquiry has been ongoing since January, with which the estate has been fully cooperating, but it has not co
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14/06/2013 - Scottish Land & Estates signs agreement with Police to protect Freshwater Pearl Mussels
Scottish Land & Estates has signed an agreement with the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) to help protect the endangered freshwater pearl mussel from illegal fishing. Scotland holds 60% of the world population of this mollusc in only a small number of rivers where they filter water to the benefit of trout and salmon. T
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14/06/2013 - Scottish Enterprise Rural Leadership Programme 2013/14
2013-14 Programme Now Open for Applications Are you an ambitious farmer or rural business manager involved in running or working in a small to medium sized business in Scotland and looking to develop your leadership skills and grow your business? If so, Scottish Enterprise’s Rural Leadership Programme may be right for y
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14/06/2013 - Information about police investigation leaked by anonymous website
Confidential information about an active police investigation on a grouse moor has again been leaked to the media. This relates to an incident in March at Leadhills Estate where according to the police, some items were removed for scientific analysis and a number of people were detained, but no charges have been made.
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13/06/2013 - Scottish Land & Estates Job Vacancy: Projects Manager
A new vacancy has become available for a Projects Manager with Scottish Land & Estates. The role will straddle both the policy and communications functions within Scottish Land & Estates. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering Scottish Land & Estates' Connecting people with the land’ activity, which
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13/06/2013 - SEPA produce flood risk animation
SEPA has produced a new animation which explains their approach to flood risk management to a general audience. To see the animation, which is available on their website, click here – animation. The launch of this animation coincides with a meeting of the National Flood Management Advisory Group which has over 50 me
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13/06/2013 - Opportunities to engage with VisitScotland.com
Dear HHAS /SL&E, SGS member. As the primary creators of activities/attractions and businesses in the countryside we have felt that you were not represented fully on the Visit Scotland website. The new website is aiming to present a more complete picture of all we have to offer in Scotland. To this end we have been l
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12/06/2013 - Landowners Respond to Scottish Government Agriculture Statistics
Responding to agricultural statistics published today (Wednesday), Douglas McAdam, Chief Executive of Scottish Land & Estates, said: “The figures published today by the Scottish Government highlight the importance of farming in Scotland to the economy. It is a mixed picture and while overall farm incomes have dropped �
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11/06/2013 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 3-7 June 2013
Parliamentary Questions & Answers from 3 to 7 June 2013 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estate members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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11/06/2013 - Parliamentary Bulletin - 10 June 2013
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 10 June 2013. To view the Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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08/06/2013 - Landowners respond to First Minister comments on Community Land ownership
FOLLOWING addresses by First Minister Alex Salmond and Dr Alison Elliot at today’s Community Land Scotland annual conference, Scottish Land & Estates Chief Executive Douglas McAdam commented: “We welcome the First Minister’s announcements on an increased budget for the Scottish Land fund and also the target of one m
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06/06/2013 - Peatland restoration project funding
SNH are seeking applications for an ambitious £1.7m peatland restoration project, set to run over the next two years. The Green Stimulus Peatland Restoration Project is a Scottish Government initiative to reduce carbon released into the atmosphere. Restoring peat-forming habitats which have been drained or damaged helps
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06/06/2013 - Collaboration Prize – pair up to pitch big
Collaborating with other businesses can help food and drink businesses access new markets, share resources and gain strength in numbers. Co-operative Development Scotland's Collaboration Prize aims to encourage companies to work together and will this year be making £40,000 available for new collaborative projects. O
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06/06/2013 - Moorland managers learn from Langholm project
A group of 60 moorland owners, agents and keepers from the South Scotland Moorland Group visited the Langholm Moor Demonstration Project on Friday 31st May. The event was organised so that managers could find out about progress on the core aims of the project – to bring back viable Red grouse shooting while maint
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06/06/2013 - Bee Health Survey
A survey into bee health has highlighted that over three quarters of Scottish beekeepers lost at least one colony last winter. The survey, commissioned by the Scottish Government, was designed to assess the health status of honey bees in Scotland and gain a better understanding of how factors such as husbandry and disease aff
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06/06/2013 - Funding support for new entrants and deer farmers
Richard Lochhead has made a £2 million support package available to help new entrants and deer farmers who have been excluded from support under the current Single Farm Payment Scheme (SFPS) and this week Scottish Government has sent out application forms for this support to those businesses and agents who have registered wi
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06/06/2013 - Scottish Land & Estates shows support for regulatory reform
Scottish Land & Estates has this week submitted written evidence to the Economy Energy and Tourism Committee on the general provisions contained within the Regulatory Reform (Scotland) Bill. The main points raised in our evidence include:- Support for the Scottish Government’s Better Regulation agenda and suppor
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06/06/2013 - Avoiding danger from overhead power lines
Incidents involving vehicles coming in to contact with overhead power lines are all too common. HSE guidance on avoiding danger from overhead power lines (GS6) has been updated, and is essential reading for anyone who works or controls work close to overhead power lines. Read the guidance in full at http://www.hse.gov.uk/
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05/06/2013 - Landowners Urge Politicians to Reflect Reality in Rural Scotland
Scottish Land & Estates responds to Scottish parliamentary debate on land reform Following the Scottish Parliament debate on land reform today, Scottish Land & Estates – which represents landowners across Scotland – issued the following statement. Chairman Luke Borwick said: “Landowners are willing to embrace ch
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05/06/2013 - Current Consultations
Please click on the attachment below to see a list of consultations which may be of interest to members and how to get involved in responses by Scottish Land & Estates.
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05/06/2013 - Working hill ponies sought for memorial award
The Fred Taylor Memorial Trophy for Working Stalking Ponies THE working pony is a treasured tradition on many of Scotland’s sporting estates and deer forests and it’s fitting that the 25th Anniversary GWCT Scottish Game Fair hosts the first staging of a ‘concourse d’elegance’ for working ponies in memory of th
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03/06/2013 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 28-31 May 2013
Parliamentary Questions from 28-31 May 2013 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estate members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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03/06/2013 - Parliamentary Bulletin - 3 June 2013
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 3 June 2013.
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03/06/2013 - Weather Aid Scheme opens for applications
The scheme has been introduced to compensate farmers who experienced greater than normal losses as a result of the severe snow storms in March 2013; extreme weather in 2012/13; and the sandstorms in May 2013. An industry group chaired by the Scottish Government have agreed the application form and Notes for Guidance. The
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03/06/2013 - Weather Aid Scheme opens for applications
The scheme has been introduced to compensate farmers who experienced greater than normal losses as a result of the severe snow storms in March 2013; extreme weather in 2012/13; and the sandstorms in May 2013. An industry group chaired by the Scottish Government have agreed the application form and Notes for Guidance. The
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31/05/2013 - Next SRDP in the spotlight
The Scottish Government is seeking views on the principles behind the next SRDP. The programme distributes money from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Scottish Government to be spent on things like the environment, modernisation of agriculture, forestry, business development, rural tourism
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31/05/2013 - Alyn Smith attacks UK Government of rural development funding
Alyn Smith MEP has condemned the UK Government for failing to negotiate a greater share for Scotland of the Rural Development budget for 2014-2020. This follows the release of figures from the European Commission (which have yet to be formally approved by the European Parliament) showing the proposed breakdown of the €8
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31/05/2013 - Rural Affairs Committee backs decrofting legislation
Legislation that will allow owner-occupier crofters to decroft their land has been supported by the Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee. However, the Committee has drawn concerns about its complexity to the attention of the Scottish Government, and also commented on the next-steps for making crofting l
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30/05/2013 - Updated Organic Action Plan launched
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has this week launched the updated Organic Action Plan. New initiatives have been introduced to the Organic Action Plan, first published in 2011, to help meet growing consumer demand for organic produce. Included in the new actions are: helping farmers develop their skills; ide
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30/05/2013 - No to designation of wild land
Following evidence given this week by Paul Wheelhouse MSP, Minister for Environment, that he is “not persuaded that there is a case for a new statutory designation for wild land”, the Public Petitions’ Committee agreed to close the John Muir Trust led petition. The Scottish Parliament’s Public Petitions’ Committ
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30/05/2013 - Riders reminded to take care of the grass!
Think before you ride over that lovely tempting grass field is the message from The British Horse Society in Scotland to those hacking out this May. This is because depending on the stage of growth, riders could be outside their right of access. Riders are reminded that grass is just as valuable a crop as barley or
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30/05/2013 - Let’s go greener together
People across Scotland are being encouraged to ‘Go Greener Together’ and to help make Scotland a cleaner, greener place to live. Whether at home, at work or in the community, we all need to consider how we – and the people we live and work with – could be greener, and what we can do to help Scotland’s environmen
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30/05/2013 - Angling and rafting issues discussed at National Access Forum
At last week’s National Access Forum meeting, Scottish Anglers National Association highlighted on-going tensions between anglers and recreational users, including some commercial rafting groups. Other discussion included a call for enhanced PR around dog-walking access through livestock fields, charging for facilities su
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30/05/2013 - Agricultural wage increases
The Scottish Agricultural Wages Board has determined that from 1st October 2013, the basic rate of pay for agricultural workers with more than 26 weeks continuous employment will increase by 13p per hour to £6.99 bringing the minimum wage for a 39 hour week to £272.61. The basic rate of pay for agricultural workers with les
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29/05/2013 - Grant support to aid creation of Chalara-free shelter zone
Woodland managers are to be given grant support in Scotland’s ongoing effort to manage the threats posed by Chalara dieback of ash. Forestry Commission Scotland has announced that special financial support will be available to help meet the costs of the removal and destruction of infected, recently planted ash trees in
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28/05/2013 - Landowners Welcome NFUS Conference on Land Tenure as a Key Debate
Scottish Land & Estates, which represents landowners and estates across Scotland, today described an NFUS seminar on land tenure as a key debate which can only help address some of the challenges in the farming sector. Douglas McAdam, chief executive of Scottish Land & Estates, said: “The issues debated today are of c
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27/05/2013 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 20-22 May 2013
Parliamentary Questions & Answers from 20-22 May 2013 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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27/05/2013 - Parliamentary Bulletin 27 May 2013
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 27 May 2013. To view the Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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27/05/2013 - Ramsay Case decision - Taxpayer scores second success in a week
Following the publication last week of the result of the Hanson appeal in favour of the taxpayer, this was rapidly followed by publication of the results of the Ramsay case in the Upper Tribunal of the Tax and Chancery Chamber, with a similar result. The Ramsay case concerned the availability of Capital Gains Tax incorpor
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24/05/2013 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 13-20 May 2013
Parliamentary Questions & Answers from 13-20 May 2013 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estate members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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24/05/2013 - Scottish Land & Estates AGM
The Scottish Land & Estates AGM was held in Perth on Tuesday this week, with over 100 members in attendance. Coincidentally the AGM fell exactly one day after the release of the Land Reform Review Group’s (LRRG) interim report. The Chair of which, Dr Allison Elliot, addressed assembled members and guests. In her address Dr
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24/05/2013 - State of Nature report
Many of the UK’s wildlife organisations have joined forces to undertake a health check of nature in the UK and its Overseas Territories. The report provides stark reading, some headlines include: 60% of the 3,148 UK species they assessed have declined over the last 50 years and 31% have declined strongly.
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24/05/2013 - Scottish Land & Estates provides evidence on regulatory reform
Scottish Land & Estates has submitted evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee on Stage 1 of the Regulatory Reform Bill. The Bill aims to streamline the regulatory process and includes proposals to introduce a range of new enforcement tools aimed at preventing cases rea
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24/05/2013 - Weather Aid Scheme Agreed
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead has announced details of the Weather Aid scheme which has been agreed by an industry group chaired by Chief Agricultural Officer, Drew Sloan. The Scottish Government has registered a block exemption scheme with the EU to help farmers who have lost at least 30 per cent o
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24/05/2013 - Lochhead hits out at UK government over red meat levy
Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, has criticised the UK Government for continually refusing to act to stop levy income paid by Scots livestock producers being spent in England. Scotland’s flagship red meat industry is losing out to the tune of £1.4 million a year because of lost levy income and fol
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23/05/2013 - HMRC lose appeal case on Agricultural Property Relief
HMRC’s appeal in Revenue and Customs Commissioners v Joseph Nicholas Hanson (Trustee of William Hanson 1957 Settlement) [2013] UKUT 0224 (TCC) has been dismissed in the Upper Tribunal. This case concerned a claim that the farmhouse was agricultural property within section 115(2) of Inheritance Tax Act 1984 and considere
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23/05/2013 - Recruitment for iSpot Project
Closing date : 29/05/2013 iSpot’ – your place to share nature (www.ispot.org.uk) is The Open University’s (OU) award-winning social networking website about engagement with nature developed as part of the Biodiversity Observatory in the Department of Environment Earth and Ecosystems, Faculty of Science. It i
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21/05/2013 - Asulam is Back (for a while)!
Emergency Authorisation comes into effect The Label and Notice of Authorisation will be available from 20 May 2013, but the terms and conditions will be as set out in the briefing. The label is not the same as before and will ned to be studied by all users. The Emergency Authorisation allows for the storage, prom
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20/05/2013 - Landowners Respond to Land Reform Review Group Interim Report
Following publication of an interim report today by the Land Reform Review Group, Scottish Land & Estates issued the statement below. Chairman Luke Borwick said: “The Land Reform Review Group has itself made clear that there are numerous important issues to be addressed in the next stage of its work. As an organisatio
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20/05/2013 - Land Reform Review Group’s Interim Report Published
The Land Reform Review Group's interim report, and the analysis report of submissions received following the Call for Evidence, have been published and can be accessed on the Interim Report page via the Call for Evidence page. Also, Dr Sarah Skerratt has, reluctantly, decided to step down as Vice Chair of th
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20/05/2013 - Parliamentary Bulletin - 20 May 2013
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 20 May 2013. To view the Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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17/05/2013 - Windfarms can bring benefits to people across the board, say landowners
Article by Auslan Cramb, The Daily Telegraph LANDOWNERS yesterday dismissed a claim that they were the only group to benefit financially from renewable energy projects as "overly simplistic and misleading". Scottish Land & Estates, which represents 2,500 landowners north of the Border, said incent
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17/05/2013 - Windfarms can bring benefits to people across the board, say landowners
Article by Auslan Cramb, The Daily Telegraph LANDOWNERS yesterday dismissed a claim that they were the only group to benefit financially from renewable energy projects as "overly simplistic and misleading". Scottish Land & Estates, which represents 2,500 landowners north of the Border, said incent
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17/05/2013 - Scotland: a unique country sports destination – gets a new web portal
The Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group (SCSTG), the organisation responsible for promoting Scotland’s country sports, this week re-launched its new web portal, which has been designed as the worldwide gateway to all country sports in Scotland. The redesigned site incorporates better search facilities accessing a
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17/05/2013 - Bringing Empty Properties back into use
Despite the current lack of housing stock, the UK has around 300,000 long term empty homes and many more commercial properties that could be used as homes. The Nationwide Foundation will fund organisations turning such properties into safe, decent homes for people in need. Funding Criteria Who can apply
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16/05/2013 - Cabinet Secretary For Rural Affairs & Environment Will Launch 'Caingorms Nature' At Special Event This Weekend
A new partnership aimed at driving forward conservation projects in the Cairngorms National Park, to ensure it’s in good shape for future generations will be launched by Richard Lochhead MSP in Aviemore on Saturday 18 May at 10.30am. ‘Cairngorms Nature’ and the Cairngorms Nature Action Plan 2013-201
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16/05/2013 - Conservatives stand up for fishing industry with amendments to Holyrood bill
The Scottish Conservatives today persuaded the SNP to reduce the fines that could be imposed on fish farmers following the passing of new legislation. Scottish Government proposals would have seen District Salmon Fisheries Boards and proprietors given the same penalties as those handed out for people convicted of dangerou
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13/05/2013 - Landowners Seek Removal of Goose Sale Restrictions
Echoing recent calls to allow the limited sale of geese shot during the current effort to manage the goose population across the Hebrides, Scottish Land & Estates’ Highland Regional Manager Drew McFarlane-Slack said: “The National Goose Management Review Group recently considered proposals for the regula
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13/05/2013 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 7-13 May 2013
Parliamentary Questions & Answers from 7-10 May 2013 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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13/05/2013 - Parliamentary Bulletin week commencing 13 May 2013
Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing Monday 13 May 2013. To view the Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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13/05/2013 - Conserving Declining Waders Theme at Bird Fair
Scottish Land & Estates took a stand at the two day RSPB Bird Fair at Hopetoun House to show how land management methods are helping to look after a range of birds. The focus was on the Curlew and Lapwing which have halved in number in Scotland since 1995 and how legal predator control combined with wet grassland man
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10/05/2013 - Wading Birds Iconic Too
As we enjoy the annual Bird Fair on Saturday and Sunday at the stunning Hopetoun House, I note recent press on the effects of climate change and farming methods on Scotland’s wildlife. Less ‘celebrated’ icons of our countryside unfortunately don’t tend to feature so prominently in coverage, but are just as affecte
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10/05/2013 - Scottish Land & Estates on board with weather aid package
Following last week’s announcement of £6M to help those farmers worst affected by recent bad weather, Douglas McAdam, Chief Executive, has this week been involved in discussions about how to distribute the funding. Chief Agricultural Officer Drew Sloan chaired the meeting and said: “We had a
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10/05/2013 - Decrofting legislation introduced to Parliament
Decrofting legislation to tackle specific difficulties owner-occupier crofters are facing when decrofting their land has been introduced to the Scottish Parliament. The Crofting (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill was introduced on 9th May and it is hoped that the Bill be make expedited progress through the parliamentary p
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10/05/2013 - The new Ayrshire & Arran Tourism Industry Website
The new Ayrshire & Arran Tourism Industry Website – www.ayrshire-arran.org was launched on Tuesday 30th April. The site will provide a central hub for tourism businesses to browse online resources, the latest industry news, information on key projects and connect with other businesses in the sector
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10/05/2013 - Scottish Land & Estates respond to latest statement from STFA
This week saw the STFA release a statement on rent reviews claiming that some land agents and landowners are starting rent reviews too late and seeking ‘outrageous’ rent increases. Scottish Land & Estates is disappointed at this turn of events. Scottish Land & Estates has repeatedly stated that it will try to help
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10/05/2013 - Improved liaison on bird surveys
After feedback from members in 2012, new arrangements have been agreed with SNH and RSPB for the 2013 national Twite survey A joint letter was sent out this week from Scottish Land & Estates and SNH to all member estates in the 2013 Twite survey. It sets out the new arrangements agreed with RSPB which focus on:
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07/05/2013 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 29 April - 3 May 2013
Parliamentary Questions & Answers from 29th April 2013 to 3 May 2013 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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07/05/2013 - Parliamentary Bulletin - 7 May 2013
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 7th May 2013. To view the bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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03/05/2013 - Welcome aid package for farmers
A £6 million package was announced by Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead this week which will provide badly needed assistance for those hardest hit by the recent snowstorms and other severe weather in 2012/13. An industry group, chaired by Chief Agricultural Officer Drew Sloan, and involving Douglas M
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02/05/2013 - Scottish Land & Estates Offers 'Wholehearted Support' For TFF Rent Review Guide
Scottish Land & Estates, which represents over 2,500 landowners across Scotland, said today (Thursday) it wholeheartedly supports a new best practice guide on rent reviews, published by the Tenant Farming Forum. Douglas McAdam, chief executive of Scottish Land & Estates, said: "As an organisation, we are del
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02/05/2013 - Next SRDP in the spotlight
The Scottish Government has this week published a consultation on the principles behind the next SRDP and is seeking feedback to inform how it moves forward. The programme distributes money from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Scottish Government to be spent on things like the en
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02/05/2013 - EU public consultation on Firearms
The EU has opened a consultation asking whether more action is required at EU level to reduce the threat of firearms http://ec.europa.eu/yourvoice/ipm/forms/dispatch?form=ReduceFirearmsRisk Shooting organisations in the EU and UK believe that effective legislation already exists at national level and no new
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02/05/2013 - Forestry Commission Survey
The Forestry Commission is currently conducting research on the extent and method of woodland conversion from non-native conifer to native species. They are interested to hear from any woodland owners/managers about your conversion policy - even if you are not doing any. Please find below a link to a short survey of 9 questio
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02/05/2013 - More views on Regulatory Review Bill Sought
The Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee is calling for views on parts 1,3 and 4 of the Regulatory Reform (Scotland) Bill. The Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee will scrutinise part 2 of the bill relating to environmental regulation and on the element of part 1 relating to
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02/05/2013 - Wild land debate continues
The Scottish Parliament’s Public Petitions’ Committee recently heard evidence from SNH on wild land mapping. The Committee is considering a petition by the John Muir Trust calling for designation of wild land. At the current time SNH provide wild land mapping as a strategic exercise to assist planning
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02/05/2013 - New vision for Scotland's future development
The third National Planning Framework (NPF3) and draft Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) will influence development plans across Scotland and guide future planning decisions on a range of sectors including transport, energy and infrastructure. These draft proposals are supported by on-going measures to improve
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02/05/2013 - New tenant pack to improve private rented sector
Minister for Housing and Welfare, Margaret Burgess, has launched a new Tenant Information pack for the private rented sector. Landlords now have a legal duty to provide the TIP to new tenants. The user-friendly document, which has been made available on the Scottish Government website, contains a summary of
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02/05/2013 - Plans for new Scottish town approved
Aberdeenshire council has given the green light to an application from Elsick Development Company for the creation of a £2 billion new town which will provide up to 8,000 new homes. Scottish Land & Estates' member Lord Southesk, director of Elsick Development Company, said: ‘This news means
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02/05/2013 - Environment Minister Views Pioneering River Restoration Project In The Cairngorms National Park
The Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, Paul Wheelhouse has been visiting Carr-Bridge in the Cairngorms National Park on morning of Monday 29 April to view 'shovel ready' projects including a pioneering river restoration project. The project, which is on Seafield Estate, was instigated by the Spey Catchment Ini
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01/05/2013 - VAT status of ‘hot food consumed off the premises’ - country houses and rural businesses may have grounds for a claim
Country houses, estates, parks and gardens and other rural visitor attractions will be gearing up for the coming May bank holiday and warmer days, and many will already be open. In terms of their catering however, more than the usual uncertainty and confusion may hang over whether hot food consumed off the premises is
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01/05/2013 - TFF Publishes Rent Review Good Practice Guide
The Tenant Farming Forum has today published Farm Rent Reviews - Introduction and Guide to Good Practice. This brief guide is intended to be issued as an accompanying document to be included with formal rent review notices. The publication is the first stage in the development of a series of documents design
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01/05/2013 - Support for grow your own projects
Scottish Land & Estates facilitated a community growing event hosted by the Grow Your Own Working Group (GYOWG) at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre Community Garden, north Edinburgh. The event was attended by Richard Lochhead MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Councillor Cammy Day, Vice Convener of Health and Well
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30/04/2013 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 22-26 April 2013
Parliamentary Questions & Answers from 22-26 April 2013 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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30/04/2013 - Parliamentary Bulletin - 29 April 2013
Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing Monday 29 April 2013. To view the Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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26/04/2013 - BBC Told: Get Your Facts Right!
Modern Gamekeeping publishes article by Scottish landowners and gamekeepers taking BBC to task for allowing the RSPB to attack grouse shoots on prime TV. To read article please click on the attachment below.
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26/04/2013 - New Appointment to Land Reform Group
Ian Cooke has been appointed as vice-chairperson on the Land Reform Review Group, following the decision of Professor James Hunter to step down for personal reasons. The Review Group, chaired by Dr Alison Elliot, is overseeing a wide ranging review of land reform in Scotland with the key aim of delivering a more su
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26/04/2013 - EU Commission publishes SRDP transition arrangements
This week the European Commission released its proposals for funding the gap between the current and next rural development programmes. Essentially the draft regulations, which will need to go through the legislative procedure within the European Parliament, will allow the Scottish government to keep approving new LFASS
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25/04/2013 - SNH publishes new report on the effect of Argyll beavers on woodland
The latest report on the effect of beavers on woodland has been published by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), part of the ongoing monitoring work on the Scottish Beaver Trial. A group of European beavers was reintroduced to Knapdale forest near Lochgilphead in 2009. The five year scientific trial is
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25/04/2013 - Raasay consultation begins
A consultation on how best to manage Raasay’s sporting rights to maximise community benefits in future begins this week. All islanders on the electoral register will receive a copy of the consultation by post to be asked for their views on three options: A long term let of up to
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24/04/2013 - Landowners Call For Considered Responses To Supreme Court Judgement On Salvesen Case
Following today’s (Wednesday 24 April) Supreme Court judgement announcement on the Salvesen case, a Scottish Land & Estates spokesman said: "This judgement will have to be studied in detail as the case raises important constitutional and practical issues, given that the Court of Session decided the legislation went too
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24/04/2013 - Successful Succession Event in London
Scottish Land & Estates hosted a very successful, and the last in the series, of the 'Keeping it in the Family' succession events at CLA headquarters in London on 23 April with sponsors Anderson Strathern and Johnston Carmichael. The event was chaired by Colin Henderson of Anderson Strathern, with about 30 members in attendan
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23/04/2013 - Woodland Carbon Code passes milestone as first group scheme is validated
An important milestone in efforts to promote woodland planting to combat climate change has been reached with the first award of Woodland Carbon Code group scheme validation. The Woodland Carbon Code is a voluntary United Kingdom standard which helps to ensure that ‘carbon forestry’ projects really do deliver t
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23/04/2013 - Langholm Moor Project Gives Scientific View of Hen Harriers
Scottish Land & Estates fully endorses the PAW Scotland initiative to stimulate public interest in the hen harrier and build better understanding of one of our most protected upland bird species. While nearly all other species of bird of prey in Scotland are stable or steadily increasing, the Scottish hen ha
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22/04/2013 - Parliamentary Bulletin - 22 April 2013
Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing Monday 22 April 2013. To view the Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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22/04/2013 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 15-19 April 2013
Parliamentary Questions & Answers from 15-19 April 2013 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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19/04/2013 - Scottish landfill tax to tackle illegal dumping
A new bill has been introduced to the Scottish Parliament to introduce a new tax to replace UK Landfill Tax and tackle illegal waste disposal while bringing benefits to community and environmental groups. Finance Secretary John Swinney introduced the Landfill Tax (Scotland) Bill, which will see Scotland take
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18/04/2013 - SNH reminder to farmers of eagle management scheme
With lambing season now underway, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and its partners are reminding farmers on the west coast that the sea eagle management scheme is open for applications. This year, along with RSPB, Scottish Crofters Federation and NFU Scotland, SNH has developed a 'tool box' of measures to he
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18/04/2013 - Asulam Emergency Authorisation - More details available
Terms & Conditions The Label and Notice of Authorisation will not be available until the Emergency Authorisation comes into effect on 20 May. To provide information ahead of this date, the Chemicals Regulation Directorate has kindly agreed to the publication of a briefing that sets out the key terms and condition
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18/04/2013 - New Chief Executive for the Crofting Commission
Ms Catriona Maclean has been appointed the new Chief Executive of the Crofting Commission. Catriona is from a crofting family who still live in Tong on the Island of Lewis. Born in Glasgow her family returned to Lewis where she completed her secondary education at the Nicolson Institute. As well as her famil
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18/04/2013 - VIBES launch events
The 2013 Vision in Business for the Environment of Scotland Awards (VIBES) has announced the launch dates for this year’s award scheme. VIBES, which is now in its fourteenth year, aims to recognise businesses committed to employing environmental best practice in their daily activity. The VIBES Awards recog
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18/04/2013 - Consultation launched on future of allotments legislation
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has this week launched a consultation which explores the ways in which the legislation relating to allotments could be amended. The consultation has been prepared to reflect the key areas raised during the recent consultation on the proposed Community Empowerment an
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18/04/2013 - Cairngorms National Park - Proposed Local Development Plan
A consultation has been launched on the proposed Cairngorms National Park Local Development Plan, giving people a chance to formally lodge their views on it. The proposed local development plan is what will guide the future of built development in the National Park. The consultation runs until 5 July 2013.
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18/04/2013 - Beef scheme payments begin
Scottish Government reports that Scottish Beef Scheme payments on Friday with around 95 per cent of producers receiving their funding – which is worth around £22 million to the Scottish beef sector – by Wednesday April 24. Depending on whether the farm elected to be paid in euros or sterling, the 2012 p
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18/04/2013 - CAP conference highlights options for direct payments
This week saw the Scottish Government seek stakeholder views on the implementation of direct support payments under the new CAP regime. The Scottish Government showcased their recent modelling work that has examined a range of possible Pillar 1 (direct payments) implementation scenarios in order to allow stakeholders t
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15/04/2013 - Parliamentary Bulletin - 15 April 2013
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing Monday 15 April 2013. To view the bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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12/04/2013 - 'Tinderbox' Conditions To Blame As True Cause of Wildfires Established
Responding to reports on the cause of recent wildfires in the far north and west of Scotland, Scottish Land & Estates’ investigations have confirmed out of control grass burning on non-managed land as the culprit. A long period of unusually dry weather, easterly winds and low temperatures in the West of
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12/04/2013 - Response to misguided attack on sporting management
We recently received a letter from a member of the public, following the sad death of the golden eagle found shot in Dumfriesshire last year, who copied his letter to the Paul Wheelhouse MSP Minister for Environment. The letter included some alarming misconceptions about sporting and grouse moor management and so we have re
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12/04/2013 - Government lifts fracking ban
A ban on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for shale gas exploration purposes was this week lifted by the UK Government. Exploration can now continue subject to regular seismic risk assessments. New research suggests that fracking is not a significant cause of earthquakes that can be felt on the surface. A study conduct
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12/04/2013 - CAP negotiations enter new phase
This week the CAP reform negotiations entered the final phase as the European Parliament, the Council and Commission start the triologue process. Over the coming weeks, the Council, Parliament and Commission will hold around 40 meetings in which they will attempt to agree on the final shape of the CAP 2014 �
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11/04/2013 - Heading for the Scottish Hills - 2013
Scottish Natural Heritage has confirmed that the Heading for the Scottish Hills web-service will run again in 2013. The service, which is proving popular with over 14,000 page views last year, was expanded last year so that it covered 71 stalking properties in total. The 2012 Heading for the Scottish Hills
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11/04/2013 - Greenspace funding boosts access in central belt
Nine greenspace projects are to share nearly £500,000 in funding from the Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) Development Fund. The CSGN stretches from Ayrshire, Inverclyde and Dunbartonshire in the west to Fife and the Lothians in the east. It encompasses 19 local authorities across 10,000 sq km and
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11/04/2013 - Scottish Dairy Review - Have Your Say
James Withers, Chairman of the Scottish Dairy Review, is asking for your views. We have a great foundation with one of the most efficient dairy herds in Europe, a climate well-suited to grazing systems and dairy production, in a nation whose reputation for food and drink is growing both at home and interna
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11/04/2013 - Health & Safety Reminder
Members are reminded to be vigilant over health and safety risks following recent prosecutions. An east Hampshire farm owner has been prosecuted after an untrained worker plunged over four metres from a tree as he was using a chainsaw to prune branches. Read more... A Hampshire farm manager has been
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11/04/2013 - Call for more national parks in Scotland
On Wednesday two Scottish charities, the Scottish Campaign for National Parks and the Association for the Protection of Rural Scotland, launched “Unfinished Business” a strategy for the development of national parks in Scotland. The document suggests seven possible new nationa
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11/04/2013 - Renewable Heat Incentive – online support
Whether you’re in the process of completing your application form for the Renewable Heat Incentive or taking meter readings and submitting periodic data for payment, you might be interested to know about Ofgem’s updated website which should make these processes easier. For help on completing the appl
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10/04/2013 - Tenancy Information Pack Reminder
Members are reminded that as from 1 May 2013 a landlord who enters into an assured or short assured tenancy, will be required to provide the tenant with standard documents no later than the date on which the tenancy starts. These standard documents will consist of a copy of the tenancy agreement (and the AT5 form if a
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10/04/2013 - Walkers Should Be Vigilant As First Lambs Appear
Scottish Land & Estates and Ramblers Scotland are urging walkers, especially those with dogs, to ensure that they are vigilant and keep their pets under proper control when out and about in the countryside as animals begin to produce young following the slow start to spring. Anne Gray, Policy Off
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08/04/2013 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 2-4 April 2013
Parliamentary Questions & Answers from 2-4 April 2013 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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08/04/2013 - Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 8 April 2013
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing Monday 8 April 2013. To view the Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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08/04/2013 - Scottish National Rural Network survey
If you take part in a short online survey about the Scottish National Rural Network you could be in with the chance of winning one of three pairs of tickets to this year's Royal Highland Show. The Scottish Government has commissioned the Rural Development Company and associates to evaluate the SRDP Communications Plan
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08/04/2013 - Landowners Welcome Constructive Talks With Fire Service
Landowners from the North and North-east of Scotland have held ‘very constructive’ talks with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service following the widespread outbreak of wildfires. Michael Bruce, chairman of the South Grampian Wildfire Group and owner of Glen Tanar Estate, met Robert Scott, Assistant Chief
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05/04/2013 - Grouse shooting documentary
We are working with Moorland Association in England and Special Edition Films to produce a documentary about the build up to a day grouse shooting in August 2013. It will be primarily about all the different people involved in the day and their hopes and concerns, giving a superb opportunity to explain on mainstream UK televi
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05/04/2013 - Wader Declines
A press release by the British Trust for Ornithology on 15th March highlighted the serious decline in waders such as Curlew, resulting in an article in The Scotsman (reprinted below). A number of letters followed that article, some displaying serious misconceptions about how predator control helps waders. The following le
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05/04/2013 - Wildfires
There has been a spate of big wildfires in the north and west of Scotland, mostly sparked off by uncontrolled grass and gorse burning on hill farms and crofts. Coverage in the media pointed at landowners and managers generally, although some in the media tried to imply a connection between these fires and muirburn by “est
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05/04/2013 - Regulatory Reform (Scotland) Bill introduced
A new bill which aims to streamline and make regulation more effective has been introduced to the Scottish Parliament. The Regulatory Reform (Scotland) Bill will create more favourable business conditions for Scotland, bring greater efficiency and consistency to public services and help improve the environme
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04/04/2013 - UK DEFRA Report on Neonicotinoids - Risk to Bee Populations is Low
European Commission plans to limit farmers’ use of three common neonicotinoid insecticides over concerns for bees are under the spotlight again this week, as a study published by the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)* concludes that their risk to bee populations is low. The 76-page report entit
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04/04/2013 - Updated drafts of the Renewables Obligation (RO) guidance documents
Ofgem have published updated drafts of the ‘Guidance for Generators’, the ‘Fuel Measurement and Sampling (FMS) guidance’, the ‘Biodiesel and Fossil Derived Bioliquids guidance’ and the ‘Guidance for licensed electricity suppliers’.Ofgem have published updated drafts of the ‘Guidance for Generators’,
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04/04/2013 - Landowners Ready and Willing to Tackle Wildfires
Scottish Land & Estates, which represents 2,500 landowners across Scotland, said today its members were ready, willing and able to assist efforts to tackle wildfires and were being blamed unfairly for the blaze outbreaks. Luke Borwick, chairman of Scottish Land & Estates, said landowners are responsible citi
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04/04/2013 - Scottish Land & Estates in the NEWS
Thursday 4 April 2013 The Herald, Wildfires prompt muirburn warning The Press and Journal, Calls to hold off on rent rises The Press and Journal, Muir-burning banned as wildfires continue to rage The Courier & Advertiser, STFA urges moratorium on rent rises The Sco
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04/04/2013 - Renewable Heat Incentive: Calculation of the small to medium biomass tier 1 threshold
In response to recent lobbying from industry bodies, including Scottish Land & Estates, Ofgem have updated their interpretation of Tier 1 RHI payments for complex schemes. This is good news for members that have invested or intend to invest in biomass district heating schemes. Ofgem will now consider that
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04/04/2013 - Record year for Scottish renewables generation
Figures published by the UK Government’s Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC) showed that renewable energy production in Scotland rose by 7% in 2012 to a record 14.6GWh. Holyrood ministers said that the total was enough to power all of Scotland’s homes and enough to meet 39% of its overall electr
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04/04/2013 - Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive now scheduled for Spring 2014:
The introduction of the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme has been pushed back again and is now scheduled for the spring of next year. Details of how the scheme will work and tariff levels will be published in the summer. To cover the gap, the government will extend the Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP) sc
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04/04/2013 - Aquaculture Bill Update
The Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Bill which was introduced in the Scottish Parliament in October 2012 contains provision about fish farming and shellfish farming; about salmon fisheries and freshwater fisheries; about sea fisheries; about shellfish waters and fisheries for shellfish; about charging in connection with
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03/04/2013 - Landlords Take Pragmatic Approach To Rent Reviews
Scottish Land & Estates said today landlords across Scotland were taking a pragmatic approach to rent reviews due next month in view of the extreme weather conditions suffered by farmers and land managers in much of the country. Luke Borwick, chairman of Scottish Land & Estates, said that landlords in those
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03/04/2013 - State of Scotland's Great Trails Report 2013
Scottish Natural Heritage has produced the attached report outlining the current position in terms of developing a long distance trails network for Scotland. Scotland's Great Trails are nationally promoted trails for people-powered journeys. Each is distinctively waymarked, largely off-road and has a range of visitor
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03/04/2013 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 25-28 March 2013
Parliamentary Questions & Answers from 25-28 March 2013 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members. To read the Parliamentary Questions & Answers please click on the attachment below.
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02/04/2013 - Parliamentary Bulletin - 2 April 2013
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 2 April 2013.
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27/03/2013 - Tree Health Action Plans launched
Forestry Commission Scotland has published three tree health action plans detailing specific and focused approaches to tackling three key tree diseases in Scotland. The plans – for Chalara dieback of ash, Dothistroma Needle Blight on pines, and Ramorum on larch – are based on the best scientific advice a
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27/03/2013 - Schmallenberg (SBV) update
The Scottish Government is continuing to urge farmers across the country to remain vigilant for signs of the Schmallenberg Virus (SBV) since it was first detected in Scottish herds in 2012. SBV is spread by insect vectors, including midges. SBV is not notifiable in the UK and no restrictions are p
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27/03/2013 - Marvel at 'Magnificent 7' Natural Beauties on Rural Estates of Scotland
SCOTLAND’S landowners are supporting the Scottish Natural Heritage ‘Big 5’ with a campaign of their own to highlight some of the beautiful species to be found on Scotland’s rural estates. Forming part of the 2013 Year of Natural Scotland celebrations, the Magnificent 7 – seven natural beauties of rural Scotlan
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27/03/2013 - Help evaluate SRDP communications and the Scottish National Rural Network
The Scottish Government has commissioned the Rural Development Company and associates to evaluate the SRDP Communications Plan and Scottish National Rural Network (SNRN). As part of this study RDC have asked us to send our members a link to a short on line survey on the SNRN and to encourage you to complete it. They are v
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27/03/2013 - CAP negotiations get underway after Easter
After the frenetic activity of the last few weeks with the EU Parliament and Council arriving at their respective CAP reform negotiating positions, the various parties now have chance to assess the differences between positions and where the key negotiating areas will be. MEPs have been responding to the C
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27/03/2013 - Online red tape forum – get involved
Brian Pack is seeking further contributions to the online discussion on reducing red tape in farming and Scottish Land & Estates would strongly encourage members to get involved. The online dialogue is a key part of Brian Pack’s wider review of farming bureaucracy and will allow farmers, land managers, the wide
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27/03/2013 - Scottish Government provides timetable for next SRDP
With commendable transparency Scottish Government has released an indicative timetable for the development of the next SRDP. It highlights the process that Scottish Government intends to follow in order to allow the next rural development programme to become operational in August 2014. Scottish Government does emphasise that
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27/03/2013 - Direct support cuts unavoidable in 2014
The European Commission is proposing to invoke a ‘financial discipline’ mechanism in 2014, which will mean a reduction in direct payments at the end of 2013. Financial discipline is the process by which EU Farm Ministers determine if percentage reductions are required to keep the EU Pillar 1 spending within the
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27/03/2013 - Scottish Government Provides Emergency Numbers
The Scottish Government has specialist agricultural staff on hand to offer advice to those affected by the snow – farmers in Arran should call the Ayr area office on 01292 291300 while the Oban office covers Kintyre and staff there can be reached on 0300 244 9340. There will be an annoucement providing details for cover
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27/03/2013 - Emergency call for assistance
Following a call from Drew Sloan, Chief Agricultural Officer, on behalf of Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead, Chief Executive Douglas McAdam joined a series of emergency planning discussions this week focused on the severe difficulties being experienced by our farming sector and rural communities in Arran, Argyll and Dumfrie
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27/03/2013 - Planning fee increase from 6 April
Under the Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications and Deemed Applications) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2013 fees for planning applications will increase by approximately 20% from 6 April 2013. A copy of the Regulations is available here.
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27/03/2013 - Smiths Gore lands major contract from Scottish Natural Heritage for building surveyor services
Smiths Gore has successfully tendered to deliver building surveyor services to Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) from 2013 to 2016. This contract involves almost 200 properties varying in size and complexity from offices and visitor centres to historic ruins and bird hides. The work will involve undertaking co
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26/03/2013 - Campaign to find Scotland’s favourite wild animal
A new campaign launched this week is encouraging people to get out and enjoy Scotland’s outstanding wildlife by focusing on five of the country’s favourite wild animals. The Scotland’s Big 5 campaign has been launched by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and Visit Scotland, with additional funding
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25/03/2013 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 18-22 March 20213U
Parliamentary Questions and Answers from 18-22 March 2013 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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25/03/2013 - Parliamentary Bulletin - 25 March 2013
Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 25 March 2013. To view the Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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25/03/2013 - A Social Media Experience – 21 March 2013 – Touch House, Stirling
The first demonstration day of the 2013 programme drew a rush of delegates from across Scotland. Once again the venue at Touch provided a beautiful setting for the event which was skilfully chaired by Paul Wakefield, Scottish Land & Estates Director of Communications. The demonstration day was generously sponsored by Thor
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22/03/2013 - Scotland’s first community-owned farm seeks buy-in
This week saw Richard Lochhead launch a share issue for Scotland’s first community-owned farm. Whitmuir Farm, currently owned by Pete Ritchie and Heather Anderson has become a well-known award-winning organic farm and they are working with a community group that is seeking to raise funds to buy the farm. The Community B
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22/03/2013 - No change to deer culling dates under General Authorisation
Scottish Land & Estates proposed that the close season for culling female deer on farm and woodland be extended beyond 31st August to limit the risk of dependent calves being left behind. Following recent consultation, SNH decided not to change the dates, but would support further research into calf dependency. Other part
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22/03/2013 - CAP negotiations set to enter final phase
This week saw EU Agriculture Ministers agree the European Council’s position on the proposed CAP reforms. With the EU Parliament reaching its position last week, the stage is now set for a series of negotiation meetings between the Commission, Council and Parliament to agree the final text of the regulations. The Irish Pres
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21/03/2013 - Views sought on Environmental Impact Assessments
Scottish MEP, Struan Stevenson has urged communities and businesses from across the UK to contact him with their concerns about the role of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) in the planning system, following his appointment as a Shadow Rapporteur on their EU-wide reform. EIAs are a developer’s assessment of the po
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20/03/2013 - Not a bad budget for farmers and rural communities
George Osborne’s reported closing remarks are strikingly relevant to a rural sector in bad need of some pep: If you want to own your own home, help with childcare, start your own business and give someone a job, work hard and get on, we are on your side. So what was in the budget for farmers, landowners, and rural commu
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20/03/2013 - Essential training for land managers
THE Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust is urging all those who utilise snares as a means of wildlife management to be fully trained and be in possession of the required certificate and user ID number before 1st April 2013. It will be illegal to set a fox or rabbit snare after 1st April 2013 without the opera
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20/03/2013 - Changes to Wild Bird Protection
Legislation has been laid before the Scottish Parliament which makes changes to two of the schedules to the Wildlife and Countryside (Scotland) Act 1981. This means that from 16 March 2013 there is now increased protection for the Golden Eagle, Hen Harrier and Red Kite. The golden eagle joins the white-t
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20/03/2013 - Towards a litter free Scotland
Increasing the fixed penalty notices (FPNs) for litter and flytipping from the current £50 level is one option being considered to tackle the blight of litter, Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead told participants at national litter summit in Edinburgh today. The summit, which was attended by Scottish Land & Estate
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19/03/2013 - £15,000 fine to construction firm: SNH encourages developers to seek advice
After A & C Construction directors were fined £11,000 on 19 March for causing damage to freshwater pearl mussels, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) is encouraging developers and contractors to contact them for advice whenever dealing with protected wildlife. Work on the River Lyon to develop the Inverinian Hy
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18/03/2013 - Reminder: Ongoing Approval of agri-environment and forestry projects
While the main funding rounds for Rural Priorities have come to an end, applications under the on-going approvals process are still being accepted, but there is a deadline approaching: 17 April. Rural Priorities applications can be submitted during 2013 for agri-environment and forestry projects eligible for the on
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18/03/2013 - SNH open sea eagle management scheme
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and its partners are opening the sea eagle management scheme to farmers once again this year, as the 2013 sea eagle breeding season gets underway. The goal is to balance protection of the eagles with supporting tourism and safeguarding livelihoods of farmers. The scheme helps farmers reduce
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18/03/2013 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 11-15 March 2013
Parliamentary Questions & Answers from 11-15 March 2013 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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18/03/2013 - Parliamentary Bulletin - Week Commencing 18 March 2013
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 18th March 2013. To view the bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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14/03/2013 - Sharp fall in birds of prey poisoned
The number of bird of prey poisoning incidents in Scotland has decreased significantly, according to the latest ‘hotspot map’ for 2012. The maps published today by the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW) Scotland, show the number and general location of confirmed illegal poisonings in 201
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14/03/2013 - Call for landlord sign-up to deposit scheme issued
New research showing “worryingly” low numbers of Scots aware of deposit scheme deadline prompts call for landlord sign-up OVER three quarters of people in Scotland are not aware of a scheme to protect tenant’s deposits -despite the final deadline for deposits to be secured being only two months away.
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14/03/2013 - Estate owners go online and more members urged to sign up
A website dedicated to helping country estates advertise their services to a worldwide audience is paying dividends, according to Scottish Land & Estates members who are already using the service. Launched in 2012, Rural Estates Online prides itself on showcasing the diverse services its country estate p
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14/03/2013 - Latest tenancy figures confirm long-term trends
Scottish Land & Estates has long called for better data on agricultural tenancies in order to inform ongoing debate and in a useful move this week the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers, together with the Scottish Agricultural Arbiters and Valuers Association, published their first Agricultural Land Occupation Survey
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14/03/2013 - CAP vote opens way for negotiations
This week saw the European Parliament vote on a series of amendments to the four draft CAP regulations and agree the Parliament’s position for this round of reform. This vote does not define the exact nature of the next round of the CAP; it provides the Parliament with a position and a mandate to negotiate with the Council
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14/03/2013 - Scottish Land & Estates in the NEWS
14 March 2013 STV News http://news.stv.tv/scotland/217574-number-of-birds-of-prey-poisoned-in-scotland-fell-significantly/ The Courier and Advertiser, Fall in bird of prey poisonings welcomed The Press & Journal, New law sees drop in bird crime http://
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14/03/2013 - SNH continue to target responsible access message at dog owners
SNH carried out research late last year to establish where best to focus future Code communications, particularly as TV adverts are now prohibitively expensive. Dog issues (particularly dog waste and dog control) came out as the top concern with a wide range of stakeholder groups, and radio was the recommended me
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14/03/2013 - Perth & Kinross Outdoor Access Forum Open Meeting and Re-elections
Perth & Kinross Outdoor Access Forum are inviting interested landowners and other members of the public to their Annual Open Meeting which takes place on the evening of Thursday 4 April at Loch Leven Community Campus (6.30pm for 7pm start). As well as updates on Perth and Kinross’s path maintenance and dev
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14/03/2013 - Tourism summit on Bute is hailed a success
The organisers of the Argyll and the Isles Tourism Summit, held on Bute on Wednesday, have hailed the success of the event. One hundred and forty delegates attended the day-long event at Mount Stuart, organised by the Argyll and the Isles Strategic Tourism Partnership. The summit, held on t
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14/03/2013 - CAP Reform Intentions Survey
There is a lot of uncertainty regarding what will happen to land use policy in Scotland in the near future. The James Hutton Institute (JHI) and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) are conducting research for the Scottish Government to understand the responses of agricultural land managers to on-going changes in
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13/03/2013 - Start of less favoured area payments
Payments from the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme will start to arrive in bank accounts from Friday, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead confirmed today. The Scottish Government has now authorised payment of 10,190 claims to farmers and crofters working in some of the most challenging conditions in Eu
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11/03/2013 - Parliamentary Bulletin - 11 March 2013
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing Monday 11 March 2013. To view the Bulletin please click on the link below.
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11/03/2013 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 1-8 March 2013
Parliamentary Questions and Answers from 1-8 March 2013 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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08/03/2013 - Updated guidance on forestry waste
SEPA has published updated guidance on the management of forestry waste, which has been prompted by forest clearance relating to energy developments. In this document SEPA explain their approach to the large quantities of timber that may be removed from a site and how they would interpret whether or not the activit
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08/03/2013 - BBC Microworlds - Scottish Highlands
Watch this 30min edition of BBC Four’s ‘Microworlds’ in which Steve Backshall does a great job of highlighting the essential role of landowners and their active management of moorlands and forests within the Scottish Highlands. During the programme Steve says that landowners act ‘as an integral and n
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08/03/2013 - Scottish Chalara action plan nearing completion
A draft action plan to address the spread of Chalara die-back of ash in Scotland took a step closer to being finalised today when it was considered at a stakeholders' summit held in Edinburgh. Organisations from the forestry, environmental and land-based sectors discussed the action plan and also expl
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08/03/2013 - Decrofting issue continues
Since the issue regarding decrofting by owner occupier crofters was first highlighted in late February, and following criticism of the Commission’s decision and the legal opinion that prompted their action to halt decrofting applications from owner-occupier crofters, the Commission has been working to explore whether
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07/03/2013 - SEPA Highlights Changes to Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is raising awareness of a new set of regulations, produced to tackle industrial pollution in Scotland. Developed by the Scottish Government, the Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2012 (PPC 2012) came into force in January this year, re
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07/03/2013 - Minister on the road
The Minister for Local Government and Planning, Derek Mackay joined Scottish Land & Estates for a visit to Burncastle Farm in the Lammermuirs, hosted by Northumberland Estates. The Minister was able to see at first hand how important a well maintained road system is for the extensive sheep enterprise at Burn
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07/03/2013 - DECC Unveils Updates to RHI Scheme
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has announced updates to the non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme following a consultation which closed in September 2012. Under the updated policy published yesterday, DECC has set out a fixed annual budget for each year of the RHI and intends
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06/03/2013 - Community growing initiative launched
A new Guide aiming to encourage Scotland’s landowners to make more land available for community growing will be welcomed by Paul Wheelhouse, Minister for Environment and Climate Change, at an event at the Scottish Parliament tomorrow [March 7th]. The Guide For Landowners, produced by the Community Land Adv
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04/03/2013 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers from 25-28 February 2013
Parliamentary Questions & Answers from 25-28 February 2013 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members. To view the attachment please click on the attachment below.
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04/03/2013 - Parliamentary Bulletin - 4 March 2013
Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 4 March 2013. To view the Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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01/03/2013 - Government u-turn on Raasay sporting rights
Following several days of criticism, the Scottish Government has returned the sporting rights on Raasay to the islanders. In 1995 the Raasay crofters were awarded the lease for Raasay shooting and fishing rights, but when the lease expired in November 2012 it was put out to tender by the Scottish Government. Five offers
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01/03/2013 - Letter from the BBC One Show
Recently we wrote to the BBC's One Show to highlight what we felt was a misrepresentation of gamekeepers and how we deal with wildlife crime within a recent programme. Read our letter and the producer's response.
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01/03/2013 - Controlled Activities Regulations - Temporary cessation reminder
When planning for the growing season ahead, you may already be intending not to abstract water for irrigation in the forth coming year. If this is the case, please remember that you can apply for an exemption from irrigation licence charges, in advance of the growing season. If this is the case, please notify SEPA, via your l
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01/03/2013 - Water Resources (Scotland) Bill passed
The Water Resources (Scotland) Bill completed its passage through the Scottish Parliament this week with a Stage 3 vote on Wednesday. The Bill deals with a number of water related issues, including the development of Scotland’s water resources, a new framework to govern the abstraction of water over a specified threshol
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01/03/2013 - The Electronic Communications Code
The Law Commission has published a Report outlining recommendations that will form the basis for a revised Electronic Communications Code.The current Code has been criticised by courts and the people who work with it as out of date, unclear and inconsistent with other legislation. The reforms that the Law Commission recommend
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28/02/2013 - Help us keep Scotland special – a responsible visitor charter
A new 'Help us keep Scotland special' visitor charter has been produced by Scottish Natural Heritage and VisitScotland. The charter has been designed to encourage visitors to enjoy and conserve our country's natural and cultural assets. It contains 5 top tips on how visitors can help to protect Scotland's environment an
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28/02/2013 - SSE consultation: Our Second Consultation Paper: Innovating for a greener, more efficient future
Following on from its consultation in late 2012, Scottish Southern Energy has now published its second consultation paper 'Innovating for a greener, more efficient future'. Responses will contribute towards developing their business plan, for the period 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2023. This consultation explains how SSE has
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28/02/2013 - Decrofting issue needs swift resolution
Crofting Lawyer, Brian Inkster, believes that the Crofting Commission may not be correct when it announced that, based on legal advice sought and obtained by them, it did not appear competent for them, on the application of an owner-occupier crofter who is occupying their croft, to make a direction that the croft (or p
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28/02/2013 - Crofting Commission halts owner-occupier decrofting applications
In a move that could cause problems for some, the Crofting Commission has announced that it will not accept any new applications to decroft from owner-occupier crofters. The Crofting Commission has sought legal advice relating to owner-occupier crofters and whether they could apply to decroft all or part of
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28/02/2013 - Emergency Authorisation for Asulam approved
Representatives of the Bracken Control Group (BCG) met this week and were informed by the Chemicals Regulation Directorate (CRD) announced that the application for an Emergency Authorisation for the use of Asulam has been approved. Details of restrictions and conditions will follow and it will be
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27/02/2013 - Landowners Publish Key Proposals To Benefit Rural Scotland
Scottish Land & Estates, which represents landowners across Scotland, today (Wednesday 27 February) published a comprehensive submission made to the Scottish Government’s Land Reform Review Group (LRRG). The submission, available to download at www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk/landreform sets out a vision for
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26/02/2013 - People urged to explore nature in 2013
People living in or visiting Scotland are being urged to make 2013 their year to explore nature and landscapes. As part of the Year of Natural Scotland celebrations, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has outlined plans for a series of initiatives to promote nature and landscape. A number of key events are planned over comin
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25/02/2013 - Parliamentary Bulletin 25 February 2013
Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 25th February 2013. To view the Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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25/02/2013 - Parliamentary Questions 18-22 February 2013
Parliamentary Questions which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members from 18-22 Febraury 2013. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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21/02/2013 - Parliamentary Reception
Scottish Land & Estates held a reception at Holyrood with the Historic Houses Association for Scotland (HHA), which was very kindly hosted by Graeme Dey MSP and attended by many cross party MSPs. The aim of the reception was to highlight the contribution made by historic house, land, estate and rural business owners ac
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21/02/2013 - Unique study of the use of judicial reviews in Scotland published
Brodies' research on legal challenges to planning decisions in Scotland over the past 10 years has shattered some myths in a groundbreaking new report by Neil Collar, Head of Planning at Brodies. This is a unique study into the use of judicial review in Scotland which, for the first time, reveals the number of planning decisi
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21/02/2013 - Land Reform Review Group Visit to Islay
As part of their evidence gathering, the Land Reform Review Group visited Islay on Wednesday. The Islay meetings consisted a morning session with Lord Margadale and Willy Inglis of Islay Estates, David Gillies from Dunlossit, Malcolm Younger representing Inver Estates and Jonny Lithgow from Jura. In the aftern
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21/02/2013 - Random welfare inspections for Scottish gamebirds to start soon
From February 2013 the Government’s Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) will conduct random inspections on farms and estates where gamebirds are bred, hatched and held in captivity to ensure welfare standards are being met. Under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, an owner or keepe
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21/02/2013 - Explore … Scotland’s Protected Places
Scotland’s Protected Placesis a new website www.scotlandsprotectedplaces.gov.uk to encourage the people of Scotland and our visitors to get out and explore the best of our natural and cultural heritage, much of which is found in Scotland’s protected places. This is a joint contribution by Scottish Natural Heri
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21/02/2013 - Policy Officer (Environment)
We are delighted to announce that Anne Gray has been appointed as Policy Officer (Environment) and will take up her new post on 1 March. As well as being our policy lead on environmental issues and renewables, Anne will also retain the access remit. Anne is a major asset to the organisation and we are pleased that
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21/02/2013 - Weather Crisis Help Available From RSABI
RSABI, Scotland’s only charity which helps to relieve poverty and hardship among people who have depended for their livelihoods on land-based occupations, is urging those who are suffering as a result of the recent weather crisis to get in touch. Thanks to generous funding from The Prince’s Countryside Fund Eme
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20/02/2013 - Rural Estates Reach Key Milestone In Conservation Crusade
THE 250 Scottish rural estates which have signed up to become members of a pioneering conservation initiative today (Tuesday 19 February) reached a key milestone on the way to becoming Scotland’s officially recognised ‘wildlife estates’, with the launch of Wildlife Estates Scotland (WES) accreditation. The WES
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18/02/2013 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 11-13 February 2013
Parliamentary Questions & Answers from 11-13 February 2013 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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18/02/2013 - Parliamentary Bulletin - 18 February 2013
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing Monday 18th February 2013. To view the Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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15/02/2013 - The Rural Coalition of Europe stresses the importance of a strong budget for the rural development policy
Response to the outcome of the special European Council of 7-8 February The Rural Development Policy aims to keep rural areas economically viable and competitive, preserve cultural landscapes and at the same time enhance the provision of ecosystem services. This can only be met if adequate resources are being made avai
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14/02/2013 - Historic Environment Training Courses
As part of the Implementation Targets for the Scottish Forestry Strategy, FCS has commissioned Rathmell Archaeology to design and run a course in February and March in each of their five conservancies, to help land managers better manage the historic environment in their woodlands. If you wish to find out about dates and avai
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14/02/2013 - Latest new entrant tenants announced
The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Richard Lochhead MSP announced at the NFUS AGM the names of the latest new entrants to be awarded tenancy opportunities on Forestry Commission Scotland starter farms. The new entrants who will begin their farming careers from April on three farms located in Aberdeen
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14/02/2013 - Funding Support For New Entrants
The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Richard Lochhead MSP has announced a £2 million support package to help new entrants who have been excluded from support under the current Single Farm Payment Scheme (SFPS). The decision was taken in recognition of the expected delay to 2015 of implementation of th
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12/02/2013 - Hare Coursing Initiative – Operation Lepus 2013
Operation Lepus is a national operation to address hare coursing, an identified national wildlife crime priority. Central Scotland Police has begun work in this area and other police force areas will begin similar targeted activity in the coming weeks. Although the primary intention of Operation Lepus is to catch and prevent th
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12/02/2013 - Landowners Back Calls For Good Name of Scotland's Meat To Be Protected
“We would echo the view expressed by the Scottish Government, Quality Meat Scotland and the NFUS that a failure to protect the integrity of meat produce cannot be tolerated. We welcome the government’s promise to engage with the European Commission on this issue to ensure the horsemeat contamination scandal can never be re
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12/02/2013 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 4-8 February 2013
Parliamentary Questions & Answers from 4-8 February 2013 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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12/02/2013 - Scottish farmland performing well
According to property experts Smiths Gore, farmland in Scotland performed well overall last year and values will continue to rise in 2013. Smiths Gore, one of the UK's leading land, farm and estates agencies, compiled its research from all sales of publicly marketed farmland over 50 acres throughout the UK, and repo
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11/02/2013 - John Muir Trail - Land Managers' Briefing February 2013
Additional long distance routes to expand Scotland’s Great Trails network Scottish Natural Heritage’s Long Distance Routes Project Board has agreed to several new routes being included in the Scotland’s Great Trails branded network for 2013. The routes are the Cross Borders Drove Road, Mull of Galloway Trail, and the
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11/02/2013 - Parliamentary Bulletin - 11 February 2013
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 11th February 2013. To view the Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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08/02/2013 - Mountain hare snaring trial- keeper acquitted
The long running test trail into the legality of snaring Mountain hares finished on 29th January. The court was satisfied that the snares used in this case were selective and therefore legal. Please click on the attachment below to read more...
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08/02/2013 - Farming Scotland Conference shines light on industry issues
The agricultural industry gathered in Carnoustie today (Thursday, 7 February) to discuss the major issues facing the sector. Weathering the storm was the theme for the 10th annual Farming Scotland Conference and it attracted farmers and those interested in the land and rural sector from across the country. MEP
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07/02/2013 - Visit by CLA Wales
Ben Underwood and Sue Evans from CLA Wales paid a visit this week to the Scottish Land & Estates' team at HQ and the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood, meeting Alex Fergusson MSP. The trip was arranged to discuss devolved issues, member benefits and working practices. There were comparisons made to CLA Wales'
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07/02/2013 - Step forward for land use
People in Aberdeenshire and the Scottish Borders will have the opportunity to contribute to how their land is used. Two trial projects which will look at how land in Scotland is currently used and where improvements can be made will be announced tonight by the Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse in his speech to the National E
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07/02/2013 - Conference considers how Eco System Services Should be funded
Scottish Land & Estates attended this weeks National Ecological Networks Conference hosted by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. Sessions included consideration of funding ecological networks and green infrastructure and reconciling competing land use priorities. The need to work in partnership across many sectors, not least with
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07/02/2013 - Scottish Land & Estates give evidence to the Finance Committee on proposed Stamp Duty Land Tax replacement
Following the passing of the Scotland Act 2012, Stamp Duty Land Tax will cease to apply in Scotland in 2015. The Scottish Government consulted on a proposed Land and Buildings Transaction Tax in summer 2012 and a Bill was introduced to the Scottish Parliament late in 2012. Scottish Land & Estates is monitoring the progress of t
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07/02/2013 - Views sought: Regeneration Inquiry
In January, the Local Government and Regeneration Committee launched an Inquiry to identify and examine best practice and limitations in relation to the development of regeneration in Scotland. Scotland’s Regeneration Strategy relies on interaction between wider policy areas such as economic development, planning, housing and
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07/02/2013 - New guide published to help communities manage funds from renewables
Highlands and Islands Enterprise along with a number of partners published a new guide providing advice to community organisations for managing funds generated from renewable energy projects. The guide has been created for communities considering how they can distribute the significant income from their own renewable ene
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07/02/2013 - Tenant Information Pack
Regulations which will introduce a legal duty for the private landlords to provide a Tenant Information Pack to new residential tenants have been laid in Scottish Parliament. Subject to Parliamentary procedure, these requirements will apply from 1 May 2013. The Tenant Information Pack is now available to view on the Scott
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05/02/2013 - Response: Inquiry into post-legislative scrutiny
Scottish Land & Estates has submitted written evidence to the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee on its inquiry into post-legislative scrutiny. Click on the pdf below to read our full submission.
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04/02/2013 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 28 January to 1 February 2013
Parliamentary Questions and Answers from 28 January 2013 to 1 February 2013 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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04/02/2013 - Parliamentary Bulletin - 4 February 2013
Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing Monday 4th February 2013. To view the Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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01/02/2013 - Current Residential Tenancy Regime Can Deliver Both Flexibility and Security
RESPONDING to calls by Shelter to change the residential tenancy regime in the private rented sector, Scottish Land & Estates, which represents over 2,500 landowners in Scotland, has stated that short assured tenancies (SAT) can deliver both flexibility and security. Director of Policy and Parliamentary Affairs at Scottish Land
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31/01/2013 - Scottish Farm Income Estimates 2011-12
Scotland's Chief Statistician has today published the latest estimates for farm incomes in Scotland. The main findings of the report are that: Total Income From Farming (TIFF) fell £111 million or 15 per cent (19 per cent in real terms) in 2012 The value of Outputs in 2011 increased by £310 million or twelve per cent (mainly
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31/01/2013 - EU seeks to move on neonicotinoids
The EU Commission is suggesting EU-wide restrictions on some uses of neonicotinoid insecticides on crops attractive to bees such as rapeseed. The move follows the publication of an assessment by the EU’s food safety authority (EFSA) on Jan 16 that found bees faced “a number of risks” from insecticide seed treatments. EFS
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31/01/2013 - CAP: Irish seek to get the job done by June
The Irish currently occupy the Presidency of the EU and this week they set out their reform roadmap. They want to finalise a Council position by the end of March and hammer out a political agreement on CAP reform by the end of June. It is a position that received strong endorsement from EU Farm Ministers at this week’s Council
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31/01/2013 - Changes to planning fees
Draft regulations to increase planning application fees by approximately 20% are to be laid in the Scottish Parliament this week. If approved by Parliament these regulations would come into force on 6 April 2013. The policy team will track Parliamentary scrutiny of the regulations and an Information Sheet will be prepared for
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31/01/2013 - Amendments to Planning legislation
A number of amendments to planning legislation have now been approved and come into force on 2 February 2013 - further details of legislation. These changes relate to: removal of the statutory requirement for pre-application consultation (PAC) with communities from applications for planning permission for changes to condition
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31/01/2013 - Parliament seeks views on climate change report
The expertise of four parliamentary committees is being used for the first time to scrutinise the Scottish Government’s second draft climate change report on proposals and policies. The government’s report, which sets out how the Scottish Government will meet climate change targets from 2013-2027, has been published in th
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31/01/2013 - Rural Affairs Committee take evidence on biodiversity strategy
Scottish Land & Estates Head of Policy, Andrew Midgley, took part in a roundtable discussion with the RACCE Committee this week looking at the 2020 challenge for biodiversity and the proposed refresh of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy. Scottish Land & Estates is supportive of the general direction of travel which seeks to a
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30/01/2013 - National Wildlife Crime Unit Reprieved
Date: Wednesday 30 January 2013. Published in: The Herald. Author: Brian Donnelly, Senior News Reporter. CAMPAIGNERS have secured the immediate future of the UK's only dedicated wildlife crime team, which is based in Scotland. However, longer-term doubts remain about the National Wildlife Crime Unit (NWCU) which is house
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30/01/2013 - MSP Reception for Go Rural leads to agreement to explore growth potential of agri-tourism
Graeme Day, MSP hosted a parliamentary reception this week for Go Rural, the innovative rural tourism marketing product, which was launched Summer 2012 and which is supported by Scottish Land & Estates. Scottish Land & Estates attended the reception which saw a good turn out from MSPs, other supporting partners
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29/01/2013 - Scottish Thistle Tourism Awards 2013 - entries now open
Created by VisitScotland in 1992, the Scottish Thistle Awards recognise and celebrate excellence and innovation in Scottish tourism. VisitScotland encourages all tourism businesses to join in this celebration and consider entering for the chance to win a Scottish Thistle Award. A full list of the award categories can be view
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28/01/2013 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 21-25 January 2013
Parliamentary Questions and Answers from 21-25 January 2013 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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28/01/2013 - Parliamentary Bulletin - 28 January 2013
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing Monday 28th January 2013. To view the Parliamentary Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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28/01/2013 - Senior Promotions
We are delighted to announce two senior staff promotions to start 2013. They take place with immediate effect. Sarah-Jane Laing is promoted to Director of Policy & Parliamentary Affairs. In this post Sarah-Jane will be responsible for all policy development and delivery for Scottish Land & Estates and will head up all our Par
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25/01/2013 - Random welfare inspections for Scottish gamebirds to start soon
From February 2013 the Government’s Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) will conduct random inspections on farms and estates where gamebirds are bred, hatched and held in captivity to ensure welfare standards are being met. Under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006, an owner or keeper of b
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25/01/2013 - CAP reform: EID taken out of cross compliance
In the second day of voting in the European Parliament Agriculture Committee, which saw votes on the so-called ‘horizontal regulation’ which sets the rules for implementing and monitoring the various support regimes under the forthcoming CAP regime, MEPs voted to remove all SMRs (Statutory Management Requirements) relating t
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25/01/2013 - HMRC launch crackdown on affluent taxpayers
More farmers and landowners will fall into wider HMRC affluent compliance team remit says Susie Swift, Saffery Champness, Inverness Following the announcement last week that Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is to recruit 100 additional inspectors to broaden the scope of its Affluent Compliance Unit, Susie Swift, Partn
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25/01/2013 - Essential and legal snare training for land managers
Another tranche of Scottish Government approved Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) fox and rabbit snaring training courses will be held this February to bring game and wildlife managers up to speed with the latest legislation and essential training requirements. This is an opportunity to be fully compliant with va
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25/01/2013 - SFP and LFASS payments
Scottish Government tells us that so far 97.69% of farmers have received their SFP, which equates to 18,420 from an estimated population of 18,855, and that the expenditure to date stands at £436,857,618.76. Looking forward, Scottish Government tells us that the prospects for LFASS (total £65.5m) and the Scottish Beef Scheme
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25/01/2013 - Land Court produces Guidance Note on Rent Reviews
Following the publication of the Rent Review Working Group report prior to Christmas, the Scottish Land Court has published a Guidance Note on Rent Reviews. The note can be found here: http://www.scottish-land-court.org.uk/rent-reviews.html Scottish Land & Estates fully supports the sentiment that settlement by negotiation is
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25/01/2013 - EU Parliament CAP Reform vote – positives and negatives
The next iteration of the CAP came a step closer this week as the European Parliament Agriculture Committee voted on a series of compromise amendments to the original draft CAP regulations published in October 2011. This important step creates the Parliament’s version of the draft regulations, which now needs to go through a
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24/01/2013 - Help The Game Fair - Volunteers Required!
After last year’s washout we all want the Scone Game Fair to thrive again. Ever since last year's Olympics, volunteering has been the in-thing, and this is your chance to be part of one of Scotland's largest annual events, which will rely on Volunteers. The Scottish Game Fair, to be held at Scone Palace for three days, 5-7t
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23/01/2013 - Landowners Urge Land Reform Review Group To ‘Seize The Moment’ To Help Next Generation Farmers
SCOTTISH Land & Estates, which represents landowners across Scotland, has urged the Land Reform Review Group (LRRG), set up by the Scottish Government, to “seize the moment’ and support the agricultural industry in delivering “realistic and progressive” measures to safeguard the future of tenant farming. Luke Borwick, C
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21/01/2013 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 15-18 January 2013
Parliamentary Questions and Answers from 15-18 January 2013 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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21/01/2013 - Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin - 21 January 2013
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing Monday 21st January 2013. To view the Parliamentary Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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21/01/2013 - Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards 2013
Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards 2013 are now open for entry with some innovations to the line-up of competitions and bigger prizes! Four award categories are now open for entry with £6,750 of prize money there for the winning. New Native Woods Award - New native woodland projects are invited to compete for this award
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21/01/2013 - Business rates relief for new empty properties built in Scotland
Local Government Minister Derek Mackay has announced a new business rates relief of up to 100%, which will help developers and encourage the supply of new build business premises. This new relief will help new empty properties built in Scotland from 1 April. The scheme aims to encourage speculative development and investment an
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17/01/2013 - CAP vote next week
Next week will see the European Parliament Agriculture Committee vote on the proposed amendments to the draft CAP regulations. It is an important step in the CAP process because it will effectively define the position of the European Parliament going into negotiations with the European Council. In August last year the Parliam
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17/01/2013 - Ticks and Lyme disease – Completion of a new study
Established in 2005 and based in Roslin in Midlothian, Xeroshield is a life sciences company dedicated to the development of products and services for the control of insects known to carry dangerous diseases that are transmissible to humans. As you may already be aware, Lyme borreliosis is a tick-borne illness which, without pr
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17/01/2013 - Year of Natural Scotland TV advert and the Big April Adventures launched
At an event attended by Scottish Land & Estates on Wednesday this week, VisitScotland launched its biggest ever nature-focused tourism drive, highlighting the country’s natural environment and designed to get the Scottish population out of their armchairs and into the countryside for the Year of Natural Scotland 2013. Vis
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17/01/2013 - Scottish Land & Estates responds to planning policy review
Scottish Land & Estates has submitted comments as part of the Scottish Government’s review of Scottish Planning Policy. Main points include: Support for SPP to have statutory status Better alignment is required between the National Planning Framework and other key policy documents such as the Land Use Strategy Concern
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17/01/2013 - Landowners ‘Key Partners’ In Delivering Benefit to Rural Scotland
Scottish Land & Estates, which represents landowners across Scotland, said today it has made a ‘substantial submission’ to the Land Reform Review Group, established by the Scottish Government, calling for greater use of the capability of landowners and estates to deliver key benefits to rural Scotland. Luke Borwick, chair
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16/01/2013 - Action to boost planning performance
Planning Minister Derek Mackay will jointly with COSLA chair a group to support improved planning performance in Scotland. The group, which will be made up of Heads of Planning from local authorities across Scotland as well as other key stakeholders will help drive improved performance and consider the links to resourcing of th
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16/01/2013 - Better Dispute Resolution in Housing: Consultation on Introduction of a New Housing Panel for Scotland
The Scottish Government has published a consultation Better Dispute Resolution in Housing: Consultation on Introduction of a New Housing Panel for Scotland. The consultation seeks views on three principle options; · Expanding the use of mediation, other forms of alternative dispute resolution and other early pre
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15/01/2013 - Parliamentary Bulletin - 14 January 2013
Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 14 January 2013. To view the Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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10/01/2013 - Snare operators urged to apply for Identification Numbers
SNH has reported low numbers of snaring identification applications being made to Police forces across Scotland. Members are reminded that it will be a legal requirement to have an ID number in order to be able to set snares from 1 April 2013. If you employ gamekeepers or other staff to set snares then you should encourage them
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10/01/2013 - New Directors of Farm Stay Scotland Encourage Scottish Farms to Join and Benefit
Farm Stay in Scotland has recently appointed two new Directors, each of whom is keen to encourage more Scottish farms to sign up and benefit from Farm Stay membership. Marion Oates from Hawick and Rosanne Mackay from Inverness will represent Farm Stay UK in Scotland and are extremely enthusiastic about demonstrating to farming
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10/01/2013 - A guiding light in wildlife management
AN essential up-to-date guide created specifically for land managers dealing with snaring is now available. The ‘Snaring in Scotland – a practitioners’ guide’ has been updated to ensure the reader is fully up to speed with the requirements now in place for anyone who is using snaring as a means of wildlife management.
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09/01/2013 - Nitrates Action Programme change
Rules designed to prevent nitrate pollution of the water environment, in designated areas of Scotland, have been revised. Following a consultation last year, the Scottish Government is amending its Action Programme for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs). The key amendments are: Extending the closed period (when manure with a hig
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07/01/2013 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 17 December to 3 January 2013
Parliamentary Questions & Answers from 17 December 2012 to 3 January 2013 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estate members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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07/01/2013 - Parliamentary Bulletin 7 January 2013
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 7 January 2013. To read the bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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04/01/2013 - The economics of Scotland's deer
Scottish Natural Heritage has published a report which assesses the economic benefits and costs of Scotland's red deer. Main findings include: Deer numbers There are estimated to be between 360,000 and 400,000 red deer. Also, 200,000 to 350,000 roe deer, 25,000 sika and as many as 2,000 fallow. Economic worth Deer s
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04/01/2013 - Oxford Farming Conference
The annual Oxford Farming Conference got underway this week with the publication of a study that has revealed how Britain's farmers hold the key to unlocking the solutions to some of the country's bigger problems such as mass water storage, flood defence and even social care of those in need. The report, commissioned by the Oxfo
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03/01/2013 - Active Places funding
Members are reminded that the closing date for the first round of “Active Places”, the Scottish Government’s Commonwealth Games 2014 legacy fund, is 1 February 2013. Details below ... Members wishing to develop projects in conjunction with their local community may be interested in the Scottish Government's Commonwealth G
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03/01/2013 - New Year cycling boost
An extra £3.9million to enhance cycling infrastructure over the next two years has been announced by the Scottish Government as part of an additional £21million investment in transport and will go towards encouraging more people in Scotland to move from four wheels to two. Transport Minister Keith Brown confirmed the packag
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03/01/2013 - Flame shell reef discovery
A huge colony of an elusive and brightly coloured shellfish species – numbering at least 100 million – has been revealed in coastal waters in the west of Scotland. The Marine Scotland commissioned survey of Loch Alsh, a sea inlet between Skye and the Scottish mainland, has uncovered an extensive bed of flame shells, cover
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21/12/2012 - Open General Licences (Scotland) 2013 are published
The Open General Licences for Scotland authorise the control of certain bird pest species including crows, gulls and pigeons. This control is necessary for specified reasons, including the conservation of wild birds and the prevention of serious damage to livestock and crops. Scottish Land & Estates has been in discussions wi
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20/12/2012 - Wet weather hits harvest – statistics published
Wet weather in Scotland this year has had an adverse impact on the harvest, as demonstrated by the latest figures published this week by Scotland's Chief Statistician. Compared to the 2011 harvest, total cereal production has decreased by 15%. This was due to a 17% reduction in average yields to 5.5 tonnes per hectare, despit
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20/12/2012 - Record breaking renewable electricity generation in 2012
New figures published for the first three quarters of 2012 show Scotland’s renewable electricity output was on track for the best year ever. The figures released by the Department of Energy and Climate Change, point to 2012 being a record year for renewable electricity generation in Scotland, with the first three quarters o
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20/12/2012 - Historic environment is a key contributor to Scotland’s economy and identity
Scotland’s historic environment makes a significant contribution of the country’s economic output according to the 2012 Scottish Historic Environment Audit published this week. Some of the SHEA’s key findings are: The historic environment directly supports 41,000 FTE jobs, representing 2.5% of all employment More
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20/12/2012 - Pairc Estate landowner's right-to-buy challenge rejected
Three judges have thrown out a claim by an island landowner that right-to-buy legislation infringed his human rights. Scottish Ministers approved a bid by the crofting community at Pairc Estate in Lewis to take over the land. Landowner Barry Lomas' Pairc Crofters Ltd and one of its tenants, Pairc Renewables, appealed against t
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20/12/2012 - Three ways you can fight plans to license airguns in Scotland
Scottish Government proposals for airgun licensing include a ban on people plinking in their own gardens. BASC opposes the proposals as they will discourage many from starting shooting, which is a vital part of the Scottish countryside and rural economy. There are three ways you can help fight these proposals. Read more...
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20/12/2012 - Be careful in January sales?
The announcement in the Chancellor's Autumn statement that Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) for expenditure on Plant and Machinery will increase to £250,000 per annum for the two years from 1 January has created a lot of interest. There are no doubt a lot of machinery salesmen licking their lips in anticipation of potential
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19/12/2012 - Minister Urged to Revive Exemplary Housing Grant Scheme
SCOTTISH Government Housing Minister Margaret Burgess MSP was today asked to revive the hugely successful Rural Homes for Rent grant scheme pioneered by Scottish Land & Estates and piloted by the Scottish Government in 2008, during a visit to one project funded by the scheme at Dormont Park near Lockerbie. The award-winni
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19/12/2012 - Schmallenberg (SBV) update
Scottish farmers are being urged to remain alert to the possibility of Schmallenberg Virus (SBV) being detected in their flocks and herds. The Scottish Government is reminding livestock keepers of the importance of maintaining good biosecurity, sourcing stock sensibly and seeking veterinary advice if they have concerns about
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19/12/2012 - RPID Issues Single Farm Payment Fraud Warning
RPID has been made aware that fraudsters, pretending to be from the fraud department of a farmer’s own bank, may be targeting farmers to try and obtain their bank details over the telephone or online to coincide with the release of 2012 Single Farm Payments. Although RPID has not been informed of any Scottish victims of this
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19/12/2012 - Planning Performance Statistics July - September 2012
Statistics on planning performance in Scotland have been released by Scotland’s Chief Statistician. The main findings are: The number of planning applications decided by Scotland’s planning authorities in the three-month period from July to September 2012 was 9,636, a decrease from the previous quarter. The average deci
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19/12/2012 - Way Forward Agreed for Planning
Following consultation earlier this year, Minister for Local Government and Planning, Derek Mackay, has announced a number of changes to the Scottish planning system as part of continued reform. Under an agreement, which is subject to parliamentary approval changes include: planning fees to increase by 20% in April 2013 a h
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17/12/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin - 17 December 2012
Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing Monday 17 December 2012. To view the Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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17/12/2012 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers from 10-14 December 2012
Parliamentary Questions and Answers from 10-14 December 2012 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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14/12/2012 - Decision made not to regulate development of private roads and ways
Scottish Land & Estates welcomes the proposal by Derek Mackay MSP, Minister for Local Government and Planning, to link future construction and upgrading of farm and forestry roads more closely to Scottish Natural Heritage’s best practice guidance “Constructed Tracks in the Uplands”. Our members expressed concern in the co
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13/12/2012 - Sir Peter Housden, Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government and
Sir Peter Housden, Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government and senior advisor to Alex Salmond and the cabinet. On Friday 7th December Sir Peter spent the day with Scottish Land & Estates visiting two member estates south of Edinburgh, both with farming and game management interests. One estate is very much an upland farm
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13/12/2012 - Rent Review Working Group Publishes Report
The Rent Review Working Group has published its report on rent reviews under the terms of Section 13 of the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Act 1991. The group recommended: No adjustment of Section 13 of the 1991 Act, as amended but attempt to improve operation of the existing rent review formula in light of the clarificati
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13/12/2012 - EU Dairy Package consultation
A consultation on the implementation of the EU Dairy Package was launched by the Scottish Government this week. The EU Dairy Package regulations covers three main areas: Enabling milk producers to set up Producer Organisations. The intention is that this will be implemented on a UK-wide basis to give Producer Organisations
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13/12/2012 - Pack launches online red tape forum – get involved
The next phase of the Scottish Government’s review of farming red tape got underway this week with the launch of a public e-consultation. This online dialogue is a key part of Brian Pack’s wider review of farming bureaucracy and will allow farmers, land managers, the wider agricultural supply chain and anyone with an inte
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13/12/2012 - New networking website for rural professionals
Today sees the launch of an experimental new Landbridge networking website, for rural professionals. Landbridge provides a platform for interprofessional learning and debate and opportunities for knowledge exchange with the research community. The challenges facing farmers and land managers have been exacerbated by pressur
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13/12/2012 - Data Returns for Abstraction Licences
Members are reminded that if they hold a water abstraction licence from the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) that they should be in the process of collating and sending their data returns to the organisation. The date by when you are required to submit this data can be found in your abstraction licence. SEPA has
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11/12/2012 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 3-7 December 2012
Parliamentary Questions & Answers which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estate members from 3-7 December 2012. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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11/12/2012 - Parliamentary Bulletin - 10 December 2012
Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 10 December 2012. To view the Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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11/12/2012 - Year of Natural Scotland opportunities
The natural approach To help the tourism industry embrace the promotional opportunities of this year long focus on Scotland's natural assets VisitScotland has produced an industry toolkit which can be downloaded now. The toolkit includes logos and images, and features a range of marketing tools. It provides a one-stop sho
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10/12/2012 - Landlords welcome rent review group report
Scottish Land & Estates, which represents 2,500 landowners throughout Scotland, today welcomed the findings of the Tenant Farming Forum Rent Review Working Group. Douglas McAdam, chief executive, said the findings of the report demonstrated common sense and landowners would support its recommendations. He said:"We are pleased
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09/12/2012 - Latest Policy Update NOW AVAILABLE
The latest quarterly update, detailing the key issues that the policy team has been working on, is now available on the members’ section of the website. This quarterly publication, covers a diverse range of topics from allotments to the recently introduced Water Resources Bill. The paper gives you the latest on CAP reform as w
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09/12/2012 - Scottish Government to postpone business rates revaluation until 2017
The Scottish Government is to postpone the next round of revaluations for the purposes of calculating business rates until 2017. Finance Secretary John Swinney made the announcement as he set out how much funding Scottish local authorities would receive over financial year 2013-14. He also announced a three-month consultat
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09/12/2012 - Rural Priorities funding round for New Entrants - June 2013
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead has announced that a further Rural Priorities funding round will take place in June 2013. The Regional Proposal Assessment Committees (RPACs) will consider applications for Axis 1 (restructuring, development and innovation) and Axis 3 (rural enterprise) p
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09/12/2012 - AUTUMN STATEMENT RURAL BUSINESS STIMULI WELCOMED – BUT DETAIL LACKING IN MANY AREAS
SCOTTISH Land & Estates has welcomed the announcement by Chancellor George Osborne that the Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) for plant and machinery will be increased tenfold from £25,000 to £250,000. The detail surrounding implementation of other areas of rural policy has however been questioned by the landowner repres
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09/12/2012 - Upper Tay Rafting and Angling dispute resolved
After further discussion between the two parties, the rafting and angling interests on the Upper Tay have reached a compromise agreement that will avoid the need for a legal case. Angling interests had brought an action against Perth & Kinross Council (as required under Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003). The action was on the
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09/12/2012 - Helping farmers weather the storm
A range of measures are in place to help Scottish farmers who have been hit by 2012's adverse weather. Mr Lochhead said the Scottish Government would do all it could to support those farmers who had been affected. This will include writing to banks to update them on the timing of Single Farm Payments and asking them to provide
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09/12/2012 - New Cairngorms Nature Action Plan Launched
Cairngorms Nature is a new partnership where people and organisations come together, regardless of sector or background, with one thing in common - a desire to safeguard and enhance the outstanding nature in the Cairngorms National Park. Working together, we are more likely to achieve and share success and this means positive
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09/12/2012 - Scottish action on Chalara and tree health
The Scottish Government has agreed an interim control plan to tackle Chalara over the next few months, before the infectious stage of the disease becomes active. To help take forward the control plan in Scotland, a new Tree Health Advisory Group is to be formed. Specific Scottish actions for the Tree Health Advisory Grou
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06/12/2012 - Your Countryside Has Spoken - Rural Voice Workshop Contributes to New Local Development Plan
Communities, landowners and businesses based in the East Lothian countryside are being encouraged to contribute their views to the new Local Development Plan. To encourage debate and contributions, a ‘Rural Voice’ workshop was jointly organised last week by East Lothian Council and Chalmers & Co, the Haddington based surveyo
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06/12/2012 - EAST LOTHIAN’S WINTON HOUSE HAS GOT THE GREEN VIBE
Winton House in East Lothian recognised for its commitment to environmental excellence at Scotland’s leading sustainable business awards Winton House, based near Pencaitland just outside Edinburgh, beat off stiff competition from businesses across Scotland to win the Best Micro Business Award at this year’s VIBES 2012 awar
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06/12/2012 - Disposal of Asulam Products
The end of the year looms. Please can recipients of this newsletter continue to make sure that every effort is being made to advise end-users of the need to dispose of stocks of asulam products before the end of this year. I continue to receive questions from end-users about the possibility of retaining stocks of asulam pro
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06/12/2012 - Promotion of the EA Outcome
Within the constraints imposed by the status of asulam products, I believe it will be important that the Bracken Control Group provides a clear message to all end users about the implications of the outcome of the Emergency Authorisation application. It is inevitable that there will be some confusion and there will be a need to
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06/12/2012 - Bracken Control: Application for an Emergency Authorisation
The application was submitted and acknowledged by the Chemicals Regulation Directorate of the HSE on 9 November. The standard time for a response is 9 weeks, which would mean a response is provided by 11 January. The application asked for the 120-day Emergency Authorisation period to start on 20 May 2013, with the use-up pe
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06/12/2012 - Emergency measures for slurry spreading
Due to ongoing wet weather, SEPA will be working with farmers to address increasing issues around the spreading and storage of slurry.Currently, the spreading of slurry or farm yard manure on waterlogged ground is a breach of environmental legislation, as run off pollutes local water courses. However, when conditions are consist
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06/12/2012 - Scotland’s future as a Hydro Nation supported
Scotland’s future as a ‘Hydro Nation’ as set out in the Water Resources (Scotland) Bill has been supported by the Scottish Parliament’s Infrastructure and Capital Investment Committee. Within its Stage 1 report, the Committee outlines its endorsement of the Scottish Government’s approach in ensuring the Hydro Nation w
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06/12/2012 - Scottish Land &Estates Welcomes Clarification in Bird General Licences
Tim Baynes, Director of Scottish Land & Estates' Moorland Group said "We very much welcome the pragmatic and timely approach that the SNH Licensing team have taken to reviewing General Licences this year. General Licences are a very necessary tool in wildlife management and we particularly welcome the clarification that "clam
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06/12/2012 - Additional long distance routes to expand Scotland’s Great Trails network for 2013
Scottish Natural Heritage’s Long Distance Routes Project Board has agreed to several new routes being included in the Scotland’s Great Trails branded network for 2013. The routes are the Cross Borders Drove Road, Mull of Galloway Trail, and the Romans and Riivers Route (southwest Scotland from Ae Forest to Hawick). The Cly
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06/12/2012 - Real Time Information – Are You Ready?
Are you aware of Payroll Real Time Information (RTI)? Do you know what you need to do to prepare for RTI? If the answer to either of these questions is no Chiene + Tait is able to help. The PAYE system is facing its biggest change since PAYE was introduced in 1944. The new concept of ‘real time information’ (RTI) wi
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06/12/2012 - REMINDER - Scottish Planning Policy and National Planning Framework review
The Scottish Government is reviewing two documents which are key to the operation of the Scottish planning system. The National Planning Framework (NPF) sets the context for development planning. It provides a framework for the spatial development of Scotland as a whole for the next 20-30 years. Scottish Planning Policy is a
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06/12/2012 - Scotland’s Renewable Energy Sector in Numbers
Scottish Renewables has compiled the key statistics on the development of Scotland’s renewable electricity sector from a variety of government and industry sources in order to track the industry’s growing contribution to our energy needs, our economy and our environment. The page contains statistics relating to the followin
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06/12/2012 - Inquiry finds that ‘there is a risk’ that the renewable heat target may not be met
The Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee has completed its inquiry in to the Scottish Government's Renewables Targets and published a report which concludes that ‘there is a risk’ that the renewable heat target may not be met. Convener of the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee Murdo Fraser MSP said: “After a wide
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06/12/2012 - Funding Available for Growing Central Belt's Greenspace
Strategic greenspace improvement projects in Central Scotland can now benefit from a share of an additional £270,000 following an extension to the Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) Development Fund. The CSGN is Europe’s largest greenspace initiative which seeks to transform Central Scotland into a place where the environ
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06/12/2012 - Land & Building Transaction Tax (Scotland) Bill
In terms of the Scotland Act 2012, Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) will not be chargeable in Scotland from 2015. Accordingly, the Scottish Government has recently consulted on a proposed Land and Buildings Transaction Tax to take its place in respect of property transactions. The Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (Scotland) Bill ha
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06/12/2012 - Year of Natural Scotland opportunities
The natural approach To help the tourism industry embrace the promotional opportunities of this year long focus on Scotland’s natural assets VisitScotland has produced an industry toolkit which can be downloaded now. The toolkit includes logos and images, and features a range of marketing tools. It provides a one-sto
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30/11/2012 - Mount Stuart Recognised as Outstanding Heritage Venue
MOUNT STUART RECOGNISED AS OUTSTANDING HERITAGE VENUE HISTORIC MANSION WINS PRESTIGIOUS BEST WEDDING VENUE AND BEST SHOPPING EXPERIENCE AWARDS MOUNT Stuart, one of the UK’s finest stately homes, has been recognised as an outstanding heritage destination after winning two prestigious awards. The spectacular Victorian gothic
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30/11/2012 - Scottish Empty Homes Conference
The second annual Scottish Empty Homes Conference took place this week in Glasgow. As part of her key note speech, Minister for Housing and Welfare, Margaret Burgess, confirmed an extension to funding for the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership of which Scottish Land & Estates is a key member. The Partnership will receive an add
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30/11/2012 - Launch of Crofting Register
The first Crofting Register has been launched to give crofters legal certainty over their crofts. The register is part of the modernisation of crofting the Scottish Government has undertaken as part of the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Act 2010. The establishment of a definitive map-based Crofting Register will remove doubt ove
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30/11/2012 - Broadband boost for Glen Tanar area
Householders, businesses and community groups in Glen Tanar on Royal Deeside are reaping the benefits of faster broadband services thanks to a £10,336 grant from the Cairngorms EU Leader Project. Broadband Enabling Technology (BET), which provides broadband services to locations which have no connection or limited speeds becau
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30/11/2012 - Annual Taxation Event
The annual Scottish Land & Estates' Taxation Seminar was held at Perth Racecourse yesterday. Tax is of the utmost importance to all of our members and this is reflected in the strong turnout at this flagship event every year. Given the significance of the topic we devote a lot of our time and energy into lobbying on tax iss
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29/11/2012 - Inquiry finds that ‘there is a risk’ that the renewable heat target may not be met
The Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee has completed its inquiry in to the Scottish Government's Renewables Targets and published a report which concludes that ‘there is a risk’ that the renewable heat target may not be met. Convener of the Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee Murdo Fraser MSP said: “After a wide r
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29/11/2012 - Plunkett Foundation
The Plunkett Foundation, a Centre of expertise for rural communities looking to take control, through community ownership, of the issues affecting them, has been awarded over £450,000 from the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation. This is to create a new comprehensive support for rural communities considering setting up or diversifyi
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26/11/2012 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 19-23 November 2012
Parliamentary Questions and Answers from 19-23 November 2012 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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26/11/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin - 26 November 2012
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 26 November 2012. To view the bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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23/11/2012 - The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) has appointed a new Chief Executive
The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) has appointed a new Chief Executive. Grant Moir is currently the Director of Conservation and Visitor Experience – responsible for a team of 80 people within the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority – and will take up the role in March 2013. Jane Hope, who has b
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23/11/2012 - Snaring Update
Further to previous updates, the latest secondary legislation on Snaring under the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act has now come into force. This brings the remaining provisions on snaring, including training and ID numbers, into force on 1 April 2013. A Scottish Government statement issued on 22 November states
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22/11/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates joins Year of Natural Scotland Working Group
Scottish Land & Estates has joined VisitScotland’s Year of Natural Scotland Working Group. The Group aims to maximise the benefits to the tourism industry and the Scottish economy of the upcoming Year of Natural Scotland (2013). . The meeting highlighted the wide range of free promotional opportunities available to Scotti
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19/11/2012 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 12-16 November 2012
Parliamentary Questions and Answers from 12-16 November 2012 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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19/11/2012 - Parliamentary Bulletin - 19 November 2012
Parlimentary Bulletin for week commencing 19 November 2012. To view the Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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15/11/2012 - Chalara dieback of ash
The situation surrounding Chalara is changing every day. The best source of information is: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/chalara At the time of writing 14 sites have been confirmed in Scotland. These are: Private nursery North East New Planting Near Glendevon (new) New Planting Near Blairgowrie New
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15/11/2012 - CAP Budget Stakeholder Letter
With Europe edging towards a new budget settlement, Westminster appears gripped by a wave of euro scepticism at this important time for rural Scotland. Looking for controls on Europe’s spending must be a priority as domestic budgets are cut. However, headline grabbing calls to cut ever deeper into those EU budgets that sup
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15/11/2012 - Gearing Up for Year of Natural Scotland
With only two months to go till the Year of Natural Scotland officially gets underway in 2013, Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing has been urging Scotland’s visitor attractions to get involved. Speaking at the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions annual conference in Falkirk, Mr Ewing outlined how the twelve months showcas
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13/11/2012 - Latest on Divorce Law and Rural Start-Up Tax Breaks to feature at Taxation Conference
SCOTTISH Land & Estates will host its popular annual taxation event, aimed specifically at those running land-based businesses in the rural sector, on Thursday 29 November at Perth Racecourse. The event will feature presentations from sponsors Chiene + Tait Chartered Accountants and leading private client solicitors Turc
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13/11/2012 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 5-9 November 2012
Parliamentary Questions and Answers from 5-9 November 2012 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members. To view the questions and snwers please click on the attachment below.
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12/11/2012 - Cairngorms: Destination of a Lifetime
Cairngorms National Park reported to be in National Geographic's Top 50 of the World's Last Great Places.Duncan Bryden, Convener of the board of the Cairngorms National Park Authority said: "For the Cairngorms to be named in the top 50 of the World's Last Great Places confirms what those of us who are passionate about the area h
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09/11/2012 - Private Foresters Vital Link In Fight Against Ash Tree Disease
Following a DEFRA summit on the current dieback of ash trees triggered by the Chalara fraxinea fungus, Scottish Land & Estates, which represents over 2,500 landowners across Scotland, has echoed calls by the CLA in England and Wales, for decision makers to recognise those in the private forestry sector as prime early detectors
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09/11/2012 - Chalara
Further to the information provided in last weeks E-News relating to the rapid national survey of ash trees, we are getting in touch to highlight our latest Information Sheet on Chalara dieback of ash which you can find here. The primary source of information is www.forestry.gov.uk/chalara. These web pages contain guidance on s
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08/11/2012 - The Economic Value of Landscapes in the Scottish Borders
A private-sector survey of marketing practices and opinions of accommodation providers in the new Teviot Valleys Special Landscape Area of the Scottish Borders has recently been published. The report highlights that a major marketing opportunity is being lost by the Scottish tourism industry operating within the spectacularly
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07/11/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates seek assurances on support schemes
Scottish Land & Estates has written to Ian Jardine, Chief Executive of SNH, to seek assurances that some of the current challenges faced by members are understood and will be addressed as we move forward to begin designing the next SRDP. In particular, we have highlighted concerns about SNH’s policy of encouraging landowners
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07/11/2012 - Future woodland creation proposals discussed
Forestry Commission Scotland hosted a constructive meeting with representatives of the farming and meat sectors last Friday (2/11/12) to discuss ways to reduce the risk of controversy over future woodland creation proposals. The group agreed that the report of the Woodland Expansion Advisory Group provided an excellent basis, a
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06/11/2012 - Moorland Boards
There has been encouraging take–up of the moorland educational boards since they were made available to members in July. Over 30 boards are now in place and there was coverage in the Shooting Times magazine on 17th October. Boards can be obtained by downloading this form which contains all the information about cost,
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05/11/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin - 5 November 2012
To view the Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 5 November 2012, please click on the attachment below.
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05/11/2012 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers from 29 October - 2 November 2012
Parliamentary Questions & Answers from 29 October to 2 November 2012 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates Members. Pleace click on the attachment below to view the questions and answers.
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02/11/2012 - EU budget heats up CAP debate
As the crucial EU budget discussions approach later in November, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has written this week to the UK Government demanding that Scotland's poor budget allocations are made a negotiating priority. As the CAP negotiations reach a crucial stage, Mr Lochhead is concerned that without the UK spen
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02/11/2012 - Unoccupied Premises Bill Passed
Despite opposition, the Scottish Parliament has passed the Unoccupied Properties Bill, which will allow local authorities to charge up to double the current level of council tax on certain homes that have stood empty for more than a year, and reduce rates relief on empty commercial properties. A few amendments were made t
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02/11/2012 - Scottish Outdoor Access Code campaign
SNH is currently conducting a review of its campaigns to promote the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. As part of this process, they are conducting a short survey, which has been prepared by the Union consultancy on behalf of SNH, to help gather views. This can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SNH_Your_Say. If you would
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02/11/2012 - Chalara Dieback of Ash: Rapid Survey
Forestry Commission Scotland has alerted us to a rapid survey of ash trees that FCS staff will be undertaking in the next week and to seek the cooperation of Scotland's landowners and land managers in carrying out this urgent exercise. Forestry Commission Scotland is participating in a rapid GB-wide survey with the aim of get
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01/11/2012 - Scottish Planning Policy and National Planning Framework review
The Scottish Government is reviewing two documents which are key to the operation of the Scottish planning system. The National Planning Framework (NPF) sets the context for development planning. It provides a framework for the spatial development of Scotland as a whole for the next 20-30 years. Scottish Planning Policy is
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30/10/2012 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 22-25 October 2012
Parliamentary Questions and Answers from 22-25 October 2012 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members. To view the Questions and Answers please click on the attachment below.
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29/10/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin - 29 October 2012
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 29th October 2012. To view the Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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25/10/2012 - CAP Reform negotiations latest
The latest Agriculture and Fisheries Council focused on the issue of "internal convergence" (achieving a uniform level of direct payments at regional or national level by 2019) and the young farmers scheme proposed to address the issue of the ageing farm population. As regards internal convergence, many delegations confirme
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25/10/2012 - Pace, flexibility & impact key for CAP
After talks on the CAP in Luxembourg this week, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead highlighted some of the things he is arguing for on Scottish farmers’ behalf. Mr Lochhead is arguing that the speed at which change is implemented through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reforms should be flexible and linked to imp
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25/10/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Welcomes Mount Stuart Annoucement
Scottish Land & Estates, which represents 2,500 landowners throughout Scotland, today welcomed the announcement by Mount Stuart Trust that it is to widen representation on its board of directors. Luke Borwick, chairman of Scottish Land & Estates, said: “The Mount Stuart Trust is a progressive organisation whose primary obj
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25/10/2012 - Business leaders in last ditch plea to drop business tax hike plans
More than a dozen business leaders from across Scotland met in the Scottish Parliament today to discuss the SNP’s plans to increase empty properties tax on commercial properties. 14 representatives from variety of different business sectors spoke in unity against the proposals contained in the bill, the final stage of which w
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25/10/2012 - UPDATE - The Snares (Identification Numbers and Tags) (Scotland) Order 2012
On 24 October 2012, a Commencement Amendment Order was laid before the Scottish Parliament which amends the date for using ID tags on snares from 1 January 2013 to 1 April 2013. The Snares (Identification Numbers and Tags) (Scotland) Order 2012 was also laid yesterday which sets out the process for applying for and issuing iden
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25/10/2012 - Funding for peatland restoration
Scottish Government have announced this week that they will be providing £1.7 million to help restore Scotland’s peatland landscape. This new funding, which is part of the Government’s Green Stimulus package announced in this year’s budget, will support the development of a Peatland Plan for Scotland and will support a
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25/10/2012 - Cyanide Case Shows Need for Help in Managing Toxic Substances
Scottish Land & Estates, which represents 2,500 landowners throughout Scotland, has issued the following statement in response to a story reported on today (25 October 2012) of an accidental cyanide poisoning in Uig on the Isle of Lewis: Luke Borwick, chairman of Scottish Land & Estates, said: “Reports around the cyanide poi
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22/10/2012 - Scottish Government publish 9th annual monitoring figures since introduction of access legislation
The Scottish Government has recently published monitoring information on the operation of various aspects of Scotland’s access legislation for the year 2011/12. This information is gathered from local authorities and the two national park authorities each year. It includes information on the use of local authority powers
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22/10/2012 - Parliamentary Questions and Answers from 15-19 October 2012
Parliamentary Questions & Answers from 15-19 October 2012 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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22/10/2012 - Parliamentary Bulletin 22 October 2012
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 22 October. To view the Parliamentary Bulletin please click on the link below.
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19/10/2012 - Scottish Conservatives Leader to visit Ardnamurchan
Scottish Conservatives Leader Ruth Davidson will visit the Ardnamurchan Peninsula on Monday 22 October. Ms Davidson will meet Donald Houston of Ardnamurchan Estates who will take her on a tour of the area, including visits to the site of the new Distillery and to Mingary Castle before lunching with guests at Glenborrodale
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19/10/2012 - UHI Sustainable Deer Management Course
Sustainable Deer Management Postgraduate course to run again in early 2013 at the University of Highlands and IslandsFollowing its first successful run in early 2012, UHI’s postgraduate module in Sustainable Deer management will run again in early 2013. The module will once again be available through the existing UHI MSc strea
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19/10/2012 - Land Alive! Landowners Present Six-Point Plan to Government For A Better Rural Future
Scottish Land & Estates has today presented the Scottish Government with a Partnership Plan to assist in creating a more prosperous rural Scotland. The six-point plan sets out the key areas in which Scottish Land & Estates and the Scottish Government can continue to work together to deliver enduring benefits to rural communitie
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19/10/2012 - Scottish Survey of Agricultural Production Methods
Results from the Scottish Survey of Agricultural Production Methods 2010 have been published. The survey covered farm practices relating to tillage and soil cover, manure and slurry usage, irrigation, and livestock housing and grazing intensity. Among the findings were: 10% of holdings had newly established tree lines duri
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18/10/2012 - Farmers - Get Ready for Winter
Following the bad weather in the winter 2010/2011 the Scottish GOvernment has put together an information document. Much of the advice may seem obvious and common sense but it is all based on real life situations that occurred in 2011/2012.
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18/10/2012 - SNH advises that Muntjac Deer should be shot on sight
Muntjac deer, a non-native species originating from China, were recently spotted in Dumfries and Galloway. Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) responded to this sighting with a statement advising that this highly destructive animal should be shot on sight if spotted. Scottish Land & Estates would like to remind members that th
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17/10/2012 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 8-12 October 2012
Parliamentary Questions and Answers from 8-12 October 2012 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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17/10/2012 - Parliamentary Bulletin - 15 October 2012
Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 15 October 2012. To view the bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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12/10/2012 - 'The Heather Trust marks the halfway point of the Langholm Moor Demonstration Project'
Langholm Moor in Dumfries-shire provided the focus for a lively and informative discussion meeting last week. As the Demonstration Project is applying many of the best moorland management practices that The Heather Trust promotes, it was an ideal setting for the discussion. Uniquely, the project lasts for ten years and the h
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12/10/2012 - Schmallenberg virus: Scottish farmers put on high alert
Farmers in the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway have been advised to be vigilant following the announcement that the schmallenberg virus has been detected in northern England affecting both cattle and sheep. Schmallenberg virus (SBV) causes fever, diarrhoea and loss of milk production in adult cattle, although the animals do
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11/10/2012 - Hopetoun Launches New Hamper Collection
Hopetoun would like you to know about one of their exciting new ventures! Following the success of the Hopetoun Farm Shop which opened in May last year they have now expanded their retail offering online. They have just gone live with a new online shop which can be found at www.hopetoun.co.uk/shop. They have launched with a
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09/10/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Condems Eagle Attack
FOLLOWING reports of a wounded golden eagle discovery today (9 October 2012), Scottish Land & Estates Chairman Luke Borwick commented: "We are appalled and disgusted that anyone in Scotland would shoot at a golden eagle - our most iconic bird of prey. The incident is particularly distressing in the light of recent progress that
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08/10/2012 - Parliamentary Bulletin - 8 October 2012
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 8th October 2012. To view the Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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08/10/2012 - Parliamentary Questions and Answers 1-5 October 2012
Parliamentary Questions and Answers from 1-5 October 2012 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estate members. To view the question and answers please click on the attachment below.
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05/10/2012 - Response to consultation on Income Tax Relief Cap
At Budget 2012 the Government announced a limit on currently uncapped income tax reliefs which will have effect from April 2013. Scottish Land & Estates has today submitted a response to HM Treasury’s consultation on these proposals. In our response we stated that we believe that the current proposals will not achieve the ai
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05/10/2012 - Land Reform Review Group Latest News
L->R: David Adams, Priscilla Gordon-Duff, Andrew Bruce-Wootton, David Miller, Sarah Skerratt (LRRG Vice-Chair), Alison Eliot (LRRG Chair), Jim Hunter (LRRG Vice-Chair), John Watt, Simon Fraser, Madhu Satsangi, Ian Cooke. Members of the LRRG Advisory Group who were not able to be at yesterday's meeting are: Amanda Bryan,
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02/10/2012 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 24-28 September 2012
Parliamentary Questions & Answers from 24-28 September 2012 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members. To view the questions and answers please click on the link below.
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01/10/2012 - Landowners Give Robust Response to Energy Efficiency Consultation
SCOTTISH Land & Estates, which represents over 2500 landowners across Scotland, has today (Monday 1 October) responded to two major Scottish Government consultations on energy efficiency. Key to the responses has been the call for a properly researched national communications plan from the government around energy efficiency wh
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01/10/2012 - Parliamentary Bulletin - 1 October 2012
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 1 October 2012. To view the Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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28/09/2012 - Turning your estate into a business
Podcast out now for download! Listen to experts discussing how to avoid the bear traps of rural diversification including advisors to Channel 4's Country House Rescue, Estate Life. This short podcast touches on family issues to consider when turning your home into a business, thoughts on efficient estate tax planning etc and t
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28/09/2012 - New report highlights direction of travel for rural development
Five years after the Carnegie UK Trust published its Charter for Rural Communities, a follow up has been published to examine the changes in recent years. Prof. Mark Shucksmith was commissioned to compile the report and reached two conclusions. Firstly, rural areas benefit most from locally-tailored solutions which reflect con
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28/09/2012 - Lochhead signals rural development 'bridging' priorities
As CAP reform continues to take shape most people involved in the process have been able to see that it is highly likely that there will be a gap between the end of the current SRDP and the start of the next programme, raising the prospect of real difficulties for some, especially those that rely on LFA support and woodland gr
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28/09/2012 - Primary Industries Policy Group discusses CAP Reform
The Scottish Land & Estates Primary Industries Policy Group met this week to discuss the way forward on direct payments and rural development. The group re-affirmed its position on the main issues relating to direct payments, greening, coupled payments and national reserve eligibility, and discussed some more detailed issues b
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27/09/2012 - Mount Stuart Trust Defends Public Benefit Record
Connie Lovel, Chief Executive of the Mount Stuart Trust, issued the following statement today. “The Board of The Mount Stuart Trust has noted the announcement by the campaign group, Land Action Scotland, encouraging people to make applications to become members of the Trust. The Trust will be carefully considering the applica
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27/09/2012 - Applecross Trust Defends Public Interest Activity
RESPONDING to press comments regarding application for membership of the Applecross Trust, Trust Administrator Archie MacLellan commented: “It is unfortunate that a number of points made by Andy Wightman in regard to the workings of the Applecross Trust as reported on in recent press are incorrect and misleading. It is al
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27/09/2012 - Private Landowners Deliver Substantial Benefits to Rural Scotland
SCOTTISH Land & Estates, which represents 2,500 landowners across Scotland, issued the following statement in response to the announcement by a group, Land Action Scotland, urging members of the public to join charitable landowning trusts. Luke Borwick, Chairman of Scottish Land & Estates, said: “Landowners continue to invest
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Information Sheet Index
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Lobbying 02: Scottish Draft Budget 2013-14
The Scottish Government’s Draft Budget for 2013-14 was laid in Parliament on 20th September 2012. The Draft Budget is driven by the Scottish Government's purpose of creating a more successful country, with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth. This Information Sheet outl
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Agriculture 03: Agricultural Wages: Minimum Rates of Pay 2012
This Information Sheet summarises some information relating to the employment of agricultural workers. Minimum rates of pay and other conditions of service for agricultural workers are governed by the Agricultural Workers (Scotland) Order (No. 60) 2012. The Order applies from 1 October 2012.
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26/09/2012 - Landowners Respond to Community Empowerment Bill
SCOTTISH Land & Estates, which represents 2,500 landowners and estates throughout Scotland, said today private landowners and estates are committed to supporting ‘progressive, practical and common sense’ initiatives that will benefit rural communities. Scottish Land & Estates has today submitted a full response to the Scott
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25/09/2012 - Millions for greener homes
A new £10 million fund aims to deliver hundreds of eco-friendly homes and bring down heating bills. The announcement of the Greener Homes Innovation Scheme follows last week's 2013-14 budget which directed investment into construction, skills and the green economy. The scheme is specifically for affordable homes that employ
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25/09/2012 - Landowners Call For Examination of Evidence In Eagle Death
SCOTTISH Land & Estates, which represents 2500 landowners across Scotland, has condemned the killing of a golden eagle in Aberdeenshire. Douglas McAdam, chief executive, said: "Like others we are saddened by the news of the death of such an iconic bird, made all the more distressing since the eagle was fitted with a satellite
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24/09/2012 - New research will look at minimum cost of living in rural Scotland
A new research project on the minimum cost of living in rural Scotland will look at the price of goods and services required by different household types to achieve a reasonable standard of living. The 'Minimum Income Standard for Remote and Rural Scotland' study has been commissioned by a partnership of organisations focusse
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24/09/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin - 24 September 2012
To view Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 24th September please click on the attachment below.
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24/09/2012 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 14-21 September 2012
Parliamentary Questions from 14-21 September 2012 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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21/09/2012 - Parliamentary Questions and Answers 10-13 September
Parliamentary Questions and Answers from 10-13 September which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estate members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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21/09/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin - 17 September
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 17 September 2012. To view the Bulletin please click on the link below.
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14/09/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin - 10 September 2012
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 10 September 2012. To view the Bulletin please click on the link below.
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14/09/2012 - Parliamentary Questions and Answers 3-7 September 2012
Parliamentary Questions and Answers from 3-7 September which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estate members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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07/09/2012 - Unoccupied Properties Bill
The Unoccupied Properties Bill Stage 1 debate took place this week and Stage 2 amendments may now be lodged with the Legislation Team. The Bill will allow councils to remove existing discounts and increase council tax on certain long-term empty homes. There are 25,000 long-term empty homes across Scotland and it is hoped tha
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07/09/2012 - All change at Defra
Both Caroline Spelman and Jim Paice have been replaced in this week’s reshuffle. Caroline Spelman has been replaced by Owen Paterson, MP for North Shropshire. Mr Paterson joined Defra after serving in the Cabinet as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland from May 2010. He has been MP for North Shropshire since 1997 and in
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07/09/2012 - David Cameron's Cabinet Reshuffle
David Cameron’s Cabinet reshuffle this week has seen critics accuse the Prime Minister of sidelining female MPs. By way of summary, the changes saw Andrew Lansley sacked as health secretary, and demoted to the role of Leader of the House of Commons. He is replaced by Jeremy Hunt, the culture secretary. Ken Clarke has stepp
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06/09/2012 - Stage set for a taste of success
Scottish food and drink producers have received a £1 million boost to ensure they are ready to make 2014 an unforgettable year for Scottish food and drink. Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead told producers they must ensure that they are ready to reap the rewards offered by the Commonwealth Games, Ryder Cup and Year of
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05/09/2012 - New Scottish Ministerial Team Announced
On Wednesday, a number of changes to the Scottish Cabinet were announced: Paul Wheelhouse MSP for South of Scotland has replaced Stewart Stevenson as Minister for Environment and Climate Change; Nicola Sturgeon will now become Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities supported by Keith Brown, Minister for
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05/09/2012 - Public get chance to help shape future of rural communities
An organisation set-up to gather and address the concerns of rural Scotland has launched a website, allowing people to submit their views online. It is a key step forward for the Rural Commission, launched earlier in the summer by the Scottish Conservatives. The site – www.ruralcommission.org – went live on Wednesday
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05/09/2012 - Electronic Communications Code
The Electronic Communications Code sets out the regime that governs the rights of electronic communications operators to maintain infrastructure on public and private land. The Law Commission is currently reviewing the Code to assess the balance struck by the Code between the rights of electronic communications operators and lan
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03/09/2012 - Parliamentary Questions and Answers 27-31 August 2012
Parliamentary Questions and Answers from 27-31 August which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estate members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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03/09/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin - 3 September 2012
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 3 September 2012. To view the Bulletin please click on the link below.
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31/08/2012 - SEPA Seeking Views on the Next River Basin Management Plan
SEPA has launched a consultation on how the second cycle river basin plan should be developed. This consultation is the first step in the process of writing the second plan and it is an opportunity for organisations like Scottish Land & Estates to shape the plan itself and the way that river basin planning is delivered. Th
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31/08/2012 - Centre for Rural Development Launched - 'To Help Build Stronger Communities'
CENTRE FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT LAUNCHED ‘TO HELP BUILD STRONGER COMMUNITIES’ Some of the Centre for Rural Development members*. L to R: Professor Bill McKelvey, Douglas McAdam, John Ferguson, Sarah-Jane Laing, Graeme Blackett, Jamie Williamson, Andrew Midgley. Front: Luke Borwick and Bruce Beveridge. Missin
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31/08/2012 - Royal Mail to prohibit carriage of sporting guns and components.
Royal Mail is proposing to amend its current postal schemes from November 2012 to prohibit the acceptance and conveyance within their network of guns, including those for sporting use, air weapons and their respective component parts and some accessories. See Royal Mail Consultation Document Scottish Land & Estates question
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31/08/2012 - The Squeezed Middle Debate
The James Hutton Institute this week organised a “Squeezed Middle Debate” which focused on addressing the conflicting demands on the use of intermediate quality land in Scotland. In terms of the Macaulay Land Capability for Agriculture (LCA) classification, the Squeezed Middle can be considered as LCA Class 3.2 to LCA Clas
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30/08/2012 - Situations Vacant: Local Outdoor Access Forum Representatives Required
Scottish Land & Estates is currently looking for members to represent land management interests on local outdoor access forums. Caithness & Sutherland Forum is without a Scottish Land & Estates member representative and Perth & Kinross Local Access Forum is looking for a land manager to act as cover for our existing member repr
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30/08/2012 - Free Schmallenberg (SBV) tests
Farmers in Scotland are being offered free tests for the Schmallenberg virus (SBV) in animals imported from areas where the virus is circulating. The Scottish Government already funds the SAC and MRI to investigate clinical cases where SBV infection is a possible diagnosis. The cost to farmers is the standar
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30/08/2012 - Final Call for Flytipping Funding
We recently sent you details of Zero Waste Scotland’s second flytipping grant scheme and wanted to remind you that the closing date is will soon be upon us. If you have any questions about the eligibility of a project please do get in touch. We would also be very grateful if you could pass on the information below to any oth
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27/08/2012 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 20-24 August 2012
Parliamentary Questions and Answers from 20-24 August 2012 which may be of inerest to Scottish Land & Estate members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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27/08/2012 - Parliamentary Bulletin 27 August 2012
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 27th August 2012. To view the Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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27/08/2012 - An end to illegal charges on tenants
Housing Minister Keith Brown today confirmed that letting agents should not be charging a range of upfront fees to private tenants. Currently, under the Rent (Scotland Act) 1984, landlords and their agents can legally charge rent and a deposit only when granting a tenancy. However, current legislation has not been explicit e
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24/08/2012 - Agricultural Wages Agreed
The Scottish Agricultural Wages Board has confirmed increases to the minimum hourly rate for agricultural workers and hourly rates of pay for agricultural apprentices from 1 October 2012. Details of the award are as follows: for workers in first 26 weeks of employment a rate of not less than £6.22 per hr for workers emp
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24/08/2012 - Land Reform Review Group Remit Published
Commenting on the importance of the radical review of land reform, Mr Lochhead said: "Land reform is a critically important policy that has an impact in communities right across Scotland. That’s why we are reviewing how land reform is delivered in both urban and rural parts of the country, so we can ensure that local communit
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23/08/2012 - Commission on a Bill of Rights
The Commission on a UK Bill of Rights is presently consulting upon introducing an environmental right as a constitutional right. An environmental right is different from the existing European Convention rights. Rights to life, home, property, freedom of religion and freedom of expression are about freedom from state inter
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23/08/2012 - Scottish Land Fund Committee
Over the next three years the Big Lottery Fund and Highlands Enterprise will work together to deliver the Scottish Land Fund on behalf of the Scottish Government. To help achieve this, the Big Lottery are currently recruiting for five members, including the Chair of the Scottish Land Fund Committee, who will make the decisions
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23/08/2012 - RIPD Customer survey
The Rural Payments and Inspections Division is running a short online customer engagement survey. Members are encouraged to participate. Take part… https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dFlvalZGTzFiaFU4c2lPa0Nnd19rRGc6MQ#gid=0
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23/08/2012 - June RPAC provides rural boost
New farming entrants will benefit from a £5 million boost as part of the latest round of Rural Priorities funding, worth more than £20 million in total. This support will protect and create around 1,200 jobs across Scotland and brings the total amount distributed through the scheme to almost £550 million since it was launc
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23/08/2012 - Helicopters take flight to rescue black grouse
Helicopters have been hovering in the skies above Callander in a bid to help boost numbers of endangered black grouse. Supported by Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, six farms and estates were awarded a £720K contract under SRPD to deliver the Callander Black Grouse Project. Together they will control over 270 hect
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23/08/2012 - Time running out for villages to secure vital funding to reverse rural decline
Rural communities have just under one month to apply to the Big Lottery Fund’s Village SOS scheme for grants of between £10,000 and £50,000. The deadline for applications is 12 September, 2012. Village SOS will fund rural communities who want to set up new social enterprises. It will also fund those who seek to expand or
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21/08/2012 - Guidance for wind planning applications launched
Energy Minister Fergus Ewing has launched guidance designed to make planning applications for wind energy developments run more smoothly for developers, planning authorities and the communities affected. The guidance is a result of the GP Wind Project, a Scottish-Government led EU project which looked at the barriers to develop
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20/08/2012 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 13-17 August 2012
Parliamentary Questions & Answers from 13-17 August 2012 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estate members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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20/08/2012 - Parliamentary Bulletin - 20th August 2012
Parliamentary Bulletin week commencing 20th August 2012. To view the bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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17/08/2012 - Members encouraged to join two new portals - Rural Estates and Go Rural
Scottish Land & Estates recently partnered with two new portals, Rural Estates and Go Rural, to provide members with an excellent method of promoting their activities, events and properties whilst enabling Scottish Land & Estates to display the range of activities on offer across rural Scotlan
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17/08/2012 - Muirburn in September - trail blazers required
Extension of the muirburn season into September is now a step closer with progress by a working group at the Moorland Forum, which includes the Scottish Moorland Group. This has potential benefits for all grouse moors by increasing flexibility of muirburn timing. The next step is to monitor the ecological impact of Septembe
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17/08/2012 - Snare training - only four months to go
From 1st January 2013, all snaring operators will have to successfully complete an approved snaring training course. SGA are running two more courses: Wednesday September 12th 2012 at 10am at Tullybeagles Estate Bankfoot Perthshire PH1 4BZ Tuesday October 16th 2012 at 1.00pm at Raeshaw Estate in the Borders For fur
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17/08/2012 - Better Regulation Bill consultation
The Scottish Government is currently consulting on proposals to be included as part of the Better Regulation Bill which aims to improve the regulatory landscape and the way regulations are applied in practice across Scotland. Proposals include: Extending statutory review mechanisms to challenges against Scottish Ministe
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17/08/2012 - Health and Safety consultations affecting the self-employed
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is currently consulting on proposals for changes to health and safety law which would see some self-employed people exempted from health and safety law and would reduce the reporting requirements when injuries and near misses happen in workplaces. The HSE is particularly keen to hear from
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17/08/2012 - Ending of SSSI Management Agreements – your experiences requested
Members have been in touch with staff at HQ as they encounter issues associated with the ending of SSSI Management Agreements and the withdrawal of associated support payments. Policy staff would be keen to hear from any members who are experiencing problems in this area so that we can best act on your behalf. Please get in touc
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17/08/2012 - Scottish Budget Discussions
Our Head of Policy this week attended a roundtable discussion with John Swinney MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth, and Angela Constance MSP, Minister for Youth Employment, to discuss the priorities for Scotland 2013/2014 budget 2013. Mr Swinney underlined that the current priorities of economi
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17/08/2012 - Energy Saving Trust Scotland - Renewables
Fancy turning the weather into energy for your home? In Scotland it’s not uncommon to see four seasons in one day – but did you know no matter what the conditions it can always be a great source of energy for your home? Renewables systems help keep your home energy efficient, helping you forecast major savings. And specia
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17/08/2012 - VAT and Energy Efficiency
Scottish Land & Estates has urged the UK Government to mount a robust defence of its existing position on reduced VAT for energy efficiency materials. A European Commission’s recent Reasoned Opinion has challenged UK’s reduced rate of VAT on the supply and installation of energy saving materials. The products are likely to
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17/08/2012 - Housing Market
The quarterly price index for the average domestic property in Scotland rose by 7.3% in the three months ending July 2012, according to the latest Scottish House Price Monitor from Lloyds TSB Scotland. On an annual, underlying basis, Scottish house prices have fallen by 1.5%. The average Scottish house price is now £164,1
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16/08/2012 - Aquaculture and fisheries consultation
Analysis of the consultation on proposals for the introduction of an Aquaculture and Fisheries Bill, which received 1,342 responses, has been published. The Scottish Government consulted on how to achieve a sustainable future for aquaculture and freshwater fisheries and ensure the effective management of interactions betwee
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16/08/2012 - Bank advances to Scottish agriculture 2012
Scotland’s Chief Statistician has published results from the 2012 Survey Of Bank Advances to Scottish Agriculture. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0039/00398833.pdf The main findings show: At the 31st of May 2012, the total outstanding balance of advances from banks and mortgage companies to Scottish agriculture was
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14/08/2012 - Parliamentary Bulletin - 13 August 2012
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 13th August 2012. To view the Parliamentary Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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14/08/2012 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 6-9 August 2012
Parliamentary Questions and Answers from 6-9 August 2012 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estate members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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14/08/2012 - 2012 grouse season off to a flying start
There was favourable media coverage of the Glorious 13th, following a coordinated campaign by Scottish Moorland Group organisations (Scottish Land & Estates, Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust and the Scottish Gamekeepers Association). The highlight was a media day at the East Haugh House Hotel and oulin Mo
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10/08/2012 - Dairy battle goes on - collaboration is key
After the rally in Lanark on 30 July, NFUS along with other organisations have sought to emphasise that dairy farmer collaboration is vital. They are highlighting how the united message from dairy farmers in recent protests has been critical in their success to date, but that dairy farmers need to continue to work together. In
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09/08/2012 - Broadband help for rural communities
A £5 million fund has been announced to help bring next generation broadband to some of Scotland’s remotest communities. The Community Broadband Scotland initiative will act as a one-stop-shop for rural community groups, providing them with information and advice to find solutions for broadband delivery in their areas. From
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08/08/2012 - New Forestry Commissioner for Scotland appointed
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Richard Lochhead, this week welcomed the appointment of a new Forestry Commissioner for Scotland, Amanda Bryan. Ms Bryan - the first woman to serve as a Forestry Commissioner for Scotland - is a rural development consultant in the Highlands and Islands and has a background in sustainable m
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06/08/2012 - Moorland Board orders
The Minister was given an early sight of the new "Welcome to the moor" interpretation boards when he visited Edinglassie. The first ten boards have already been delivered to grouse moor estates around Scotland and they can now be ordered direct. Please download this form which contains all the information about cos
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06/08/2012 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers -30 July to 3 August 2012
Parliamentary Questions and Answers from 30 July to 3 August which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estate members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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06/08/2012 - Parliamentary Bulletin - 6 August 2012
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 6 August 2012. To view the Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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03/08/2012 - Consultation launched on Better Regulation Bill
A thriving business community is essential to driving economic growth across Scotland and it is important that any regulations are transparent, proportionate, consistent, accountable and targeted to ensure a supportive business environment, Enterprise Minister Fergus Ewing said today. Mr Ewing's comments coincide with the lau
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02/08/2012 - Renewable Heat Incentive Update: Stand-by Mechanism for Budget Management put in Place
Ofgem has this week published a Guidance Note to explain to existing participants and prospective applicants to the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Scheme how the Department of Energy and Climate Change’s (DECC’s) stand-by mechanism for budget management will affect them. This mechanism enables Government to suspend the Sch
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02/08/2012 - Tenant Farming Forum Rent Review Group Calls for Views
Members may be aware that a Rent Review Working Group (RRWG) has been established by The Tenant Farming Forum (TFF) to examine the procedures for rent reviews in agricultural leases. This follows the appeal court judgement in the Moonzie Farm case. Following the RRWG's first meeting held on 24 July, the group is looking
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02/08/2012 - Events Newsletter - 2 August 2012
To view Scottish Land & Estates latest events newsletter click here.
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02/08/2012 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers from 23-27 July 2012
Parliamentary Questions and Answers from 23-27 July 2012 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estate members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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02/08/2012 - Parliamentary Bulletin - 30 July 2012
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 30th July 2012. To view the Bulletin please click on the link below.
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02/08/2012 - Farmers backbone of rural economy
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead will meet grass root farmers around the kitchen table today, when he visits Dowhill farm in Girvan. In the first of a series of kitchen table talks, Mr Lochhead will hear first hand from local farmers about their views of the industry, challenges they face and innovative practices
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02/08/2012 - A Consultation on the 2020 Challenge for Scotland's Biodiversity
This Scottish Government consultation proposes additional elements to add to the original Scottish Biodiversity Strategy (2004) and is focused on desired outcomes for 2020. Scottish Land & Estates has prepared a Briefing Note on this consultation and encourages members to read through this and feed comments back to
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01/08/2012 - Health & Safety on Farms
Agriculture employs 1.5% of the UK workforce yet is responsible for between 15% and 20% of worker fatalities. The Scottish Government has published a new leaflet which highlights some of the most significant causes of death in the agricultural sector, including falls from height and contact with farm equipment. To view the
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31/07/2012 - Environment Minister on the moor
Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Stewart Stevenson was invited to spend a day at Edinglassie Estate in Strathdon as part of his summer tour, kindly hosted by the Hon Charles Pearson and attended by Scottish Moorland Group Chairman Andrew Hopetoun with members of the WES project team. The main reason for the visi
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26/07/2012 - Homecoming Scotland 2014
The Homecoming Scotland 2014 Funded Events programme was launched recently. This is a two stage process, event organisers are encouraged to note their interest as soon as possible by completing a pre-application. Only then can a full application form be issued. The FULL APPLICATION must be completed and submitted by the 30
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26/07/2012 - Dairy Crisis
Following weeks of protest, there continues to be a wide range of activity on the dairy crisis. On Sunday 22 July Richard Lochhead met with other ministers and farmer and processor representatives to secure agreement on the main points of a dairy industry Code of Practice on milk contracts. However the finer details of the Co
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26/07/2012 - Proportionate response called for on hill track planning
Scottish Land & Estates has responded to the Scottish Government consultation on the General Permitted Development Amendment Order 2012. The proposed amendments include removing permitted development rights for agricultural and forestry routes. Calls have been made by recreational interest groups for better regulation of u
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25/07/2012 - Forestry sector success in focus
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Richard Lochhead, this week visited several businesses in Lochaber to see first hand how Scotland’s robust forest industries are underpinning economic growth in the timber and renewable energy sectors. Mr Lochhead’s schedule for the day included visits to: Forestry Commission Scotla
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25/07/2012 - Bills receive Royal Assent
The following Acts have received Royal Assent following scrutiny by the Scottish Parliament: The Land Registration etc. (Scotland) Act 2012 The Agricultural Holdings (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2012 The Scottish Government has also announced an intention to carry out a review of Agricultural Holdings legislation by e
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25/07/2012 - Consultation: Use of rebated fuel for gritting in rural areas
HM Revenue and Customs is currently consulting on proposed changes to the law which would allow tractors and possibly other accepted agricultural vehicles to use rebated fuel (‘red diesel’) for gritting roads in rural areas. A Briefing Note has been prepared which summarises the proposed changes and seeks views on 6 questio
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25/07/2012 - Banding Review for the Renewables Obligation Announced
Bandings have this week been set for renewable technologies under the Renewables Obligation – the UK Government’s main mechanism for supporting large-scale renewables – for the period 2013-17 (2014-17 for offshore wind). The banding review sets out that support for onshore wind from 2013-17 will be reduced by 10% to 0.
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25/07/2012 - Call for the "Land and Soil Management Award" 2012/13
Please find enclosed the call for proposals for the European Landowners' Organisation Land and Soil Management Award, which the deadline is now extended until the 30th November 2012. DO NOT HESITATE TO APPLY YOURSELF AND TO SPREAD IT TO YOUR NETWORK!
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25/07/2012 - Landowners Ready to Play Constructive Role In Land Reform Review
A long-awaited announcement on details of the review group on land reform has been made today by the First Minister. Douglas McAdam, Chief Executive of Scottish Land & Estates, which represents over 2,500 landowners in Scotland, commented in response: “We were fully aware of the Scottish Government's manifesto commitment
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23/07/2012 - Fund to tackle flytipping opens for applications
Is flytipping a problem in your area? A new £75,000 fund to tackle illegal waste dumping has been launched today by Zero Waste Scotland. Grants between £500 and £10,000 are available to community groups, landowners and land managers. Last year over 50 applications to the fund were received, with grants awarded helping to cl
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23/07/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin - 23 July 2012
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 23 July 2012. To view the Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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23/07/2012 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 16-20 July 2012
Parliamentary Questions from 16-20 July 2012 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estate members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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19/07/2012 - 2 Megawatt Hydro Scheme Opens in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park
The 2 megawatt (MW) £6.1m Allt Fionn Hydroelectric Scheme in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park was today opened by Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker. The estimated annual output of the run of river high head scheme will meet the electricity demands of over 1,700 households, more than one quart
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19/07/2012 - Wickerman Demo Day a Blazing Success
AHEAD of the eleventh iconic Wickerman Festival taking place in South West Scotland this week, lucky delegates have been shown the famous bonfire statue being built and taught the tricks of the festival trade by the owner of the land which hosts the ANNUAL MUSIC event, Jamie Gilroy. Diversifying into areas such as festival to
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18/07/2012 - UK Government Delays Crucial Decision on Renewable Energy Subsidies
The UK Government has come under criticism for delaying an announcement on subsidy levels for renewable energy projects. Ministers were expected to reveal this week the level of support that renewable energy projects can expect to receive through the Renewable Obligation Certificate (ROC) subsidy mechanism through to 2017.
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18/07/2012 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 9-13 July 2012
Parliamentary Questions and Answers from 9 - 13 July 2012 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estate members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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18/07/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin - week commencing 16 July 2012
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 16 July 2012. To view the latest bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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16/07/2012 - 25 years of helping rural businesses to thrive
Awards sponsor Landmark Systems has been supporting the rural business community for a quarter of a century with its flexible software solutions. The company puts its continued success down to the entrepreneurial flair of its customers, so is delighted to be backing the Rural Enterprise category. �
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14/07/2012 - Rural Landowners Heartened At Funding For Empty Homes
Scottish Land & Estates has praised the Scottish Government for doubling the amount of money it is making available for its Empty Homes Loan Fund. The scheme, which was launched yesterday, will make available £4million to bring empty properties back into use to provide affordable housing with £2million being targeted at rura
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13/07/2012 - Empty Homes Loan Fund launched
A call for bids for the Empty Homes Loan Fund has been launched this morning by the First Minister. Organisations, including private landowners, will have until 3 October to submit bids for loan funding to renovate empty homes and make them available as affordable housing. Guidance for bidders and a copy of the applicatio
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13/07/2012 - Views given on the draft strategy for the private rented sector
Scottish Land & Estates has this week responded to the Scottish Government’s consultation on the draft strategy for the private rented sector. As well as reiterating points made previously in relation to the issues of landlord registration for properties on tenanted farms, the organisation also underlined the fact that the c
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13/07/2012 - Housing Investment Announced
The Scottish Government has announced a second tranche of funding for the Housebuilding Infrastructure Loans Fund, which offers help to housing builders, unable to attract private-sector finance, to support the provision of on-site physical infrastructure and other work genuinely required for house building projects and, there
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13/07/2012 - Visitor numbers to Scotland increase
The number of visitors to Scotland rose by 5 per cent over the year, according to figures published yesterday. The results of The Office of National Statistics publication “Overseas travel and tourism” combined with those from the Great Britain Tourism Survey show that there was also a 15 per cent increase in expenditu
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13/07/2012 - Retention of Short Tenancy Option - The Best for Both Landlords and Tenants
SCOTTISH Land & Estates has responded to the Government’s draft strategy for the private rented sector. The organisation, which represents over 2,500 Scottish landowners, has reiterated its view that the short assured tenancy regime offers flexibility for both tenants and landlords and has also highlighted that the cur
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12/07/2012 - Proposed Annual Charge on high value residential property
The UK Government is consulting on its proposal to introduce two tax charges on high value residential properties. Scottish Land & Estates is urgently seeking information from members who consider that they may be affected by these proposed charges. This information will be used to inform any response to the Consultation. A s
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12/07/2012 - Crofting Register Consultation
Registers of Scotland has issued a Consultation Paper on Application Forms for the Crofting Register. The Consultation Paper includes guidance on the application forms and also guidance on submitting plans to the Keeper. Members are asked to send comments to
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11/07/2012 - Environment Minister on the moor
Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Stewart Stevenson was invited to spend a day at Edinglassie Estate in Strathdon as part of his summer tour, kindly hosted by the Hon Charles Pearson and attended by Scottish Moorland Group Chairman Andrew Hopetoun with members of the WES project team. The main reason fo
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11/07/2012 - Tourism businesses urged to capitalise on Scotland's £276 million wildlife market
Tourism businesses urged to capitalise on Scotland's £276 million wildlife market Scottish tourism businesses are being challenged to look at ways of tapping into the growing wildlife tourism market in Scotland ahead of 'The Year of Natural Scotland' in 2013. Companies are being urged to take advantage of this business oppor
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11/07/2012 - Securing Scotland's Heritage
A study commissioned by Scottish ministers into the future of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS) first established by Royal Warrant in 1908, has found that RCAHMS should be merged with Historic Scotland. The report suggests that a merger with Historic Scotland offers the "greatest
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10/07/2012 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 2-6 July 2012
Parliamentary Questions & Answers which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estate Members from 2-6 July 2012. To read the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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09/07/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 9 July 2012
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week comencing 9 July 2012. To view the Bulletin please click on the link below.
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06/07/2012 - Scottish Government Launches Biodiversity Consultation
Stewart Stevenson, Minister for Environment and Climate Change, has this week launched “A Consultation on the 2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Biodiversity”. The Scottish Biodiversity Strategy was published in 2004 and this consultation paper proposes additional elements of the Strategy, focused on desired outcomes for 20
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06/07/2012 - Confirmed Withdrawal of Zero Rating for Approved Alterations to Listed Buildings
Update by Chient + Tait HMRC has disappointingly confirmed that the proposed VAT changes to remove zero rating for approved alterations to listed buildings are to be implemented with effect from 1 October 2012. The transitional period within which zero rating will continue to apply has, however, been extended. This means tha
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06/07/2012 - Renewable Energy: Barriers in the uptake of renewable energy by landowners
Renewable energy has become a topic of increasing interest to both the general public and landowners. The balance between the want to provide renewable energy and the barriers preventing this are both diverse and challenging. Faye Jones, a Masters of Land Economy student from the University of Aberdeen, is looking for your help
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05/07/2012 - Gamekeepers, Girls and Gundogs
2012 The calendar is the third offering from the Gamekeepers Welfare Trust which provides a helpline, support and financial grants for gamekeepers, ghillies and stalkers and their families in times of hardship, ill health and retirement. Following on from the success of the previous editions the 2013/14 calendar is expect
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05/07/2012 - A new charter for Scotland’s rural uplands
Scottish landowners must work more closely with their rural communities so that both can share the benefits of the uplands, according to research being presented today (Wednesday 4 July 2012) at the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) conference in Edinburgh. The findings come as a result of the Sustainable Estates for the 2
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05/07/2012 - Smiths Gore Produces Report on Landowner Compensation and Approaches for Flood Protection Work
Smiths Gore was commissioned by the Scottish Government to undertake a research project assessing different approaches to compensating landowners for allowing their land to be used for flood risk management purposes. It also considers how land-based flood risk management initiatives can help fulfil wider objectives, such as
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05/07/2012 - SEPA Issues Position Statement on Gypsum from Waste Plasterboard
On 28th June SEPA published a position statement on the use of recycled gypsum at farm sites. Gypsum from waste plasterboard and other gypsum containing wastes is being used as animal bedding at farms across Scotland. Following a number of recent livestock deaths in Scotland and Northern Ireland, SEPA has issued formal guida
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04/07/2012 - Edinburgh City encouraged to 'Go Rural!
Over 50 of Scotland's vibrant rural tourism, leisure and local food businesses based in the countryside around Edinburgh have joined together to offer great deals and adventures for the city's residents and city visitors in time for the summer holidays. Any Scottish Land & Estates members with tourism and leisure attracti
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04/07/2012 - New book to set the heather alight
A NEW children's book launched at the GWCT Scottish Game Fair aims to entertain young readers with a jolly good adventure while exploring important conservation messages. Captain Partridge and The Fire People is the first book to be published by Katrina Candy, Head of PR & Education (Scotland) with the Game & Wildlife Conserv
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04/07/2012 - Summer cabinet 2012 venues announced
The Scottish Government will hold its fifth year of summer cabinet meetings outside Edinburgh, it has been announced. Ministers have agreed at Cabinet today to meet in Skye, Renfrew and Orkney in July and August this year. This is the fifth year of summer cabinet programmes outside the capital. Over the last four y
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04/07/2012 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers from 25-29 June 2012
Parliamentary Questions and Answers from 25-29 June 2012 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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02/07/2012 - Deer Sector Group Urges Voluntary Uptake of Deer Stalking Qualifications
The Deer Sector Competence Working Group is urging deer stalkers in Scotland to undertake one of the available Deer Stalking Certificate 1 (DSC1) or equivalent courses to head off the threat of compulsory testing of deer stalkers in Scotland. The Scottish Government has challenged the deer sector to increase significantly the
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02/07/2012 - Landowners Call for Commonsense Approach To Farm And Forestry Tracks Regulation
Scottish Land & Estates has called for fewer bureaucratic burdens to be placed on those who wish to create and maintain farm and forestry tracks in Scotland. Responding to the Scottish Government’s current consultation on Permitted Development Rights for farm and forestry access tracks, Policy Officer Anne Gray said the propo
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02/07/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week beginning 2 July 2012
Parliamentary Bulletin for week commening 2 July 2012. To view the Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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02/07/2012 - New Scotland Act powers transferred
New powers to set drink drive and speed limits along with the control of airguns will be transferred to the Scottish Parliament this week. The Scottish Government will consult in the coming weeks on proposed changes to drink drive limits. Over the summer, Cabinet Secretary for Justice Kenny MacAskill will also chair a meetin
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29/06/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates responds to proposal to license equine establishments
Scottish Land & Estates has today submitted a response to Scottish Government on a proposal which has been put forward to Government by the Equine Establishments Working Group for the compulsory regulation of equine premises in Scotland. It is suggested that such licensing would improve health and welfare, biosecurity (includi
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29/06/2012 - Proportionate response called for on regulation of private roads and ways
Scottish Land & Estates has this week responded to the Scottish Government consultation on the General Permitted Development Amendment Order 2012. The proposed amendments include removing permitted development rights for agricultural and forestry routes. Calls have been made by recreational interest groups for better regulat
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29/06/2012 - Committee welcomes ‘toolkit’ for tackling empty homes and businesses
Proposals to give local authorities the power to vary empty property relief have been welcomed as a useful addition to the ‘toolkit’ available to help tackle the problem of long term empty homes and businesses. In its stage one report on the Local Government Finance (Unoccupied Properties) (Scotland) Bill, the Scottish Parl
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29/06/2012 - Long leases bill passes final hurdle
Legislation to complete a programme of property law reform has been completed. The Long Leases (Scotland) Bill will bring an end to ultra-long leases (let for more than 175 years) by converting them to ownership. The Bill formed part of a programme of property law reform put forward by the Scottish Law Commission. This include
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29/06/2012 - Support for rural communities to buy land
Rural communities in Scotland can now apply for support to help buy their land, Environment Minister Stewart Stevenson announced today. The new £6 million Scottish Land Fund which will empower communities by helping them acquire land opens for applications on Monday (July 2). The Minister announced the opening date for the fu
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29/06/2012 - Scottish Conservatives launch Rural Commission
The Scottish Conservatives have launched a Rural Commission to be chaired by rural businessman, Hughie Campbell Adamson. The Commission – which will be made up by a cross-section of respected stakeholders in the rural community - will examine all aspects of rural life, ranging from agriculture through to housing and environ
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29/06/2012 - New Bill Introduced to make Scotland a Hydro Nation
The Water Resources (Scotland) Bill has this week been introduced to the Scottish Parliament. Included in the Bill are a range of measures to ensure Scotland’s water resource is managed efficiently and to the benefit of Scotland, for example, it is proposed that large-scale water abstraction will be brought under Ministerial c
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28/06/2012 - Private Rented Housing Panel/ Homeowner Housing Panel positions available
Scottish Ministers are seeking to appoint a number of legally qualified chairpersons, surveyor members and housing members for the Private Rented Housing Panel (prhp) / Homeowner Housing Panel (hohp). The prhp is responsible for determining referrals from tenants concerning the landlord's duty to comply with the Repairing Stand
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28/06/2012 - Research highlights benefits of working with communities
Researchers from the UHI Centre for Mountain Studies, who have been undertaking work on sustainable estates since 2007, have published a short booklet which focuses on the potential of collaborative initiatives between privately-owned estates, communities and other partners. The key message for estate owners and their represen
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27/06/2012 - Tenancy deposit schemes go live
Members are reminded that three Tenancy Deposit Schemes will officially launch on MONDAY 2nd JULY. Under the Tenancy Deposit Schemes (Scotland) Regulations 2011, the legal duties on landlords are: to pay deposits to an approved tenancy deposit scheme, and to provide the tenant with key information about the tenancy and
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27/06/2012 - Landowners To Catch Festival Fever From Wickerman
A new demonstration day to help landowners break into the events market is to use the Wickerman Festival as its inspiration. The Festival Fever demonstration day, organised by Scottish Land & Estates, will feature leading lights in the Scottish events field and take place at the home of the Wickerman Festival itself, at East
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27/06/2012 - Report aims to break down barriers over tree planting
Report aims to break down barriers over tree planting A new report published today by the Woodland Expansion Advisory Group states that Scotland needs to give woodland creation a new direction by promoting integration and breaking down barriers. The report, which has 24 recommendations, says an increase in new woodlands is need
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27/06/2012 - Buzzard Snatch Of Osprey Chick Raises Conservation Fears
Dramatic video footage showing an Osprey chick being snatched from its nest by a buzzard has emerged today. Rural business owner Euan Webster was appalled and saddened when he witnessed one of two Osprey chicks being fledged in a nest on his property being snatched from th
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27/06/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates responds to planning reform consultations
Scottish Land & Estates has submitted comments to five Scottish Government consultations aimed at continuing planning reform, helping the planning system reach its potential in supporting economic recovery. Our key comments were in relation to: Removal of permitted development over hill tracks Concern over increases to
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27/06/2012 - Consultation launched on Scotland’s draft Sustainable Housing Strategy
The Sustainable Housing Strategy will set out the Scottish Government’s vision of a housing sector that helps to establish a successful low carbon economy across Scotland. The Strategy has five themes: A national retrofit programme The role of standards Financial market transformation New build market transformation
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27/06/2012 - Land and Buildings Tax Consultation
The Scottish Government's consultation on this tax which will replace Stamp Duty Land Tax in Scotland from 2015 is open until 30 August 2012. Scottish Land & Estates will be considering the implications of this replacement tax on both land transactions and also on agricultural and residential leases. A subgroup of experience
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27/06/2012 - Tenant Farming Forum
The TFF met on 25 June. The s 13 (rent review) working group has been established to consider whether s 13 is fit for purpose and, if not, what recommendations should be made for amendment. This working group will shortly commence its evidence gathering process. Scottish Land & Estates will be submitting evidence and a sub gro
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26/06/2012 - £120 million broadband boost
Scottish Government investment will bring superfast broadband to communities across the Highlands and Islands, Alex Neil said today. The Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment said the funding will ensure homes and businesses across some of Scotland’s most rural areas could get the benefits of next g
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26/06/2012 - New Farmer Program – help needed to design course content
Nourish is working with Elmwood College and Skills Development Scotland to develop brand new training provision specifically for local food producers and new staff - just like you. Can you spare 2 days to help Nourish design the content of our New Farmer Programme. Nourish is preparing to start delivery in Jan 2013, and is pu
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26/06/2012 - Connecting urban youth with Scotland's natural heritage
A new project connecting young people, with limited work and social development opportunities, to spend time with ghillies, stalkers and other Scottish estate staff was launched at this year’s Royal Highland show. The project has been warmly welcomed and encouraged by a number of estate owners, MSPs and other government off
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25/06/2012 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 18 - 22 June 2012
Parliamentary Questions and Answers from 18-22 June 2012 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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25/06/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 25 June 2012
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing Monday 25 June 2012. To view the Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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20/06/2012 - Scotland’s newest farmers
Ahead of this year’s Royal Highland Show, Rural Affairs Secretary, Richard Lochhead today (Wednesday 20 June) welcomed Scotland’s newest farmers into the industry. Mr Lochhead met Craig Malone (aged 27 from Stirling) and Zander Hughes (aged 25 from Dunfermline), the first two new entrants to Forestry Commission Scotland�
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20/06/2012 - Davidson & Robertson Rural open new office in Forfar
Davidson & Robertson Rural is pleased to announce the opening of it's new Forfar Office based in Forfar Mart. Rhona Booth has been recently joined Davidson & Robertson Rural and she will be based at the Forfar Office. Rhona will be in attendance on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday's most weeks to meet with clients. If you wo
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20/06/2012 - Over 60% of Kirknewton Community support Fauch Hill Wind Farm development
The Community Council and Development Trust of Kirknewton have today made representations to support the Fauch Hill Wind Farm Development at West Colzium and Crosswoodburn after an independent consultation with their community. On Monday 25th June the West Lothian Council executive will meet to consider the application, acting
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19/06/2012 - Parliamentary Bulletin 18 June 2012
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commening Monday 18 June 2012. To view the Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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19/06/2012 - Going grey to benefit Scotland’s biodiversity
AN innovative new project which aims to demonstrate how best practice grey partridge management can benefit biodiversity as part of a commercial agricultural operation was launched today by conservation body Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT). Whitburgh Farms at Pathhead in Midlothian and the conservation charity have j
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15/06/2012 - CAP: Presidency progress report sets out the current positions and issues
The Danish Presidency has released a draft report on the progress of the CAP negotiations since January and highlighted several issues where Member States agree. Additional flexibility on greening under the 1st Pillar outlined in the Commission’s recently released ‘concept paper’ is thought to be a step in the right dire
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15/06/2012 - Last-minute deal on energy efficiency
MEPs and member states this week (13 June) came up with a last-minute deal to save the energy-efficiency directive. The deal is viewed as a victory for the Danish presidency of the Council of Ministers, which had made an agreement on the directive the centrepiece of its environmental agenda. The deal is expected to be signed by
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15/06/2012 - DECC announcement on Renewable Heat Incentive Budget Management
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) consulted on a mechanism for managing the non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) budget in the short term and this week published their response. DECC does not envisage having to use this mechanism to suspend the scheme given current uptake figures. Nevertheless, they
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15/06/2012 - Economic report on Scottish agriculture
Detailed analysis of agriculture in Scotland, published this week, paints a positive picture of the sector. Among the points highlighted in today's statistics are: Total income from farming has increased over the past 10 years by £240 million (67%) Average farm business income increased by 32% – from £34,000 in 2009/10 to
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15/06/2012 - The Future of Bracken Control
The fifth Bracken Control Group newsletter is now available to download. It provides information on what activity is taking place to maintain a supply of asulam products after the end of the use-up period on 31 December 2012. In the longer term, United Phosphorus Ltd have committed to applying to re-register asulam by t
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15/06/2012 - Schoolchildren fascinated by farming and forestry
Around 200 primary school children from six schools in the north east of Scotland spent an exciting day at Home farm, Cullen last week, where staff from Seafield and Strathspey Estates explained the work they do with farming and forestry, including arable, livestock, deer, woodlands and wild birds, and allowed the curious kids t
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13/06/2012 - Survey Shows Healthy Letting By Large Estates
Scottish Land & Estates today (Wednesday June 13) published the results of a survey of large estates in Scotland which play a key role in the letting of farm tenancies. The survey of 20 major estates, which let more than 650 tenancies, showed: 70% of the farmland on these estates is let on recognised agricultural tenancies.
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11/06/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin - 11 June 2012
To view the latest Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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11/06/2012 - Parliamentary Questions and Answers 6-8 June 2012
Parliamentary Questions and Answers from 6-8 June 2012 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estate members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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08/06/2012 - Latest reports on CAP released
The European Parliament Agriculture Committee has now officially published draft reports on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. These are reports produced by rapporteurs who were given the job of providing an initial response from the European Parliament to the European Commission’s CAP reform proposals (published
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08/06/2012 - Landowners Salute TFF And Welcome New Rent Review
Scottish Land & Estates, which represents 2,500 landowners across Scotland, today paid tribute to the work of the Tenant Farming Forum following the passage of the Agricultural Holdings (Amendment) (Scotland)Bill at Holyrood. Douglas McAdam, Chief Executive, said the work of the forum has been instrumental in the successful par
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08/06/2012 - A Rural Parliament for Scotland
In May 2011, the SNP manifesto stated the SNP would “take forward proposals for a rural parliament, to enable rural communities to engage more effectively with Government”. Since then, the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) has produced a report on behalf of the Scottish Government highlighting the experiences of countries
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08/06/2012 - Snare training go ahead
There has been confusion in Government recently about the Snares Training (Scotland) Order 2012 leading to uncertainty about the validity of training courses being offered by SGA, GWCT and BASC. This was clarified in a letter from Scottish Government. The clear message to all snare operators is "From 1st January 2013, snarin
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08/06/2012 - Welcome to the Moor
The Scottish Moorland Group has produced an educational display board for moorland owners to erect at car parks and other public access points. A permanent display is very effective at repeating key messages about moorland management to the most relevant people and something that nearly all estates can do at minimal cost.
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08/06/2012 - Consultation launched on Land and Buildings Transaction Tax
The passage of the Scotland Act 2012 means that from April 2015 the Scottish Parliament will be empowered to introduce and manage taxes on the purchase or leasing of land and buildings and the disposal of waste to landfill. In a statement to Parliament, Finance Secretary, John Swinney launched a consultation on the Land and
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08/06/2012 - Agricultural Holdings (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill - Stage 3
The Bill was passed by the Scottish Parliament on 7th June 2012 with no further amendments, although there was much discussion about what still requires to be done. Once Royal Assent has been given, the legislation will be amended as follows: 1.To extend the class of near relatives entitled to succeed to a secure 1991 Act
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07/06/2012 - Community Empowerment and Renewal Bill
The launch of the Community Empowerment and Renewal Bill took place in Glasgow on 6th June 2012. Luke Borwick and Jason Rust attended on behalf of Scottish Land & Estates. An exploratory consultation is now underway on the proposed Bill and this closes on 29th August 2012. While welcoming the opportunity to participate in
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07/06/2012 - Tenant Farming Forum - Rent Review Working Group
A specialist sub group to review the working of rent review provisions of the Agricultural Holdings legislation has been set up under the auspices of TFF. To view the TFF press release please click on the attachment below.
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07/06/2012 - The Scottish rate of income tax
HMRC has issued a Technical Note "Clarifying the Scope of the Scottish Rate of Income Tax". To view the Technical Note please click on the attachment below. The Taxation sub group will monitor developments as legislative changes take effect.
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06/06/2012 - Parliamentary Questions 28-31 May 2012
Parliamentary Questions from 28 May to 31 May 2012 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members. To view the Questions and Answers please click on the attachment below.
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06/06/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin - 6 June 2012
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 6 June 2012. Please click on the attachment below to view the Parliamentary Bulletin.
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06/06/2012 - Brian Pack publishes red tape review proposal
Brian Pack has published a scoping report on his Red Tape review here: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0039/00394422.pdf. In summary: The ‘Doing Better’ initiative will cover all farmers and land managers (including anyone in receipt of CAP funding) but will only cover regulation that is specific to them and not t
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01/06/2012 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 21-25 May 2012
Parliamentary Questions and Answers from 21-25 May 2012 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estate Members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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01/06/2012 - Snare Training Order laid before Parliament
The Snares (Training) (Scotland) (No2) Order 2012 was laid before the Scottish Parliament on 22 May and will come into force on 21 June 2012. The Order sets out the list of approved training providers as well as what is meant by being trained to set snares and the competency required. Importantly the Order clarifies that trai
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01/06/2012 - Land Registration Bill
The Stage 3 debate of the Land Registration (Scotland) Bill took place on 31 May 2011, during which a small number of amendments were made to the provisions. Following these amendments, the Bill was then approved by the Scottish Parliament. The Bill as passed can be found here The official report of the Stage 3 Debate can be
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01/06/2012 - CARES Loan Scheme
Members who are interested in taking forward a renewable energy project are encouraged to seek help through the newly re-launched Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES). Community Energy Scotland (CES) is providing free, impartial advice and support to rural businesses and community organisatio
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01/06/2012 - Two more Tenancy Deposit Schemes approved
Housing Minister Keith Brown has approved two more tenancy deposit schemes from SafeDeposits Scotland and Mydeposits Scotland. The first tenancy deposit scheme – administered by Letting Protection Service – was approved by Ministers in April. All three schemes will operate across Scotland from 2 July 2012 when the legal r
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01/06/2012 - Update on FITs for Solar PV
Following DECC’s consultation on FIT rates for solar PV, the following changes will be implemented from 1st August 2012: The tariff for small domestic solar installations will be 16p/kWh, down from 21p, and will be set to decrease on a 3 month basis thereafter, with pauses if the market slows down. All tariffs will con
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31/05/2012 - Farm Rents Remain Good Value Say Landowners
Scottish Land & Estates issued the following press release last Friday to counter the growing misinformation about farm rents, that are appearing in the press and in the light of the Moonzie Case. We have been working within the Tenant Farming Forum (TFF) process with the other member organisations (STFA, NFUS and the RICS) an
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30/05/2012 - First Minister Praises Centre For Rural Development Bruce Beveridge Confirmed as Chairman
Scottish Land & Estates has revealed that a new Centre for Rural Development is to be created, to be chaired by Bruce Beveridge. Mr Beveridge is a Vice President of the Law Society of Scotland and was formerly Deputy Keeper at Registers of Scotland and Deputy Director, Rural Affairs, for the Scottish Government. The Centre
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30/05/2012 - First Ministers Speech - Scottish Land & Estates AGM 29 May 2012
The First Minister's address to the Scottish Land & Estates Annual General Meeting on 29 May 2012 at the Mansfield Traquair. Please click on the attachment below to view the speech.
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29/05/2012 - Landowners Play Key Role In 21ST Century Rural Scotland
Scottish Land & Estates, which represents 2,500 landowners throughout Scotland, said today landowners and estates have a key role to play in making 21st Century rural Scotland a thriving and successful place. First Minister Alex Salmond delivered the keynote address at the annual meeting of Scottish Land & Estates in Edinbur
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29/05/2012 - Clear, Hard Facts 'A Must' In Tenancy Debate
Clear, Hard Facts 'A Must' In Tenancy Debate Scottish Land & Estates, which represents 2,500 landowners throughout Scotland, said today it is important that politicians and decision-makers are presented with 'clear, hard facts' in the debate over farm tenancies. Scottish Land & Estates facilitated the visit of three members
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28/05/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Backs Up SAC Report Recommendations
LANDOWNER representatives Scottish Land & Estates has said the findings of a new report by the Scottish Agricultrual College (SAC), Rural Scotland in Focus 2012, demonstrate that the practical delivery of government policies in rural areas needs to be considered right from the outset of policy development. Head of Policy at Sco
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28/05/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin 28 May 2012
Scottish Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing Monday 28 May 2012. Please click on the attachment below to view the Bulletin.
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25/05/2012 - Landowners Seek Goverment Backing For Rural Modern Apprenticeships Scheme
Scottish Land & Estates, which represents 2,500 landowners across Scotland, has called upon the Government during National Apprenticeship Week to back their proposals to make rural modern apprenticeships fit for purpose for today’s rural business sector. Following strong demand from its members, Scottish Land & Estates aske
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25/05/2012 - Views wanted on development delivery
As part of the consultation on Development Delivery, the Scottish Government would like to know how the current process is functioning. As Scottish Land & Estates is aware that support varies between Local Authorities and from development to development we would like to share the experiences of members in our consultation resp
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24/05/2012 - UK government removes forestry and land agents from gangmaster red tape
The UK government has announced that forestry businesses and land agents will no longer need licences from the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) to use temporary workers. Agriculture Minister Jim Paice announced that the GLA is to focus on protecting the most vulnerable temporary workers from exploitation while freeing thos
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24/05/2012 - Draft Code of Practice on Non-Native Species laid before Parliament
The draft Code of Practice on Non-Native Species (NNS), which accompanies the NNS provisions in the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act 2011, was laid before Parliament on 21st May 2012. The Code must be approved by resolution of the Parliament, as set out in Section 14C of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. If Parliame
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24/05/2012 - Commission officials to visit Scotland on new entrants
Alyn Smith MEP, SNP MEP and member of the European Parliament's Agriculture Committee, has welcomed confirmation from European Commission officials that they will come to Scotland to discuss the ongoing issue of new entrants and Single Farm Payment eligibility, and speak to Scottish new entrants firsthand about the difficultie
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22/05/2012 - Draft UK Energy Bill published
The Secretary of State for Energy and climate Change, Edward Davey, announced the publication of a draft Energy Bill on the 22nd May 2012. The Energy and Climate Change Select Committee have announced an inquiry to scrutinise it and have issued a call for written evidence. The following measures are included in the draft B
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21/05/2012 - Local Landowners Learn How to Boost Tourism Through Country Sports
Landowners and tourism stakeholders in North East Scotland have been urged to think about expanding their country sports tourism offerings to boost the regional economy, at an event run by Scottish Land & Estates. The event, sponsored by rural land and property management experts Bell Ingram, was held at Finzean, Royal Deeside,
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21/05/2012 - Parliamentary Bulletin - 21 May 2012
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing Monday 21 May 2012.
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21/05/2012 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 14-18 May 2012
Parliamentary Questions and Answers from 14-18 May 2012 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members. To view the questions and answers please click on the link below.
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18/05/2012 - Stage 3 BVD eradication consultation launched
A consultation on BVD control measures has been launched this week. The consultation is seeking views on three proposals: A ban on knowingly moving or selling Persistently Infected animals, other than straight to slaughter (from February 1, 2013) A requirement that the BVD status of herds or animals must be declared befor
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18/05/2012 - Grant rate changes to encourage more productive forestry
Forestry Commission Scotland has today announced changes to Rural Priorities grant funding that aim to boost more planting of productive forests. In the context of concerns of the future stability of timber supply due to the fact that the majority of current planting activity (75%) has been undertaken under the Native Woodlan
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18/05/2012 - District Heating Loans Scheme Now Open
The Scottish Government's District Heating Loan Fund is now open for expressions of interest. The fund, which is open to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as registered social landlords, aims to provide capital loans for both low carbon and renewable technologies in order to overcome a range of infrastructural is
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18/05/2012 - Landowners' Supportive of Changes For More Productive Forestry
SCOTTISH Land & Estates described today’s (Friday) announcement by the Forestry Commission on changes to Rural Priorities grant funding as a sensible and balanced way forward. The revisions are set to encourage more planting of productive forests across Scotland. Douglas McAdam, Chief Executive of Scottish Land & Estates, s
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17/05/2012 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers from 8-11 May 2012
Parliamentary Questions and Answers from 8-11 May 2012 which may be of interest to Scotitsh Land & Estate members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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17/05/2012 - Innovative Go Rural initiative to reinvigorate rural tourism
The Go Rural! initiative was unveiled yesterday in a bold move to encourage city dwellers and city visitors to experience more of Scotland's vibrant rural tourism sector. Attending the launch at Craigies Farm Shop, Queensferry were the 50 rural tourism businesses already signed up as Go Rural! members and project partners Vis
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17/05/2012 - CAP Reform: EU Commission look to compromise on greeni
The European agriculture commissioner, Dacian Ciolos, signalled his willingness to make concessions on his original CAP reform proposals when the Agricultural Council met in Brussels to discuss ‘greening’ this week. The three greening measures (relating to permanent grassland, crop diversification and ecological focus areas)
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17/05/2012 - Achieving Diversity in Scotland’s Forest Landscapes
Helping to make Scotland’s forests better able to meet the business and environmental challenges of the future is the aim behind a new Forestry Commission Scotland publication, ‘Achieving diversity in Scotland’s forest landscapes’. Aimed at the owners and managers of conifer woodlands, the Practice Guide offers advi
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17/05/2012 - Grow your own
The increasing appetite for ‘grow your own’ was served up a cash boost this week by Environment Minister Stewart Stevenson. Mr Stevenson announced a £600,000 package of support to encourage the development of more community growing and support the growth of Scotland’s grow your own sector. £450,000 of the funding has
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16/05/2012 - Wage increases for agricultural staff
The Scottish Agricultural Wages Board has agreed proposed wage rates from October 2012 following their annual meeting on May 9, 2012. The basic rate of pay for agricultural workers with more than 26 weeks continuous employment will increase by 19p per hour to £6.86, bringing the minimum wage for a 39 hour week to £267.54. The
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15/05/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin - 14 April 2012
Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing Monday 14 May 2012.
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11/05/2012 - Groceries Adjudicator Bill
The UK Government signalled its intention to introduce a Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill in this week’s Queen’s speech at the State Opening of Parliament. The purpose of the Bill would be to: protect suppliers by ensuring that large retailers treat them fairly; break down the climate of fear amongst suppliers and farmer
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11/05/2012 - Unoccupied Premises
Scottish Land & Estates has this week submitted evidence to the Subordinate Legislation Committee to the scottish Parliament on the Local Government Finance (Unoccupied Properties Etc.) (Scotland) Bill. Our Head of Policy will be giving oral evidence to the Committee on Wednesday 15 May 2012. Please click on the attachment
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10/05/2012 - Affordable Housing Investment
The Scottish Government this week announced that all of Scotland’s 32 local authorities will receive a share of almost £582 million in subsidy for affordable housing over the next three years. This is part of the Government investment of at least £710m in the Affordable Housing Supply Programme (AHSP). The funding will be
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10/05/2012 - Landowners urged to help protect Highland conifers
Landowners and managers across the Highlands are being asked to help protect valuable and commercial woodlands from a devastating disease – by tackling rhododendron in and around key ‘at risk’ sites. The call comes from The Highland Rhododendron Project and is aimed at halting the spread and minimising the damage from P
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10/05/2012 - Aerial control of bracken
Aerial bracken control will continue to take place in 2012 despite the introduction of additional constraints. A new system for approving aerial spraying will be in place for the 2012 season and it provides for a 5-year permit on each landholding. Although this is a simpler and much improved system it is, as yet, untested.�
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08/05/2012 - 29 May 2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Annual General Meeting, The Mansfield Traquair, Edinburgh
Securing Scotland's Future: the Role of Farming and Land Management The Scottish Land & Estates 2012 Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 29 May at Mansfield Traquair in Edinburgh 10.30 for 11 until 3pm. The First Minister, Alex Salmond will be delivering the keynote speech and Brian Pack will present on (above), bo
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08/05/2012 - Parliamentary Questions 30 April - 4 May 2012
Parliamentary Questions and Anwers from 30 April to 4 May 2012 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estate members. To view the Parliamentary Questions please click on the attachment below.
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08/05/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin - 8 May 2012
To view the lastest Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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04/05/2012 - Heads of Policy & Communications visit London & Brussels
As part of Scottish Land & Estates' increased political engagement plan, Head of Policy, Sarah-Jane Laing and Director of Operations & Communications, Paul Wakefield spent most of last week in London and Brussels where some excellent meetings were held. As promised in last week's eNews here is a summary of the meetings with the
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Policy update now available
The latest Scottish Land & Estates policy update is now available for members to view. As always the update covers some of the issues we are dealing with at present. If you have any questions on any of the items contained within the update then please do not hesitate to contact the policy team.
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03/05/2012 - Prominent Legal and Taxation Group Welcomes New Chairman
LANDOWNER representatives Scottish Land & Estates today (Thursday) welcomed leading rural affairs solicitor Robert Scott-Dempster as the new chairman of their legal and taxation committee. Scott-Dempster, partner with solicitors Gillespie Macandrew, takes over the role from incumbent David Houldsworth of Brodies, who has held
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02/05/2012 - Streamlined approval process for Rural Priorities applications for nature sites
Farmers, crofters and other land managers are being reminded that they can use the Regional Priority 9 Ongoing Approval process for applications to the Rural Priorities scheme, part of the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP). The process can be used for applications of up to £50,000 for work that will benefit designa
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02/05/2012 - Scotland Bill receives royal assent
Royal Assent was given to the Scotland Bill on 1 May, making it the Scotland Act 2012. As well as bringing in a new Scottish rate of income tax and borrowing powers worth £5bn, the Act 2012 will hand powers over air guns, drink-driving and speeding limits to Holyrood. It will also devolve stamp duty, land tax and landfill tax,
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02/05/2012 - Scotland’s entrepreneurialism to be the focus of Business in Parliament
From starting a business in your living room to a multinational company with operations across the world, how best to support and encourage Scotland’s entrepreneurs will be the focus of the 7th annual Business in Parliament event. To be held on 7 and 8 June, this event will feature some of Scotland’s most successful busine
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30/04/2012 - Dog Walkers Warned to Take Extra Care Around Sheep
In light of a recent spate of dog attacks on sheep and wildlife, Scottish Land & Estates and Ramblers Scotland have teamed up to urge dog-walkers to ensure that they keep their pets under proper control when they are out and about in the countryside. Helen Todd, Development Officer with Ramblers Scotland commented: “As the
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30/04/2012 - Parliamentary Questions 23-27 April 2012
Parliamentary Questions and Answers from 23-27 April 2012 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates Members. To view the Questions and Answers please click on the attachment below.
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30/04/2012 - Parliamentary Bulletin - 30 April 2012
Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing Monday 30th April 2012. To view the Parliamenary Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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27/04/2012 - CAP Reform Report published - 27 April 2012
The Scottish Parliament's Rural Affairs, Climate Change and the Environment Committee today published its report on the proposed reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. Commenting on the report, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "It’s critical that we get a fair deal for Scotland’s farmers in Europe and I we
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27/04/2012 - Taking action to protect and improve drinking water sources
A scheme offering financial assistance to land managers, owners and tenants has been launched to enhance drinking water for around 330,000 people in Scotland by reducing diffuse pollution. Scottish Water’s Best Practice Incentive Scheme will help land managers, owners and tenants implement measures to improve and protect six
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27/04/2012 - UK stance on Pillar 1 flexibility causing concern
There has been considerable disquiet from UK farming unions following reports that UK negotiators in Brussels are trying to give Member States the power to cut CAP direct payments by up to 20 per cent through a system which would replace voluntary modulation (in the 2014-2020 CAP regime). If the current draft regulations were ap
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27/04/2012 - CAP meeting shines light on the current debate
The Agriculture Council met this week and discussed proposed measures related to schemes for young farmers and small farmers, Less Favoured Areas, the definition of an ‘active farmer’, capping larger beneficiaries and the internal distribution of direct payments. This was another opportunity for Member States to state their
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27/04/2012 - Committee calls for honesty on Common Agricultural Policy reform
Scotland should get a fair share of Common Agricultural Policy funds and the European Commission needs to be honest about the timetable for reform. These were just two of the concerns raised in a letter from the Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee to the Scottish and UK Governments and the European Commission
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26/04/2012 - Campaign to halt changes to VAT on heritage
From 1 October 2012, the Government intends to remove the VAT zero-rating on alterations to listed buildings. The proposed additional tax burden of £125million each year would halt or jeopardise projects such as converting redundant buildings into new housing and creating new community buildings, such as village halls. It wou
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26/04/2012 - LandAlive! Roadshows – the next step...
Register your interest now and become involved with your organisation! Following on from last week’s eNews report on the LandAlive! Roadshows, the Regional Management team are now in the process of meeting members face-to-face to continue spreading the message and encourage more members to become more active in political, med
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26/04/2012 - Essential dates for the farming calendar
These are some of the key dates and deadlines for application forms, licences etc. Please note this list is not exhaustive, and some dates may change. *The last day for return of the SAF without reducing your payments is 15 May 2012. 9 June Last day for the Scottish Government Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate
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26/04/2012 - Help for community renewables
Communities and rural businesses all over Scotland can now apply to a £23.5 million government loan scheme to help them get community energy renewable projects up to the planning stage. The scheme is designed to make sure communities all over Scotland receive the maximum benefit possible from the projects it funds. �
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26/04/2012 - CAP negotiations pick up pace
The Agriculture Council meet in Luxemburg today (Thursday) with a long list of concerns. EU Farm Ministers will hold two full table rounds on proposed measures related to schemes for young farmers and small farmers, Less Favoured Areas, the definition of an ‘active farmer’, capping larger beneficiaries and the internal dis
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26/04/2012 - Landowners To Learn How Country Sports Can Help Meet Tourism Targets
Rural landowners and tourism stakeholders will come together next month to discuss expanding country sports tourism, an industry worth over £240million per year to the Scottish economy. The event, sponsored by Bell Ingram, will be held at Finzean, Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire on Tuesday 15 May. Organising the event, Pat
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25/04/2012 - Wind farms and tourism research welcomed
Energy Minister Fergus Ewing has welcomed independent research which shows wind farms do not affect the choice of eight in ten tourists to visit Scotland and most people do not feel wind farms spoil the countryside. The independent research, commissioned by VisitScotland, shows that: 83% of Scottish respondents and 80% of UK
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24/04/2012 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 16-20 April 2012
Parliamentary Questions & Answers for 16-20 April 2012. Please click on the attachment below to view Parliamentary Questions and Answers.
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24/04/2012 - Parliamentary Bulletin - 23 April 2012
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing Monday 23 April 2012. To view the Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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20/04/2012 - Tayside Beaver Group
The Tayside Beaver Group (TBG)will hold its first meeting in May under the chairmanship of Scottish Natural Heritage. The Scottish Government directed the establishment of the new group to monitor the Tayside Beaver populations and help avoid and manage conflict between the animals and land managers in the areas where they have
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20/04/2012 - Salmon fishing in the Highlands
Provisional 2011 statistics reveal that rod catch levels for Scottish wild salmon were the sixth highest on record, while ‘catch and release’ practices increased to 73 per cent. The statistics show that 86,655 salmon were caught in 2011, 97 per cent of the five-year average. For sea trout, following a long period of dec
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20/04/2012 - LandAlive! Roadshows
A fresh start for the Organisation and its Members Scottish Land & Estates held a series of LandAlive! Roadshows throughout Scotland in March, which were attended by over 200 members and non-members. Whether you were able to attend or not, the following provides a good summary of the content of the events, which is pertinen
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20/04/2012 - Funding boost for forestry apprentices
Traditional rural occupations benefit from £840,000 award A group of apprentices will gain valuable skills and experience in a traditional rural job, as a result of new funding. Forestry Commission Scotland’s Skills Programme is the first forestry apprenticeship scheme to receive European Structural Funds backing in the c
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20/04/2012 - European Court of Auditors slam future CAP plans
The European Court of Auditors (ECA) has published an opinion on the draft CAP regulations suggesting that they are unfocused, burdensome and complex. The ECA welcomed a number of elements in the reform plans but also said that EU agriculture policy would remain too complex, making it difficult for paying agencies and beneficiar
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19/04/2012 - Tourism opportunities: Brave
VisitScotland and The Walt Disney Company have announced a unique global marketing campaign to promote Scottish tourism around the much-anticipated Disney•Pixar children’s animation “Brave”, which is set in the Scottish Highlands and features some of Scotland’s biggest stars (Kelly MacDonald, Billy Connolly, Robbie C
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19/04/2012 - Job Advert - 2 Grey Squirrel Control Officers (Fixed Term)
Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels Project 2 Grey Squirrel Control Officers (fixed term) Salary c£16,500 pa 35 hours per week Home-based with working areas in: Post 1: Argyll & Trossachs Post 2: Angus/Perthshire (flexible within Strathmore from Blairgowrie/Coupar Angus to D
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19/04/2012 - Rural priorities guidance update
There have been a number of updates to the guidance pages for rural priorities including. Amendments to the timing of 2012 applications for Rural Priorities (9) Designated Sites. Amendments to Modification 8 relating to pesticide use. (Water margins and enhanced riparian buffer areas option) Clarification that Annua
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19/04/2012 - Rural Priorities update
The Scottish Government has issued an update which aims to ensure continuity between the end of the current SRDP and the start of the new programme. There is a funding round taking place in June this year (for Axes 1 and 3). Awards for Axis 1 applications will be capped at £100,000. Full details are available in the key f
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19/04/2012 - Report reveals how much timber there is in Britain’s forests
Britain’s forests contain an estimated 336 million cubic metres of coniferous timber, according to a report published by the Forestry Commission. Coniferous timber is timber produced by conifer trees such as pine, spruce, larch and fir species, and is also known as ‘softwood’. The ‘Standing Timber Volume for Coniferou
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19/04/2012 - Scottish Beef Calf Scheme payments begin
Payments for the 2011 Scottish Beef Calf Scheme (SBCS) will start to arrive in bank accounts from Tuesday (April 24), with 95% of recipients expected to receive their payment by the end of April, subject to necessary validation checks. Payment information is available to view on Rural Payments Online. https://sedsh04.sedsh.gov
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18/04/2012 - Cool Heads and Hard Facts Over Wildlife Crime Cases
Scottish Land & Estates , which represents 2,500 landowners across Scotland, said today the conviction of Tom McKellar underlined the need for ‘cool heads and hard facts’ in the debate over wildlife crime. Following the conviction of McKellar, a shepherd, for the possession of the illegal pesticide carbofuran, Douglas McA
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17/04/2012 - Better protection for tenants renting from private landlords
More than 270,000 private sector tenants in Scotland will get better protection and improved services, under plans unveiled by the Scottish Government today. As well as helping people deal with the small number of rogue landlords, a consultation launched by Housing Minister Keith Brown, will help improve the system for the vast
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17/04/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Events Newsletter - 17 April 2012
To view the latest Scottish Land & Estates events newsletter please click here.
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16/04/2012 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 10-12 April 2012
Parliamentary Questions and Answers which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members from 10-12 April 2012. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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16/04/2012 - Parliamentary Bulletin - 16 April 2012
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing Monday 16 April 2012. To view the Parliamentary Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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12/04/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates responds to CAP consultations
Scottish Land & Estates has provided its views to the Scottish Government on the three consultations currently open on the draft CAP regulations. With regard to direct payments, Scottish Land & Estates: supports a regionalised approach to direct payments supports minimum activity requirements to be eligible for support s
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12/04/2012 - Government moves on hill tracks
Scottish Government has published a consultation on the General Permitted Development Amendment Order 2012 in which it signals its intention to limit Permitted Development Rights for new tracks. The government says that “There were opposing views in response to the 2011 consultation on PDR associated with private ways. Whilst
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12/04/2012 - Minister acknowledges work of Scottish Land & Estates
Minister acknowledges work of Scottish Land & Estates We have obtained a copy of Stewart Stevenson, MSP's interview on BBC Radio Scotland. Following the announcement last month of the sharply reduced number of bird of prey poisoning incidents in 2011. The Minister commented on the "very positive engagement indeed from Scot
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12/04/2012 - Hitting Targets In Country Sports Tourism - With Help From The Experts
RURAL landowners will come together this month at an event exploring the growing trend in country sports tourism, an industry worth over £240million per year to the Scottish economy. The demonstration day, organised by Scottish Land & Estates, and will be held at Drumlanrig Castle, near Dumfries, on Thursday 26 April. Pat So
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12/04/2012 - Government seeks to reassure on fertiliser issue
Scottish Land & Estates responded to the Scottish Government consultation that closed last week on proposed changes to the GBRs on the storage and application of fertiliser and pesticides and highlighted the potentially negative impact of the 12 degree rule. Following recent press coverage, Richard Lochhead has sought to disp
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11/04/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Events Newsletter - 10 April 2012
To view Scottish Land & Estates latest events newsletter click here.
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10/04/2012 - Update on tenancy deposit schemes
Following a number of queries about how the compliance dates for the Tenancy Deposit Schemes have been calculated, the dates had been referred back to the Scottish Government's legal team to re-check that the calculations are correct and in accordance with the Tenancy Deposit Schemes (Scotland) Regulations 2011. The Scottis
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10/04/2012 - Review of Cross-Party Groups
Scottish Land & Estates has responded to the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee’s call for views on the review of Cross-Party Groups. The remit of the inquiry is to review the rules on Cross-Party Groups in the Scottish Parliament and propose identified changes to improve: the effectiveness; the processes
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10/04/2012 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 2-4 April 2012
Parliamentary Questions which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members from 2 April - 4 April 2012. To view the questions and answers please click on that attachment below.
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10/04/2012 - Parliamentary Bulletin - 10 April 2012
Scottish Land & Estates latest Parliamentary Bulletin. To view the Parliamentary Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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05/04/2012 - Scottish Estate Welcomes New Tenant
The new tenant of a 515 acre stockholding in Perthshire has praised the landlord-tenant relationship. Farmer Michael Blanche is new to the Dupplin Estate on a 10 year Limited Duration Tenancy (LDT) for the holding, which comprises Culteuchar Hill Farm and Netherholm. He said: “As a new entrant there is a real challenge i
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05/04/2012 - Update on tenancy deposit schemes
As Members may be aware, the Scottish Government received three proposals for the operation of tenancy deposit schemes in Scotland. The Minister for Housing and Transport has today announced the approval of the scheme proposed by The Letting Protection Scotland. The scheme will have an operational start date of Monday
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05/04/2012 - SAC/SEPA Biennial Conference Investigates Valuing Ecosystems
The SAC/SEPA biennial conference “Valuing Ecosystems: Policy, Economic and Management Interactions” took place in Edinburgh this week and was well attended by a wide range of stakeholders from academics to civil servants to practitioners, including Scottish Land & Estates. The conference provided the opportunity for the
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05/04/2012 - Consultation on the Charging of Premiums in the Private Rented Sector
A consultation has been launched on how to deal with unfair and illegal premiums that can prove a barrier to people getting into rented accommodation. Housing Minister Keith Brown said: "Responsible letting agents play an increasingly important role in the Scottish private rented sector with the majority operating in a th
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04/04/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Events Newsletter
To view Scottish Land & Estates lattest events newsletter click here.
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04/04/2012 - TFF Agreement On Programme of Action Welcomed
FOLLOWING today’s summit meeting of the Tenant Farming Forum (TFF), Scottish Land & Estates TFF representative Robert Balfour commented: “Scottish land & Estates is fully supportive of the agreement within the TFF to follow a defined programme to tackle perceived areas of tension within the industry. “Detailed reports
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04/04/2012 - Rural Affairs Secretary discusses ways to invigorate Scotland’s tenant farming sector
Great progress has already been made to tackle tenant farming issues in Scotland – but more needs to be done. That was the message from Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead as he addressed a summit meeting with the Tenant Farming Forum in Inverness today. Mr Lochhead said that five of the seven proposals made by the TFF h
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03/04/2012 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers - 26-30 March 2012
Parliamentary Questions and Answers which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members from 26-30 March 2012. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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03/04/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 2 April 2012
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing Monday 2 April 2012. To view the Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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02/04/2012 - Latest from EP on CAP
No vote on CAP until budget agreed, says COMAGRI: The Parliament will delay its final position on CAP reform until the EU long-term budget (2014-2020) has been decided, MEPs in the EP Committee on Agriculture & Rural Development have insisted. In a Committee debate on Tues with the EP’s Rapporteurs on the future Multiannual Fi
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02/04/2012 - A new era for crofting
Scotland’s Crofting Commission is now open for business – and Environment Minister Stewart Stevenson met the new commissioners for the first time today. The Crofting Commission – which was established on April 1 and supersedes the Crofters Commission – aims to meet the needs of crofting and crofters in the 21st ce
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30/03/2012 - Stop press - wayleaves
Underground cables Members are advised that if they are approached by utility companies regarding underground electricity cables then they should be aware that although negotiations are ongoing, nationally recommended payment rates have not been agreed and are subject to individual negotiations. Telecommunications and Fibre Op
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30/03/2012 - Funding announced for Black Grouse
Black grouse in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park are set to benefit from a major funding package from the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP). On behalf of six private farms and estates, the National Park Authority has successfully secured over £720K for the Callander Black Grouse Project which covers an 8000 h
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29/03/2012 - UK Government responds to the Forestry Regulation Task Force
On 27 March 2012, the UK Government published its response to the Forestry Regulation Task Force’s report. While primarily relating to England, there are some recommendations that relate to the whole of the UK, notably the GLA. Unfortunately, no decision has yet been made on removing forestry from the scope of Gangmaster lic
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29/03/2012 - Changes to Deer Authorisations from 1 April 2012
The changes to occupiers’ rights to cull out of season and night shooting authorisations made in the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011, which amended the Deer (Scotland) Act 1996, will come into force on 1 Aril 2012. Owner and occupier rights in Closed Season From 1 April 2012 to cull any deer out of s
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29/03/2012 - Introduction of Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) for Domestic Users subject to potential delay
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has launched a consultation proposing an interim cost control measure for the RHI that would suspend the RHI until the next financial year should estimated spending – based on applications and accreditations – reach a level where the budget could be breached. Current
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29/03/2012 - Agricultural Holdings Bill Stage 1 Debate
The Scottish Parliament held its Stage 1 Debate this week. This bill includes provisions to extend the definition of "near relative" to include grandchildren, prohibit upward only rent reviews and clarify the issue relating to VAT rate changes and rent reviews, thus completing the full package of TFF agreed proposals. Scotti
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29/03/2012 - Streamlining the planning system
Planning Minister Derek Mackay has this week outlined plans to improve efficiency and streamline the planning system, including linking increases in fees to improved performance by planning authorities. In a statement to Parliament, he launched a series of consultations and measures to take planning forward following the compre
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28/03/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Events Newsletter
To view Scottish Land & Estates latest events newsletter click here.
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27/03/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates at the 5th Forum for Agriculture
Scottish Land & Estates Chairman Luke Borwick, Chief Executive Douglas McAdam and Head of Policy Sarah-Jane Laing are in Brussels today at the 5th Forum For Agriculture. Presented by Syngenta and the European Landowners Organisation (ELO) www.forumforagriculture.com Follow the event and ask questions through twitter @ForumFor
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27/03/2012 - Record high for food and drink
Scotland’s food and drink industry is continuing to boom, with all-time high exports of £5.4 billion last year, underpinned by strong performance from the whisky industry. The full-year figures for the food and drink exports reveal that industry growth has exceeded all expectations – with the target to increase exports t
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27/03/2012 - Empty homes crackdown
A £2 million loan fund will be launched to help stop empty homes blighting Scotland’s communities, Housing Minister Keith Brown said today. The new funding was announced as the Unoccupied Properties Bill, which will allow local authorities to charge extra Council Tax on houses that have been empty for more than a year, was i
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27/03/2012 - Land Management Advisor Vacancy
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Vacancy £27,374 to £32,951 per annum 37.5 hours per week Based at National Park Headquarters, Balloch Ref: LLTNP/03/01/SE13 Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated professional to provide expert advice and guidance in th
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26/03/2012 - Committee supports the end of ultra-long leases in Scotland
Ultra-long leases should no longer exist in Scotland according to a report published today by the Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee. The Committee has supported the proposed restructuring of this aspect of land law in Scotland by recommending the general principles be agreed to of the Long Leases (Scotland
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26/03/2012 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 19-23 March 2012
Parliamentary Questions and Answers which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members from 19-23 March 2012. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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26/03/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin - 26 March 2012
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing Monday 26 March 2012. To view the Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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26/03/2012 - Rural parliament for Scotland
Scotland is a step closer to having its own rural parliament to empower rural communities and give them a greater opportunity to influence decision-making, network and share expertise. A report, published today, highlights the experiences of countries which already have rural parliaments, including the benefits and potential
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23/03/2012 - More time to submit responses on Aquaculture proposals
The consultation period for the Environmental Assessment and Businss Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) of the draft Aquaculture and Fisheries Bill has been extended until Friday 13 April. Marine Scotland will also accept, to the same timetable, any further comments stakeholders may wish to make on the Bill consultation prop
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23/03/2012 - Breaking News: Supreme Court rejects government's feed-in tariff solar appeal
Ruling guarantees higher feed-in tariff rate for companies installing panels between December and March. The Supreme Court has today thrown out the government's appeal against a previous ruling that deemed its controversial changes to solar feed-in tariff (FIT) incentives as unlawful. The decision brings to a close a long-runn
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23/03/2012 - £103 million fund for renewables
Energy Minister Fergus Ewing has announced a new £103 million investment fund which will drive the growth of renewable energy in Scotland for generations. The Renewable Energy Investment Fund (REIF) will initially focus on supporting communities and rural businesses to develop their own local renewable projects, on supporting
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23/03/2012 - Wildlife Prosecutors visit sporting estate
Scotland's wildlife Procurators Fiscal and a leading Sheriff were treated to a rather wet introduction to grouse moor management last week, when they visited Langholme Estate in Dumfriesshire, kindly hosted by, Buccleuch Estates. Tom Dysart, Shona McJannett and Kate Fleming were accompanied by Sheriff Kevin Drummond. The visit
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23/03/2012 - Agricultural Holdings Briefing ahead of the Stage 1 debate
Scottish Land & Estates has released a briefing on its position prior to the Agricultural Holdings Stage 1 debate in Parliament next week. Scottish Land & Estates supports the Bill as drafted, as it would see the outstanding measures in the package agreed by the TFF enacted. But Scottish Land & Estates opposes any attempt to wi
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23/03/2012 - Better Woods for Nature
Forestry Commission Scotland ‘s latest update on its Biodiversity Programme “Woods for Nature” shows that three years of work has resulted in good progress on 39 of 42 objectives. The update report gives an in-depth picture of the Commission’s wide ranging action for biodiversity on the National Forest Estate (NFE) an
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23/03/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Events Newsletter - 21 March 2012
To view the latest issue of Scottish Land & Estates' events newsletter click here.
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22/03/2012 - Health and Safety Executive Delays Implementation of Fees for Intervention Scheme
In March 2011 the Government announced its intention to allow the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to charge businesses for the work done by the HSE inspectors. The charges are to apply where there is a serious, material breach in health and safety standards, and the fees charged to the employer will include any follow-up wor
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22/03/2012 - New Renewable Heat Incentive Tariffs
Ofgem has announced that their Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) tariffs for the period from 1st April 2012 will be revised upwards in line with the Retail Price Index. Currently the RHI is only available for businesses although it is planned for it to be made available to households from the end of 2012. Further information..
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22/03/2012 - Crofting update
Scottish Land & Estates members and staff have been active on crofting issues in the last few weeks. Members of Scottish Land & Estates crofting sub-group met with Scottish Government staff to discuss the implementation of the Crofting Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 and specifically the creation of the Crofting Register. Staff have
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21/03/2012 - Tax breaks not the way forward for land letting
Responding to National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS) criticisms that the budget has not included tax incentives to encourage the letting of agricultural land, Scottish Conservative Rural Affairs Spokesman Alex Fergusson MSP said: “I fully endorse the desire of the NFUS and others to encourage the letting of land in Scotla
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21/03/2012 - Rural Businesses Hit By Budget Measures
Scottish Land & Estates, which represents 2,500 members in Scotland, said today that encouraging measures announced in today’s Budget will be offset by other provisions which will adversely affect rural businesses. Jamie Younger, chair of Scottish Land & Estates taxation group, said: “Reductions in the rates of corporation
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21/03/2012 - Scotland Bill nears completion
As the Scotland Bill nears the end of its parliamentary processes at both Westminster and Holyrood parliaments, the UK and Scottish Governments have been in negotiation over final amendments, Cabinet Secretary for Government Strategy Bruce Crawford said today. ‪Having agreed a package of changes to the Bill, and undertakings
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19/03/2012 - Parliamentary Questions 12-16 March 2012
Parliamentary Questions from 12-16 March 2012 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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19/03/2012 - Parliamentary Bulletin - Monday 19 March 2012
Scottish Land & Estates Parliaentary Bulletin for week commencing Monday 19 March 2012. To view the Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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19/03/2012 - CAP Conference calls for real enviornmental benefits
Co-ordination and intensification to deliver real environmental benefits DELEGATES at the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust and Moorland Forum conference in Perth this week were asked to consider how more environmental benefits could be woven into the next version of the Common Agricultural Policy. The Thinking CAP event w
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16/03/2012 - Ruling Issued on Salvesen Case
After a year long deliberation, the Court of Session yesterday released a ruling upholding an appeal by the landlord in the Salvesen v Riddell case. In a complex decision, Lord Gill, presiding over the court, has judged the measures put in place to protect tenants in Limited Partnership arrangements were not compatible with th
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16/03/2012 - Will you join us and 200,000 volunteers to Keep Scotland Beautiful?
Keep Scotland Beautiful is excited to announce details of Scotland’s biggest annual litter clean up, National Spring Clean, and this year we’re hoping it will be the biggest and best yet. This year’s campaign will run from 1st April – 31st May 2012 and this year we’ve set ourselves the ambitious target of getting 200
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16/03/2012 - Tayside beavers get to stay
Today the Minister for the Environment, Stewart Stevenson announced that the Feral Tay Beavers will be allowed to remain and be monitored until 2015 at the conclusion of the current Knapdale Beaver Trial. The Scottish Government will then take a decision on the future reintroduction of Beaver into the whole of Scotland. A local
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16/03/2012 - Land Registration (Scotland) Bill Stage 1 debate
This week saw the Stage 1 parliamentary debate on the Land Registration (Scotland) Bill. Enterprise, Energy and Tourism Minister, Fergus Ewing called on MSPs to back the general principles of the Bill. A written report of proceedings is available in the Official Report. http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/
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15/03/2012 - LFASS payments begin
Scottish Government has announced that payments from the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme will start to arrive in bank accounts from March 15. The Scottish Government has now authorised payment of 9,900 claims to farmers and crofters worth £55.4 million – 85 per cent of the total funding for the scheme. This level of init
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15/03/2012 - GWCT conference
This week members of the policy team attended the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust conference which focused on the current CAP reforms. Researchers from the Trust provided an update on their work including predator control, tackling strongylosis in red grouse and the effects of muirburn. The afternoon session allowed for d
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15/03/2012 - Attract visitors to your woodlands: use Visitwoods.org.uk
In 2011 the Woodland Trust joined forces with landowners across Scotland to launch VisitWoods - a collaborative project aimed at encouraging more people to enjoy woods and forests across the UK. At the heart of the project is visitwoods.org.uk, an interactive website showcasing thousands of woods that members of the public can
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14/03/2012 - Countering animal disease threats
A strategic board to oversee reforms of veterinary surveillance in Scotland has been created, following recommendations from an independent review. The new board meets for the first time on April 20th and will be chaired be Scotland’s acting chief vet Sheila Voas, with three independent members: Colin Manson, a farmer fr
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14/03/2012 - Bird of prey poisonings fall to record low
Maps showing where poisoned birds of prey were found in 2011 were published by the Partnership for Action against Wildlife Crime Scotland (PAWS) on 14th March. They show a drop from 22 incidents in 2010 to just 10 in 2011 and this is particularly welcome for grouse moors which have been blighted by adverse publicity about bird
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13/03/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Events Newsletter 13 March 2012
To view Scottish Land & Estates latest events newsletter click here.
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12/03/2012 - Parliamentary Bulletin - 12 March 2012
Scottish Land & Estates Parliametnary Bulletin for week commencing 12 March 2012. To view the Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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12/03/2012 - Parliamentary Questions 5-9 March 2012
Parliamentary Questions which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estate members from 5-9 March 2012. To view the Parliamentary Questions please click on the link below.
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09/03/2012 - Food education on the menu
A boost for food education was dished up today, with help for every pupil to learn more about the food on their plate. Speaking at Scotland’s National Food and Drink Conference in Perth, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead pledged £2 million over three years so that every Scottish school child understands more
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09/03/2012 - Agricultural survey December 2011
Scotland’s Chief Statistician today published Results from the 2011 December Agricultural Survey, covering winter sown crops, hay and silage production, livestock and machinery. Key trends between 2010 and 2011 December Survey results show: A decrease in all winter crop areas. Annual production of grass silage/haylage increa
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08/03/2012 - Leadership Programme Boosts Rural Communities in North East and Central Scotland
The Rural Leadership Programme is funded by Scottish Enterprise and has been running for seven years. It aims to develop the leadership skills of people in the Scottish rural economy and use their drive, commitment and enterprise to maximise Scotland's farming, tourism and renewable energy opportunities. Scott Petrie said
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07/03/2012 - Deadlines for Restoration Fund Applications
-SEPA’s restoration fund has £1million to allocate to projects across Scotland each year. The fund is open to a broad range of groups, including landowners and fishery trusts, who want to undertake work to improve their water environment. Projects can be as simple as promoting native bank side vegetation, or as complex as
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07/03/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Events Newsletter - 7 March 2012
To view Scottish Land & Estates latest events newsletter click here.
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06/03/2012 - Rural Businesses urged to harvest public sector contracts opportunities
Scottish farmers and landowners have been urged to take advantage of the substantial returns of public sector contracts by experts in the field, at an event run by Scottish Land & Estates. Despite the market being worth around £9billion a year annually, rural land based businesses in the main are either unaware of the benefits
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06/03/2012 - Stage 1 Report on the Land Registration etc. (Scotland) Bill
‘Greater clarity’ is needed from the Scottish Government in relation to land-registration reform according to a report published today by the Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee. In its stage one report on the Land Registration etc (Scotland) Bill, the committee welcomed the general principles of
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06/03/2012 - Help onto and up housing ladder
Up to 6,000 first-time buyers and others aspiring to purchase a new build home are set to receive a boost, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment Alex Neil revealed today. The Scottish Government will support a three year national mortgage indemnity scheme by providing a guarantee to facilitate its launch.
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06/03/2012 - Black Grouse Numbers Increase in Scotland
Black Grouse Numbers Increase in Scotland Black Grouse are currently “red listed” as species of high conservation concern but latest figures have shown a rise in numbers. The data, compiled by RSPB Scotland, the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, Scottish Natural Heritage, Forestry Commission Scotland and local study grou
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05/03/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin - 5 March 2012
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 5 March 2012. To view the Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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05/03/2012 - Parliamentary Questions - 27 February - 2 March 2012
Parliamentary Questions which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estate members from 27 February to 2 March 2012. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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02/03/2012 - Scotland's Finest Woods - Awards Programme for 2012. Closing Date 31 March 2012
Scotland's Finest Woods are doing their bit to highlight all that is best in Scotland's management of its woods and forests and showcase how they contribute to the wealth and wellbeing of Scotland's people. Following the success of their updated awards programme in 2011 SFW is introducing fresh innovations for 2012 as well. The
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01/03/2012 - Time For Action On Tree Disease Before Native Pines Wiped Out
Land managers and owners across Scotland should put in place management strategies to tackle a virulent tree disease which could significantly reduce timber yield and cause serious physical and economic damage to their conifer forests, says land agency firm Strutt & Parker. Dothistroma (red band) needle blight (DNB) is a seri
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29/02/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Events News - 28 February 2012
To view the latest Scottish Land & Estates events newsletter click here.
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29/02/2012 - TFF Comments on Committee Recommendations
Scotland’s Tenant Farming Forum (TFF), which aims to promote a healthy tenanted farm sector in Scotland, has discussed a Scottish Parliamentary Committee’s report on agricultural holdings legislation and the recent Court of Session ruling on the Moonzie rent review case. TFF Chairman, Phil Thomas said: “In discussing t
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29/02/2012 - We Will Continue To Save Scotland's Red Squirrels
The Environment and Climate Change Minister, Stewart Stevenson, announced on 28th February that funding for the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS) project will continue for a further two years at the project's 3rd Annual Conference. SSRS was a three year project which ran from April 2009 to March 2012. It focused on Sc
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28/02/2012 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers from 20-24 February 2012
Parliamentary Questions and Answers which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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28/02/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin - 27 February 2012
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing Mondday 27 February 2012. To view the Parliamentary Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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24/02/2012 - Agricultural Holdings Bill Stage 1 report published
Urgent attention is required to address challenges facing the tenant farming community in Scotland, according to a report published today by the Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee. The Stage 1 report on the Agricultural Holdings (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill, asks the Scottish Government to give further consi
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24/02/2012 - Crow Cage Incident on Scottish Estate
Members may have seen publicity recently about covert filming of a gamekeeper in summer 2011, as he dispatched crows in a cage trap. A representative of the animal rights pressure group “OneKind” (formerly Advocates for Animals), stated by them to have been there by chance, took the film and allegations were then made th
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24/02/2012 - Less red tape for landowners and managers with SSSIs
Landowners and managers who enter rural programme contracts and need to work on protected natural areas of their land will no longer have to get additional Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) consents, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has announced. As part of the Scottish Government's new Wildlife and Natural Environmen
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24/02/2012 - Crown Estate re-letting programme set to boost rural businesses
The Crown Estate is letting four farms on the open market, signalling a boost for rural businesses. The aim is to attract tenders from different types of farming business, maximising the economic potential of each property and attracting new entrants to farming. The leases, across three of The Crown Estate’s five Scottish ru
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24/02/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Continues Support for Agricultural Holdings Bill
Scottish Land & Estates has welcomed the speed with which the Scottish Government’s Rural Affairs committee has produced its stage 1 report on the Agricultural Holdings Bill. The landowner organisation, which represents over 2,500 members, hopes that the Bill in its present form will complete its parliamentary procedure swif
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23/02/2012 - Events Newsletter - 23 February 2012
To view Scottish Land & Estates latest events newsletter click here.
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23/02/2012 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 13-17 February 2012
Parliamentary Quesions and Answers which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members from 13-17 February 2012. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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23/02/2012 - Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 20 February 2012
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 20 February 2012. To view the Bulletin please click on the atachment below.
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23/02/2012 - New information sheet – the planning grant for creating productive woodland
The Planning Grant is aimed at promoting productive woodland planting and contributes towards the cost of carrying out specialist assessments. To be administered by Forestry Commission Scotland, the Grant focuses on productive conifers but is also available for productive broadleaves. The Grant is available from 10 January 201
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23/02/2012 - Guidance on Householder Permitted Development Rights
The Scottish Government has published new guidance on householder permitted development rights following consultation in 2011 which looked to relax the need for a planning permission for instances of small alterations and extensions. The purpose of the guidance is to explain the permitted development rights available to house
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23/02/2012 - Industry asked to support VisitScotland.com
Scottish Land & Estates attended an industry liaison meeting with VisitScotland earlier this week. Representatives from the tourism industry were brought up to date with progress on VisitScotland’s new national website which is on course to launch in April of this year. At the meeting VisitScotland staff were praised for th
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23/02/2012 - Rafting decision recalled
A case on the River Tay which initially appeared to have a positive outcome for fishing interests is now to be reheard. The Upper Tay Riparian Owners’ Association (UTROA) and Aberfeldy Angling Club used the Land Reform (Scotland) Act’s Section 28 procedure to seek a Sheriff’s decision on whether commercial rafting inte
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22/02/2012 - Landowners on Gaurd for Wildfire Fight
Scottish Land & Estates is leading a new defence against wildfires following massive damage and destruction to so much of Scotland’s countryside inflicted by fires last spring. The organisation, which represents some 2,500 landowners across the country, has today published a wildfire information guide. The guide has been pr
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15/02/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Events Newsletter - 15 February 2012
Scottish Land & Estates latest events newsletter to view click here.
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14/02/2012 - Landowners Respond to Cabinet Secretary Comments on Farm Tenancies
Following comments today by Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs at the NFUS AGM, Scottish Land & Estates Chairman Luke Borwick commented: “Our members, Scotland’s landowners, are running rural businesses which contribute significantly to the local rural economy and to Scotland as a whole, as indeed we heard from the Cabin
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13/02/2012 - Parliamentary Questions 6-10 February 2012
Parliamentary Questions and Answers from 6-10 February 2012 which may be of itnerest to Scottish Land & Estate members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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13/02/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 13 February 2012
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing Monday 13th January 2012. To view the bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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09/02/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Events Newsletter - 8 February 2012
To view Scottish Land & Estates latest events newsletter click here.
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09/02/2012 - Moonzie Ruling a 'Sensible' Decision for Scottish Agriculture
Scottish Land & Estates, which represents more than 2,500 landowners, has welcomed today’s decision on the Moonzie case, describing the ruling as a ‘sensible way forward for the industry to deal with rent reviews’. Douglas McAdam, Chief Executive of Scottish Land & Estates, said: “The original Scottish Land Court decisi
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09/02/2012 - Feed-in Tariff Announcement
The Department of Energy and Climate Change has today published a series of documents which mark a crucial turning point for the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) scheme. These are: 1. UK Government response to the consultation on FITs for solar PV. The new tariffs are designed to apply to all installations with an eligibility date from
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08/02/2012 - New funding for small business loans
More interest free loans for small businesses will be available thanks to a £2.5 million funding boost. The Scottish Government’s small business loans scheme offers interest free loans of up to £100,000 to help save energy or install renewable energy technologies. Read more
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08/02/2012 - European farming funding withheld
A long anticipated penalty on the Scottish Government, imposed by the European Commission for problems associated with land mapping and other systems related to the Single Farm Payment Scheme, has been announced as amounting to £35 million. The withheld funding – or disallowance – dates back to a 2009 audit and relates pri
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08/02/2012 - Farming Calendar - March 2012
Dates for Your Diary – March 2012 Keep your farming calendar up to date with our guide below, put together in partnership with Scotland’s Environmental and Rural Services (SEARS). These are some of the key dates and deadlines for application forms, licences etc. The list is not exhaustive, and some dates may change. Keep i
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08/02/2012 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers from 30 January - 3 February 2012
Parliamentary Quesions and Answers from 30 January to 3 February 2012 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estatees members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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07/02/2012 - FUTURE FARMER AWARD 2012 SEARCHES FOR OUTSTANDING FARMER
The team behind the Future Farmer Award has begun the search for the very best in Scottish agriculture with the launch of the 2012 award. The accolade looks to reward a farmer, young or old, male or female, livestock or arable for their outstanding contribution to the industry. The Future Farmer Award is an initiative funded
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07/02/2012 - Consultation: Proposed Tenancy Deposit Schemes - Revised Terms of SafeDeposits Scotland
The Tenancy Deposit Schemes (Scotland) Regulations 2011 set out the conditions that tenancy deposit schemes must meet before they can be approved. Scottish Ministers are now considering proposals for the operation of mandatory national tenancy deposit schemes, which will change how landlords and letting agents deal with tenanc
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06/02/2012 - Furnished Holiday Lets Latest
Tribunal rules against HMRC on Business Property Relief from Inheritance Tax Until now, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) was of the view that Business Property Relief (BPR) from Inheritance Tax was only available on a holiday letting property if either the owner himself, or through an agent, was substantially involved with
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06/02/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin - 6 February 2012
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Buletin for week commencing 6 February 2012. To view the Parliamentary Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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03/02/2012 - Working with a new SNH?
SNH has unveiled a new corporate strategy, in a noticeably different tone from previous documents, which reflects many of the values and efforts of landowners as they strive to sustain Scotland’s wonderful, natural environment. The emphasis is not so much on protecting particular species or habitats as securing the value in Sc
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03/02/2012 - Successful London Members Gathering
Scottish Land & Estates hosted its London members gathering at the Caledonian Club last night for over 90 guests. Sponsored by Brodies LLP, Bidwells and Chiene + Tait, the event was a great success enabling members to be updated on the changes ongoing within Scottish Land & Estates to increase the visibility and engage
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03/02/2012 - Progress on sheep identification
The European Commission has agreed to consider a Scottish ‘wish list’ to reduce red tape associated with sheep EID. While in Brussels, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead took the opportunity to meet a senior official in Commissioner Dalli’s cabinet. Following the meeting, Mr Lochhead has now written to Commissioner D
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03/02/2012 - Raising the profile as a hydro nation
Scotland is well prepared to achieve its ambition of being a world leading hydro nation, Infrastructure Secretary Alex Neil said today. A consultation on a Hydro Nation Strategy and a Water Resources Bill has been launched aimed at cementing Scotland's global reputation as a country with a dynamic, world class, water industry. T
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03/02/2012 - Managing access with dogs on protected sites
A final version of the National Access Forum's guidance on managing access with dogs to safeguard breeding birds in protected areas is now available at: http://www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/responsible-access/land-managers/managing-access/ (scroll down to the bottom of the page). This guidance is very much aimed at conservatio
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03/02/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Events Newsletter - 2 February 2012
To view the latest Scottish Land & Estates events newsletter click here.
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03/02/2012 - Rural Housing Enabler, Loch Lomond & Trossachs, Rural Housing Service
Rural Housing EnablerSalary £24,480 pa. pro rata (17.5 hours per week)(1 year contract - extension may be possible) The Rural Housing Service is seeking an enthusiastic and committed person to work with rural communities in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park to deliver new affordable housing. The post involves helpin
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02/02/2012 - Government and Country Estate Create Rural Family Homes Together
TWO new homes, the first of a planned fifteen-strong development funded by Ardkinglas Estate and the Scottish Government’s Rural Homes for Rent scheme, have been completed in Cairndow. The semi-detached family homes on the beautiful Ardkinglas Estate demonstrate the success of the Rural Homes for Rent grant scheme in allowing
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02/02/2012 - The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2011
The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2011 was laid before Parliament on October 14, 2011. The amendments to householder permitted development rights will come into force on 6 February 2012. For details see http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2011/357/contents/made
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02/02/2012 - Scotland's Digital Future - Infrastructure Action Plan
Scotland's Digital Future - Infrastructure Action PlanThis action plan outlines the Scottish Government’s commitment to a world-class, future proofed infrastructure that will deliver digital connectivity across the whole of Scotland by 2020. The purpose of this plan is to deliver a step change in people’s ability to access t
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01/02/2012 - CAP consultation launched
An online consultation has been launched to allow people to have their say on the European Commission’s proposals for the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said this was a valuable opportunity for people to ensure their views were heard on CAP reform which would have far-reachin
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01/02/2012 - Latest on Welfare Reform Bill
The UK Government's Welfare Reform plans will rob Scotland of over £54 million a year, new analysis has confirmed, Housing Minister Keith Brown claimed today.The Westminster Bill will reduce the amount of housing benefit support that can be given to tenants in the social rented sector by introducing new size criteria for workin
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01/02/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates respond to Long Leases (Scotland) Bill Call for Views
Scottish Land & Estates has responded to the Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee’s call for views on the Long Leases (Scotland) Bill. To read our submission please click on the pdf below.
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31/01/2012 - Farm income increases
Income from farming in Scotland in 2011 has risen by £23 million compared with 2010, according to the latest statistics. Scotland’s Chief Statistician has today published Scottish Farm Income Estimates 2011 which gives a national estimate of total income across agricultural holdings, alongside a breakdown of farm outputs, co
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31/01/2012 - Public Sector Offers Major Opportunities for Rural Land-Based Businesses
Rural land-based businesses are being encouraged to look to public sector contracts as a way to make substantial returns, consolidate and grow. Landowner membership organisation Scottish Land & Estates will explain how public contracts can be a great way to diversify land-based businesses and how the procurement process works a
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31/01/2012 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers - 23-27 January 2012
Parliamentary Questions and Answers which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estate members . To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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30/01/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin - 30 January 2012
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 30 January 2012. To view the Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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27/01/2012 - Feed-in Tariff Update
The UK Government has lost its bid to overturn a High Court ruling; that its plans to cut subsidies for solar PV installations, on or after a ‘reference date’ of 12th December 2011, are unlawful. Chris Huhne, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, has stated that the Government is now seeking permission to appeal
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27/01/2012 - HWEnergy Receive RHI
HWEnergy has received confirmation of Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) accreditation for a 26kW biomass boiler to heat their Fort William HQ. This is the first successful accreditation in Scotland and the third in the UK.
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26/01/2012 - New SPICe Briefing - Fuel Poverty
There were an estimated 658,000 households living in fuel poverty in Scotland in 2010, equivalent to 28% of all households. The Scottish Government is aiming to eradicate fuel poverty in Scotland, “as far as is practicable”, by November 2016. This briefing looks at the statistics on fuel poverty, the policy measures in
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25/01/2012 - Independence referendum consultation
First Minister Alex Salmond at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh today outlined detailed proposals for the referendum in autumn 2014 on whether Scotland should be an independent country. The consultation paper - Your Scotland Your Referendum – seeks views on: what the ballot paper should say what spending limits sho
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24/01/2012 - Events Newsletter - 24 January 2012
To view Scottish Land & Estates latest events newsletter please click here.
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23/01/2012 - CSGN Development Fund 2012-13
Details of the 2012-13 CSGN Development Fund have been released this morning by Forestry Commission Scotland. Organisations can apply for part of the £750,000 available for projects which promote healthier lifestyles, regeneration and enterprise, and help to join up the network, especially in areas suffering from deprivation a
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23/01/2012 - Budget (Scotland) Bill
The Scottish Government will continue to invest in jobs and the economy, Finance Secretary John Swinney said as the Budget Bill for 2012-13 was published ahead of the Stage 1 debate this week and reflects the Spending Review published in September 2011. The Bill includes resources to:• Deliver 25,000 modern apprenticeships
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23/01/2012 - Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 23 January 2012
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 23 January 2012. To view the Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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23/01/2012 - Parliamentary Questions 16-20 January 2012
Parliamentary Questions from 16-20 January 2012 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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19/01/2012 - Comment from Richard Blake on Rural Affairs Committee evidence session
After giving evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee, Richard Blake, Legal Advisor to Scottish Land & Estates commented: “Scottish Land & Estates is generally comfortable with the Agricultural Holdings Bill as it stands. We strongly believe however that the legislation s
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19/01/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Respond to Estates Benchmarking Survey
Responding to Savills’ Estates Benchmarking Survey launched today (Thursday 19 January), Scottish Land & Estates Chief Executive Douglas McAdam commented: “We welcome the Savills report which clearly demonstrates the important role landowners and estates play in Scottish agriculture – and equally how important agriculture
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19/01/2012 - Land Registration etc. (Scotland) Bill - Scottish Land & Estates repond to call for written evidence
Scottish Land & Estates has submitted a response to the call for evidence on the Land Registration etc. (Scotland) Bill. Key provisions of the Bill, if enacted, will encourage voluntary first registration of land in the Land Register and will also permit the Keeper of the Land Register to induce first registrations, which has po
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18/01/2012 - Rural Schools Vital to Communities
In responding to the Commission for Rural Education’s Call for evidence, Scottish Land & Estates has outlined the critical role rural schools play in the sustainability of rural underlined and has urged the Commission to increase linkages between local schools and local estates and businesses. To view the response please click
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18/01/2012 - SAC publishes Power in Agriculture report
A report prepared by the SAC Rural Policy Centre for the recent Oxford Farming Conference has been praised by Government Ministers and Industry Leaders. Commissioned by the Conference Board, “Power in Agriculture” examined where the economic, political and natural resource power currently lies in world agriculture, how it mi
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18/01/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Events Newsletter - 17 January 2012
To view Scottish Land & Estates latest events newsletter click here.
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17/01/2012 - Parliamentary Bulletin - 16 January 2012
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 16 January 2012. To view the bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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17/01/2012 - Parliamentary Questions 9-13 January 2012
Parliamentary Questions which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estate members from 9-13 January 2012. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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16/01/2012 - New Case Management System for Felling Licences in Scotland
FCS has launched a new Case Management System on 9th January 2012. It will initially be used for Felling licence Applications (FLAs) but is designed to be adaptable and has potential for a wide range of other case types over time. The system will allow FCS staff to manage FLA case work electronically, guiding them through the
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16/01/2012 - Fishing Season Open For All To Enjoy
Scotland’s salmon fishing season opens tomorrow (Monday) with enthusiasts determined to cast off the image of salmon fishing being a sport for only the elite. The River Tay will be among the first of Scotland’s freshwater rivers to open for the 2012 season, with hopes high amongst people from across all walks of life in Sco
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13/01/2012 - Long Leases Bill Introduced
The Scottish Parliament has today published the Long Leases (Scotland) Bill, which will convert certain long leases into ownership; to provide for the conversion into real burdens of certain rights and obligations under such leases; to provide for payment to former owners of land of compensation for loss of it on conversion; and
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13/01/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Enewsletter - 13 January 2012
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13/01/2012 - Water Abstraction Data Returns
Now that 2011 has passed, those who hold a water abstraction licence from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) should be in the process of collating and sending their data returns to the organisation. SEPA is now making it easier for licence holders to submit their water abstraction data returns to them. Previously
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12/01/2012 - New Planning Grant for Creating Productive Woodlands
A new grant to help promote the creation of productive woodlands is set to be piloted throughout 2012. The new Forest Planning grant – focusing on productive conifers but also available for productive broadleaves – will be administered by Forestry Commission Scotland. It will be available for planting proposals for 30 hectar
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The Lobbying 01: Committees of the Scottish Parliament
The Role of Committees Committees play a key role in the Scottish Parliament. They are comprised of small groups of MSPs and in the absence of a second chamber in the Parliament, they have an important role in scrutinising legislation, conducting inquiries, gathering evidence and holding the Scottish Government to account.
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12/01/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates Events Newsletter - 12 January 2012
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12/01/2012 - Young people gain forestry skills
Finance Secretary John Swinney this week met some of the young people benefitting from Forestry Commission employment programmes in Scotland. When the training is completed the participants will have qualifications in Health and Safety, tool operation and other industry related practices that may help them into employment. Cab
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12/01/2012 - Changes to Rural Priorities Assessment Process
Changes to Rural Priorities Assessment Process The Scottish Government has published information on its website about changes to the Rural Priorities assessment scoring process that will apply to all cases submitted after 16th November 2011. New guidance is available on the Guidance Updates page http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics
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12/01/2012 - Up-to £1250 renewables grants available to members
Are you interested in generating your own heat, leading a greener lifestyle and saving money? Renewable heating systems, such as wood-fuelled boilers and heat pumps, can help you make savings and keep your home energy efficient. The UK Government has launched the Renewable Heat Premium Payment scheme (RHPP), managed by the Ene
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11/01/2012 - Landowners' Statement On Tenancy Statistics
Scottish Land & Estates, which represents 2,500 landowners across Scotland, today issued the following statement in the wake of publicity generated by the publication of statistics by the Scottish Government relating to the tenant farming sector in Scotland. Chief Executive Douglas McAdam said: “The number of tenancies in Sc
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10/01/2012 - Moves to cut red tape for farmers
A drive to cut needless bureaucracy for Scottish farmers has been launched by Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead. A working group is being established to consider how to reduce the red tape associated with farming. This fulfils a Scottish Government commitment to look at how best to help farmers free up time for farmin
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10/01/2012 - Scottish Land & Estates delighted by Scottish Government moves on red tape
Scottish Land & Estates, which represents 2,500 landowners across Scotland, today welcomed the recent announcement that Brian Pack is to chair a working group that will consider how to reduce the red tape associated with farming. Chief Executive Douglas McAdam said: “Scottish Land & Estates is delighted that Richard Lochhead
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09/01/2012 - Scottish Government Podcast on CAP Reform
The Scottish Government are currently attempting to provide as many people as possible with information about the CAP reform proposals currently being discussed in Brussels by staging a series of meetings around the country. There are still some opportunities to attend these and for more information see: http://www.scotland.gov
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09/01/2012 - Parliamentary Bulletin - 9 January 2012
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 9 January 2012. To view the Parliamentary Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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06/01/2012 - 2012 Oxford Farming Conference
All the latest news from this year's Oxford Farming Conference...
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06/01/2012 - 2012 - a key year for farmers
After a year that brought everything from extreme weather and sheep electronic identification to high livestock prices and record food and drink sales, in his New Year message, Cabinet Secretary Richard Lochhead MSP said he continues to detect a mood of optimism in Scottish agriculture and a rural sector which is well equi
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06/01/2012 - New era for crofting
The starting gun for the first ever crofting elections was fired this week with the official publication of the Notice of Elections. For the first time, six people will be democratically elected by Scotland's crofting community to represent their interests. The remaining three spaces are to be filled by Ministerial appoin
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06/01/2012 - Private Members' Bill on High Hedges
The first step in the process of legislating to resolve disputes between neighbours over high hedges was taken just before Christmas when SNP MSP Mark McDonald lodged a formal proposal for a private members' bill in the Scottish Parliament to deal with the problem of high hedges. The proposal is the first Members' Bill proposed
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06/01/2012 - EID latest
MEP's Ashley Smith, Liam Aylward, Paolo de Castro and Albert Dess have put down a written declaration in the European Parliament that raises concerns about technical faults with EID equipment and that sheep producers are facing subsidy penalties because of unreliable technology. The declaration calls on the commis
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06/01/2012 - AGRICULTURAL CENSUS - TENANCY STATISTICS (2005 - 2011)
A paper has been published which presents statistics of the number of agricultural holdings with different types of tenancy agreements, generated from the June Agricultural Census for the period 2005 to 2011. It updates the last set of statistics covering the period 2005 to 2008, which were published in June 2009. The main purp
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05/01/2012 - Consultation list
Please click on the pdf below to see a list of consultations that may be of interest to members and how to get involved in responses by Scottish Land & Estates.
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04/01/2012 - Parliamentary Questions and Answers 19-23 December 2011
Parliamentary Questions and Answers 19-23 December 2011 which may be of interest to members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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Latest elements of Wildlife and Natural Environment Act come into force.
The latest reforms to modernise the management of wildlife in Scotland came into force on 1 January 2012. The second commencement order of the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 introduces a new offence of vicarious liability in relation to the persecution of wild birds. The legislation also includes measures
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01/01/2012 - Scottish landowners fully committed to helping stamp out wildlife crime
Scottish Land & Estates, which represents around 2,500 landowners, said today landowners across Scotland are ‘fully committed’ to helping stamp out wildlife crime. A new offence of vicarious liability in relation to the persecution of wild birds came into force today (1 January 2012) under the Wildlife and Natural Environm
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01/01/2012 - Code of Practice on Deer Management
The Scottish Parliament has approved the Code of Practice on Deer Management produced by Scottish Natural heritage (SNH) following consultation with industry stakeholders and approval by Ministers. The Code came into effect on 1 January 2012.
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30/12/2011 - 2011 a record year for food and drink
With overall food exports breaking the £1 billion mark and whisky exports also at a record high, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has hailed 2011 as a momentous year for Scotland's food and drink industry. Read more.......
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29/12/2011 - Scottish Government's Economic Priorities for 2012
Many of Scotland's growth sectors have seen growth and success in 2011 - despite global economic challenges - and the Scottish Government will continue to work 'tirelessly' in 2012 to strengthen opportunities for economic recovery, Finance Secretary John Swinney said yesterday. Read more...
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23/12/2011 - Asulox Ban in force after 31 December 2011
If you have any plans to control bracken using asulam in any product, during 2012, then before the end of 31 December 2011, you must either have: purchased your own stocks, or made an agreement with a contractor to control your bracken for you. From 1 January 2012, it will be illegal to sell, transfer or promote asula
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23/12/2011 - 2012 General Licences
Please note that the new licences which come in effect from 1 January 2012, will be available on the SNH website from next week. SNH intends to update the current General Licences for 2012 with only minor changes, and proposes to retain the current wording over permitted traps in General Licences 1 to 4. SNH has stated that is
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22/12/2011 - Renewable energy generation
New figures published today for the first three quarters of 2011 show Scotland's renewable energy output was on track for the best year ever. The figures, which were released this morning by the Department for Energy and Climate Change, point to 2011 being a record year for renewable generation in Scotland, with the first three
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22/12/2011 - Increase in cereal harvest
Figures out today reveal the fourth highest Scottish cereal harvest in more than 20 years, despite a delayed harvest due to the wet weather. Estimates in October - based on crops harvested by October 4 - had suggested the harvest may have been the highest on record. However, some of the later harvested crops had lower yields du
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22/12/2011 - Festive finance for farmers
Almost 90 per cent of Scottish farmers have now received their Single Farm Payment, delivering a welcome festive financial boost. The 2011/12 payment window opened on December 1 and the latest statistics show: 87 per cent (around 16,500 farmers) have received their Single Farm Payment £401 million has been paid out to date
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22/12/2011 - Gemma makes a political move to top post with GWCT
The former Assistant Private Secretary to the Cabinet Secretary for Environment & Climate Change has been appointed Policy Officer Scotland with the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT). Gemma Davis will be based at the Trust’s Scottish Headquarters near Perth. Her key responsibilities will becommunicating GWCT research
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22/12/2011 - Events Newsletter - 22 December 2011
To view Scottish Land & Estates Events Newsletter please click here.
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21/12/2011 - SAC publication - Response from the hills: Business as usual or a turning point?
SAC has published Response from the hills: Business as usual or a turning point? which is an update on SAC's 2008 Retreat from the Hills report which highlighted significant declines in the sheep and cattle sector across much of Scotland. This is particularly the case in the hills, islands and uplands where alternatives to exte
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21/12/2011 - Further steps on Land Use Strategy Published
Steps to implement Scotland's Land Use Strategy have been published this week. The Action Plan brings together a joined-up set of commitments from across the Scottish Government, all of which contribute to the long term vision for land use and the management of Scotland's land and resources. Research is also being commissioned t
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21/12/2011 - Building Standards
Ministers have decided, that council staff will continue to be the only government appointed verifier for new homes and buildings in Scotland. Verifiers protect the public by independently checking building work - from design through construction to completion - to make sure new homes, offices and public buildings meet all rele
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21/12/2011 - European Regional Development Fund
A natural heritage learning experience in Orkney is just one of the projects attracting funding through the sixth and final full round of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Enjoy Wild Orkney is to receive £134,182 as part of a 3 year project to encourage people of all ages to explore, learn about and experience the
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21/12/2011 - New Water Quality Cross Compliance Requirements from January 2012
From 1st January 2012 new requirements restricting the application and storage of chemical and organic fertilisers along water courses and beside wells and boreholes will come into force across Scotland. These requirements are based on existing cross compliance requirements for land within Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs). Land
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21/12/2011 - Scotland Bill
The Scotland Bill Committee has published its “Report on the Scotland Bill”. Both volumes of the report can be viewed online at: Volume 1 – Conclusions and Recommendations - Parliamentary Business : Scottish Parliament Volume 2 - Main Report - Parliamentary Business : Scottish Parliament
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21/12/2011 - New Rural Priorities option available
A new Axis 3 Option has been implemented - Upland Habitat Management Plans will assist in maintaining and enhancing the condition of special features on upland sites designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Special Protection Areas or Special Areas for Conservation (SSSIs, SPAs or SACs). Financial support of up to 10
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20/12/2011 - Scottish Land & Estates Responds to Temporary Closure of Core Paths Consultation
Scottish Land & Estates have today (20 December) responded to the Scottish Government’s proposed amendment to Part 1 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 which will enable the temporary closure of core paths for events and other such activities. Scottish Land & Estates believes this change to the access legislation is sensi
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19/12/2011 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 12-16 December 2011
Parliamentary Questions and Answers 12-16 December 2011 which may be of interest to members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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19/12/2011 - Parliamentary Bulletin - 19 December 2011
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 19 December 2011. To view the bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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19/12/2011 - Parliamentary Bulletin - 19 December 2011
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 19 December 2011. To view the bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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14/12/2011 - Crown Estate control 'will not be passed to Scotland'
The UK government has ruled out devolving control of the Crown Estate in Scotland to the Holyrood parliament. The Scottish Affairs Committee this week (Wednesday) held the final evidence session for its in-depth inquiry into the administration and governance of the Crown Estate in Scotland. Scottish Secretary Michael Moore and
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14/12/2011 - Animal health and welfare concordat
The Scottish Government has published a concordat on animal health and welfare matters between the Secretary of State for Environment. Food and Rural Affairs the Scottish Ministers and the Welsh Ministers. This Concordat is neither intended to constitute a legally enforceable contract nor create any rights or obligations which a
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14/12/2011 - Regeneration Strategy published
“Local people delivering local change” is a key message found with the Scotland’ Regeneration Strategy published this week. Achieving a Sustainable Future http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/364595/0123891.pdf , sets out a £175 million programme of investment to support the country's most disadvantaged communities, tr
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14/12/2011 - Aquaculture and fisheries consultation
A consultation is underway aimed at supporting a sustainable future for aquaculture and freshwater fisheries Proposals include to update enforcement provisions for aquaculture and fisheries, and a review of the approach to cost sharing and charges. The consultation will inform the development of a new Aquaculture and Fisheries B
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14/12/2011 - Events Newsletter - 14 December 2011
Scottish Land & Estates Events Newsletter - 14 December 2011. To view click here.
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12/12/2011 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 5-9 December 2012
Parliamentary Questions & Answers which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estates members from 5-9 Decemkber 2011. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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12/12/2011 - Parliamentary Bulletin as at 12 December 2011
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing Monday 12 December 2011. To view the bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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08/12/2011 - Douglas & Angus Estates Feature
To view Douglas & Angus Estates feature please click on the attachment below.
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08/12/2011 - Cautious welcome for capital spending review
THE Scottish Government’s recent capital spending review has been given a cautious welcome by landowner membership organisation Scottish Land & Estates. Head of Policy at Scottish Land & Estates Sarah-Jane Laing commented: “It is encouraging to see that the Scottish Government is looking to achieve maximum value for taxpay
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08/12/2011 - Community councils
New Minister Designate for Local Government and Planning Derek Mackay this week launched a group to look into ways to strengthen Scotland's community councils, and urged people to get more involved. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2011/12/07142117
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08/12/2011 - Tenancy deposit schemes consultation
Tenancy deposit schemes consultation The Scottish Government has announced a consultation paper on the terms of two proposed tenancy deposit schemes http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/11/28114920/0 in Scotland. The consultation is being undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006
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08/12/2011 - Good news as EID deadline is extended
The EU Commission has this week agreed to extend the deadline for the compulsory electronic tagging of sheep which is expected to save the UK sheep industry up to £11.5 million. The decision by Europe’s Standing Committee for Food Chain and Animal Health will extend the deadline for the compulsory electronic tagging of sheep
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08/12/2011 - Draft Finance Bill
The draft Finance bill 2012 has been published to allow proper time for scrutiny before its introduction next year. Scottish Land & Estates' taxation group has identified that the main changes of note to members are the new Seed Enterprise Investment scheme (SEIS) announced in the Autumn statement: further legislation for dona
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07/12/2011 - September RPAC results announced
Organic projects throughout Scotland have been given a cash boost thanks to the latest round of Rural Priorities funding. In total, 86 of the 573 agri-environment projects approved were in the organic sector, representing £6.4 million of the £30.5 million awarded. The much-needed support brings the total amount of Rural Prio
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06/12/2011 - Scottish Land & Estates Events Newsletter - 6 December 2011
To view the latest Scottish Land & Estates enewsletter please click here.
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05/12/2011 - Historic Environment Act Latest
The Historic Environment (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2011 (“the Act”) was passed by the Scottish Parliament on 23 February 2011. The Act amends three pieces of primary legislation: The Historic Buildings and Ancient Monuments Act 1953; The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979; and, The Planning (Listed Buildi
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05/12/2011 - Scottish Land & Estates Encouraged by NFUS Stance on ARTB
Following a statement* by NFU Scotland on future policy measures to support the tenanted farming sector in Scotland including a clear message that the forthcoming Agricultural Holdings Bill should not be used as a vehicle to deliver absolute right to buy, Scottish Land & Estates Chief Executive Douglas McAdam, said: “This une
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05/12/2011 - Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin - 5 December 2012
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 5 December 2011. To view parliamentary bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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05/12/2011 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers - 28 November - 2 D
Parliamentary Questions from 28 November - 2 December which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estate Members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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01/12/2011 - Certificates of Intention Not To List (COINTLs)
Certificates of Intention Not to List (COINTLs), which are a legal gurantee that the building or buildings named in it will not be statutorily listed as being of special architectural or historic interest during the five years from the date on which the Certificate is granted, will be introduced on 1 December 2011 by section 18
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01/12/2011 - Scottish Land & Estates Events Newsletter - 1 December 2011
To view Scottish Land & Estates Events Enewsletter click here.
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01/12/2011 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers - 21-25 November 2011
Parliamentary Questions 21-25 November 2011 which may be of interst to members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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01/12/2011 - Scottish Land & Estates to sit on Bracken Control Group
Scottish Land & Estates has been invited to sit on the newly formed Bracken Control Group. This group has been established in response to the banning of asulam, but will also consider all bracken control issues and techniques. The Group is being co-ordinated by Simon Thorp, Director of the Heather Trust, and will circulate up-
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01/12/2011 - CAP Reform debate highlights common concerns
Andrew Midgley attended a CAP reform debate in London this week and reports that there is significant agreement on many of the key CAP proposals. Several of the industry representatives highlighted their support for greening in principle, but also their concern that the current greening proposals on the table would actually plac
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29/11/2011 - Publication of Foot and Mouth Disease Control Strategy for Great Britain
The Scottish Government, Defra and Welsh Government (the GB Administrations) have worked together to prepare a Foot and Mouth Disease Control Strategy for Great Britain (the ‘Strategy’). The aim of the Strategy is to consolidate GB Administrations current policies and response to control an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disea
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29/11/2011 - Historic Houses Association Scotland Calls on Government to Support Built Heritage
ORGANISATION SETS OUT STRATIGIC PRIORITES FOR NEXT FIVE YEARS Historic Houses Association for Scotland (HHAS), the organisation which represents the interests of Scotland’s historic houses in independent ownership, today (Tuesday) urged the Scottish Government to consider a range of supportive measures to help conserve the be
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29/11/2011 - No rabbit out of the hat trick in Autumn statement
Susie Swift, Partner, Saffery Champness in Inverness comments: Any predictions for reducing the top level of income tax, help for savers or other headline measures were short lived in an Autumn Statement delivered by Chancellor George Osborne today aimed at keeping interest rates as low as possible whilst continuing to rebalanc
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28/11/2011 - Groundbreaking collaboration to focus on attracting new entrants to rural businesses
Scottish Land & Estates, NFU Scotland, Forestry Commission Scotland and The Crown Estate have announced today they are developing a new joint initiative to help attract and accelerate the number of new people into agricultural and rural land based businesses across the country. The four organisations have held discussions recen
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28/11/2011 - Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 28 November 2011. To view the bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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25/11/2011 - Scottish Land & Estates Newsletter - 25 November 2011
To view Scottish Land & Estate's latest newsletter click here.
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25/11/2011 - RHI Open for Applications From Monday
The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) for non-domestic generators will open for applications on Monday 28th November 2011. The start of the scheme follows a short delay while DECC resolved the scheme’s compatibility with EU state aid rules and re-submitted the draft regulations to Parliament. Further details are available on DE
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25/11/2011 - Roadshows on Common Agricultural Policy reform announced
The public will get the chance to find out about vital European proposals to reform the Common Agricultural Policy at a series of meetings across Scotland. Senior Scottish Government officials will chair the road shows which start on December 6 in Perth and take in thirteen venues from Shetland and Skye to Lanark and Lauder.Aft
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24/11/2011 - Events Newsletter
Scottish Land & Estates latest events newsletter. To view click here.
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24/11/2011 - The Green Deal consultation launched
The Department of Energy and Climate Change has launched a consultation which seeks views on the details of the Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation (ECO) policies that are to be implemented as part of the Energy Act 2011 which received Royal Assent in October. The Green Deal is a market led framework that will allow indivi
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23/11/2011 - Scottish Land & Estates Hopeful Of Positive CAP Reform Measures
Scottish Land & Estates, which represents more than 2,500 landowners, has today (Wednesday) said there are some encouraging aspects of initial CAP reform proposals – but only if pressure is maintained to safeguard Scotland’s interests. Speaking at a meeting of the Scottish Parliament’s Rural Affairs, Climate Change and E
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23/11/2011 - Register online for payment preview
Scottish farmers can get early access to payment information - up to a week before it goes into their bank - by registering online. With payments under the Single Farm Payment scheme due to start on December 1, there's still time to sign up to view payment information online. Claimants will be able to view payment information
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22/11/2011 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 14-18 November 2011
Parliamentary Questions and Answers which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estate members. To view the Questions and Answers please click on the attachment below.
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22/11/2011 - Parliamentary Bulletin
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commecing 21 November 2011. To view the Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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21/11/2011 - Scottish Government consultation on Modification Order to enable temporary closure of core paths
As things stand at present core paths cannot be temporarily closed. A clause in Scotland’s access legislation means that while there is a procedure to allow access rights to be temporarily suspended over an area of ground where they would normally apply, this procedure does not extend to ground which is designated as a core
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18/11/2011 - Sea Eagle release programme - welfare issues being raised
A number of sea eagles born in Norway, then hand reared and released in east Scotland by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) have been found close to death after bouts of bad weather and now animal welfare experts are expressing concerns. The birds, famed for wingspans of 8ft, were grounded when their wings bec
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Historic Scotland Reminded of Private Sector Heritage Role
Scottish Land & Estates has this week responded to Historic Scotland’s Consultative Corporate Plan. Whilst welcoming the plan in general, we asked Historic Scotland to place greater emphasis on supporting the independent owners of the majority of Scotland’s built heritage and not solely focus on its own Properties In Care
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18/11/2011 - Energy Performance Certificate Fee Consultation
The Scottish Government has launched a consultation seeking views on the introduction of an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) lodgement transaction fee for non-domestic buildings upon creation of a database and the introduction of a transaction fee for the lodgement of EPCs for dwellings on the Home Energy Efficiency Databas
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17/11/2011 - Peatland Inquiry Publishes Findings
The IUCN UK Commission of Inquiry on Peatlands published its final report on 16th November 2011. The inquiry lasted 18 months and involved over 300 individuals and 50 organisations. Its findings present clear evidence of the importance of the UK’s peatlands as a huge carbon store locking up over 3 billion tonnes in the peat.
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16/11/2011 - Events Enewsletter - 16 November 2011
Scottish Land & Estates latest events enewsletter. To view please click here.
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16/11/2011 - Lochhead provides update on CAP talks
Speaking this week at the AgriScot event, Richard Lochhead spoke of the continuing European negotiations to reform the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and reiterated his intention to get a fair deal for Scotland's farmers. He said: "On Monday, I met with Commissioner Ciolos in Brussels. That meeting convinced me, yet again, h
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16/11/2011 - Rural Priorities funding
Mr Lochhead has confirmed that Scotland's Rural Priorities funding scheme will be open for business again in 2012. There is to be a further round of Axis 1 (restructuring, development and innovation) and Axis 3 (farm diversification) Rural Priorities funding next year. A further round of Axis 2 (agri-environment) has previously
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16/11/2011 - Co-ordinator - Rural Housing Service
Aberdeenshire Rural Housing ProjectCo-ordinator Salary £25,000 (30 hours per week) (1 year contract) The Rural Housing Service is seeking an experienced project manager to work with rural and housing stakeholders in Aberdeenshire to facilitate the development of affordable housing. The post involves investigating new approach
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16/11/2011 - European Structural Funds
European Structural Funds A cash injection of more than £1.9million has been announced to back new jobs and business opportunities throughout Scotland. The money from the European Structural Fund will support new developments and improvements to existing facilities. Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment
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16/11/2011 - RPAC results online
The Scottish Government have published on their website a list of cases which were presented to the September 2011 Regional Proposal Assessment Committee (RPAC), along with an indication of whether each case has been approved in full, approved in part or rejected. Applicants and agents must be aware that: approval of the plan
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15/11/2011 - Occupancy Conditions on Rural Houses 'Rarely Appropriate'
Restrictions on the occupancy of new housing are 'rarely appropriate' and so should generally be avoided, according to a letter from the Scottish Government's Chief Planner, Jim Mackinnon. Mr. Mackinnon has written to Council Heads of Planning to clarify the Scottish Government's views on the use of conditions or planning oblig
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15/11/2011 - Inquiry launched to examine tail-docking of working dogs
Campaigners calling for a law banning tail-docking in Scotland to be overturned for working dogs have claimed a breakthrough after the Scottish Government agreed to commission research into the issue. A study is being carried out by the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Glasgow to gather evidence on whether the
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15/11/2011 - Moore is urged to axe Scotland Bill
MICHAEL MOORE, the Scottish Secretary, was last night called on to scrap the Scotland Bill and start again as support for it has evaporated among many MPs and MSPs. Former Scotland Office minister Lord Foulkes spoke out as Labour figures in Scotland prepare to vote for a new leader and mull over where to position the party on d
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15/11/2011 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 7-11 November 2011
Parliamentary Questions for 7-11 November 2011 which may be relevant to Scottish Land & Estate members. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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15/11/2011 - Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 14 November 2011
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 14 November 2011. To view bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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15/11/2011 - Interest free loans for sustainable transport and travel measures
In a bid to encourage Scottish businesses to reduce their carbon impact and travel costs, the Energy Saving Trust Scotland is offering organisations in Scotland interest free loans of between £500 and £50,000 for the installation of measures that make their transport and travel arrangements more sustainable. This could include
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14/11/2011 - Hydro Firm Raises £2m for 15 New Projects
Published in The Scotsman. Hydro energy firm Green Highland Renewables has raised £2 million from investors after it secured a deal to develop up to 15 small-scale schemes on land owned by the Forestry Commission Scotland. Iain Wotherspoon, the chairman of the Perth-based firm, said it will invest around £1.5m per scheme a
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14/11/2011 - Agricultural Holdings Call for Views
The Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee has launched a call for views on the Scottish Government’s plans to amend legislation relating to succession and rent review. The legislation aims to create a better environment for the letting of farmland to the tenant farming sector and encourage new entrants into
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11/11/2011 - Revised RHI Guidance Published
Following a consultation period earlier this year, Ofgem have now published the revised guidance for the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) on their website This guidance will underpin how the RHI will operate in practice, determine eligibility and generally provide the operational handbook for the whole scheme. The RHI legislati
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11/11/2011 - Essential Guide: for a successful visit to your farm or estate
Now available on the Scottish Land & Estates website, guidance to help members who wish to incorporate advice on responsible access to the outdoors in schools visits to farms and estates. The guidance provides links to the sizable array of resources that are available to help explain responsible access in Scotland to schools gr
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11/11/2011 - Osborne Unveils £103m Renewables Funding for Scotland
by BBC News. Chancellor George Osborne has announced an extra £103m of funding for renewable energy in Scotland. The money from the Fossil Fuel Levy was additional to the Scottish government's budget, but within the UK's overall spending plans and contingencies. Scotland's Finance Secretary John Swinney said the funds were "
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11/11/2011 - Forestry Commission Data Download Site
The Forestry Commission has formally launched a DataDownload service. This service provides free and open access to FC spatial data and enables users of geographic information systems (GIS) to download spatial datasets directly from its website. For further information please see http://www.forestry.gov.uk/newsrele.nsf/AllByUNI
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10/11/2011 - Landowners Support Environmental Task Force
Scottish Land & Estates, which represents 2,500 landowners in Scotland, today welcomed the creation of an Environmental Task Force by the Scottish Government. Doug McAdam, Chief Executive, who attended today’s launch, said: “Landowners across Scotland support the Cabinet Secretary in his view that robust action needs to be
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10/11/2011 - National Landlord Day
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Scottish Association of Landlords this week held the largest landlord conference in the UK. National Landlord Day held at Our Dynamic was host to over 300 delegates and 40 exhibition stalls. Housing Minister, Keith Brown, highlighted Scottish Government’s policy priorities for the private
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10/11/2011 - Lyon renews attack on Lochhead over EU single payment fine
The war of words over the scale of the penalties imposed by Europe on Scotland as a result of claiming for ineligible areas of land under the single farm payment scheme continued yesterday. Lib Dem MEP George Lyon claimed the Scottish Government’s reluctance to confirm any figure had more to do with the information being pote
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09/11/2011 - VAT reduction urged to support economy
Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop is this week calling on the UK Government to slash the existing 20 per cent VAT rate on works to existing buildings. Ahead of a Parliamentary Debate on Thursday on the importance of architecture and place-making to the economy of Scotland, Ms Hyslop said that reducing VAT for renovations, repairs a
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09/11/2011 - Programme for planning
Planning Minister Aileen Campbell this week announced a consultation early next year on proposed changes to planning fees. The proposed changes to fees envisage a new, proportionate structure ensuring fees reflect the cost of dealing with planning applications. This will be complemented by a continued focus on performance, inclu
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09/11/2011 - Boiler Scrappage Scheme
The Scottish Government has recently announced a new round of funding for a boiler scrappage scheme for private sector landlords.The Energy Saving Scotland Private Sector Landlords Boiler Scrappage Scheme offers private sector landlords £400 towards the cost of upgrading inefficient boilers to an Energy Saving Trust Recommende
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09/11/2011 - Scottish Land & Estates Responds To STFA Comments On Rent Reviews
Scottish Land & Estates today responded to recent comments from the Scottish Tenant Farmers’ Association regarding rent reviews. Luke Borwick, Chairman of Scottish Land & Estates, said: "Yet again, STFA resorts to the unwarranted vilification of landlords and land agents and paints a picture that does not reflect reality. Th
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09/11/2011 - Country House Rescue
Channel Four is looking for people who own historic or country houses to take part in the fourth series of Country House Rescue. As ever, the programme will follow the fortunes of a number of stately British homes as the owners seek to diversify and raise the revenue they need to survive. Each hour-long programme will feature o
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09/11/2011 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 31 October - 4 November 2011
Parliamentary Questions and Answers from 31 October - 4 November 2011 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estate members.
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09/11/2011 - Parliamentary Bulletin - Week Commencing 7 November 2011
Scottish Land & Estates weekly Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 7 November 2011. To view the bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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08/11/2011 - Fertiliser Security High on Government Agenda
by The Scotsman. Fertiliser is vital to world food production but it currently faces other challenges according to Mike Buchan, fertiliser sector chairman of the Agricultural Industries Confederation. In a world where terrorists or individuals can threaten even safe countries such as Norway, the need for high security surround
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08/11/2011 - Scottish Land & Estates Events Newsletter
To view Scottish Land & Estates latest events newsletter click here.
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07/11/2011 - Report Supports Energy Policies
Published on Sunday 6 November 2011 18:23 The Scottish Government has seized on a report which supports its renewable energy policies, following claims they may be over-ambitious and pose a risk to investors. The SNP administration highlighted the findings by international investment bank Altium Securities. Analysts at the ba
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07/11/2011 - District Heating Loans
Over £1.9 million of loans to help develop district heating schemes have been announced by Energy Minister Fergus Ewing. Nine projects have been offered loans, including multi storey housing in Cambuslang, an arts centre in Ullapool and a high school on Shetland. The projects will heat around 280 homes as well businesses, sch
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06/11/2011 - Almost £2m of Loans Awarded to Community Heating Projects
Loans worth £1.9m have been announced to help community heating projects. The district schemes will heat about 280 homes and are expected to save more than 68,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide over 25 years. It is part of a pilot project open to councils, housing associations, small businesses and energy service companies. All ni
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06/11/2011 - Rivals Rubbish CitiGroup’s Warning Over Renewables
By Jody Harrison, The Herald. Let’s call it the CitiGroup Baton. It was unsheathed on Tuesday to take a swing at the Scottish Government’s ambitious plans to become the renewable energy powerhouse of Europe. The baton was a finance sector research note put out for institutional investors by Citigroup’s head of european u
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05/11/2011 - Report backs Scottish Renewables Under Independence
A new bank report has backed Scotland's renewable energy policies, just days after a major finance company warned businesses against investing in the renewables sector in Scotland. Citigroup had said the independence referendum process would create huge uncertainty when major decisions on green projects were needed. But invest
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05/11/2011 - Solar Market Should Remain Viable
By Howard Walsh, Farmers Guardian THE Government is seeking further cuts in feed-in tariffs (FiTs) but solar installation specialists claim the figures should still stack up. The new FiT is to be set at 21p/kWh for installations under 4kW from April 1, 2012, which although half of the previous level, will still support many so
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04/11/2011 - Consultations launched on Marine Heritage
Historic Scotland has launched public consultations on: A strategy for the protection, management and promotion of marine heritage 2011-16: This sets out Historic Scotland's priorities for the period 2011-2016 Guidelines for the selection, designation and management of Historic Marine Protected Areas: This sets out how Historic
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04/11/2011 - Feed in Tariffs for Solar PV Under Review
The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has launched a consultation setting out their proposals for changing the level of support for solar PV. Significant reductions in the tariff levels for schemes up to 250kW are proposed and they will apply for schemes with an eligibility date of 12 December 2011 or after. The
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04/11/2011 - Freedom of Information & Data Protection Information Sheet
Legal 04 - Freedom of Information & Data ProtectionThis Information Sheet provides members with the knowledge of how to make Freedom of Information requests from Public Authorities. This Information Sheet also provides details on the Data Protection Act 1998 with particular reference to disclosing information about tenants. Memb
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04/11/2011 - Single Farm Payment Amendments
The Scottish Government has published amended guidance and SFPS Form 1. Guidance Notes For Transfer Of Payment Entitlements (Sale, Lease Or Inheritance) (Amended October 2011) provides information about the transfer of Single Farm Payment Scheme entitlements. SFPS - Application To Transfer Entitlements (Sale, Lease Or Inherit
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04/11/2011 - BBC - Britain in a Day
We would like to draw your attention to a unique BBC project to capture a snapshot of life throughout Britain. The producers are looking for contributions from all walks of life and the project is designed to capture a unique snapshot of Britain on a single day, inviting people from all corners of the United Kingdom to record t
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04/11/2011 - Scottish Energy Minister Fergus Ewing Criticises Proposed UK Solar FIT
The Energy Minister for Scotland Fergus Ewing has criticised the UK Department for Energy and Climate Change’s (DECC) proposal to cut feed-in tariffs (FIT) for solar energy. The plan - revealed at the end of last month – would see the FIT rate cut by more than half for residential systems. Ewing also criticised the pace of
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04/11/2011 - UK Climate Minister Accused of Misleading Parliament over Solar Costs
by James Murray, BusinessGreen. The row over the government's controversial plans to rush through cuts to solar incentives looks set to escalate, after members of the solar industry accused one minister of misleading parliament over proposed changes to the feed-in tariff scheme. Speaking as part of an emergency debate earlier
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03/11/2011 - Landowners Take Heart From Drop In Reported Bird Persecutions
Landowners have reacted with optimism to an RSPB report* which suggests an 18% reduction in the illegal shooting and destruction of birds of prey across the UK between 2009 and 2010. Douglas McAdam, Chief Executive of landowner membership organisation Scottish Land & Estates, which represents over 2,500 landowners in Scotland,
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03/11/2011 - Becoming an Advisor with the Farm Business Advisor Accreditation Scheme
Becoming an Advisor with the Farm Business Advisor Accreditation Scheme for Scotland (FBAASS) Lantra is looking for business-minded individuals with a good understanding of Scotland’s agriculture to apply as FBAASS Whole Farm Review Advisors. FBAASS works in conjunction with the Scottish Government’s Whole Farm Review Sche
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03/11/2011 - Right to have buidling appeals heard removed
Changes to legislation due to come into force on December 1, 2011 will remove the automatic right to be heard in appeal cases and applications called-in for determination by Scottish Ministers in relation to listed building and conservation area consent cases. The default duration of such consents will also be reduced from 5 yea
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02/11/2011 - Landowners Respond to Agricultural Holdings Bill Introduction
Following the introduction of the Agricultural Holdings Bill yesterday (Tuesday 1 November) Scottish Land & Estates Chairman Luke Borwick, said: “Scottish Land & Estates has underlined its support for the introduction of the remaining items of the agreed package of measures put to the Scottish Government by the Tenant Farming
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02/11/2011 - Planning Case Studies
Over 60 case studies of the new planning system in action are now available on the Scottish Government webstie. These cover a wide range of aspects of the new system including: ePlanning : Connecting a Remote CommunityNeighbour Notification MessageSection 75 procedures and the Future Infrastructure for ServicesWind Energy -
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02/11/2011 - Planning Performance Statistics
Updated statistics on planning performance in Scotland have been released by Scotland's Chief Statistician. The main findings are: The percentage of local applications decided within two months was 69.7% in the period April - June 2011, an increase from 63.4% for the previous quarter and the highest percentage for the last f
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01/11/2011 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers 24-28 October 2011
Parliamentary Questions and Answers from 24-28 October 2011. To view the questions and answers please click on the attachment below.
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01/11/2011 - Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 31st October 2011
To view Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 31st October 2011 please click on the attachment below.
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Ag Holdings Bill Introduced to Parliament
The Agricultural Holdings (Amendment) (Scotland Bill) was introduced to the Scottish Parliament yesterday (31 October 2011). The policy objective of this Bill is to amend legislative provisions relating to succession and rent review in order to create a better environment for the letting of farmland to the tenant farming sector
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28/10/2011 - Estates Given Thumbs Up At SNP Conference Poll
Scotland’s Estates were given a resounding ‘thumbs up’ in a poll conducted by Scottish Land & Estates at the SNP annual conference in Inverness last weekend. An impressive 75% of the 116 conference delegates polled in a short questionnaire on rural issues said their overall impression of estates in Scotland was positive.
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27/10/2011 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers week begining 17 October 2011
During Parliamentary Questions of week begining 17 October 2011 Fergus Ewing answered questions on renewable energy and Aileen Campbell answered questions on planning. To view the Parliamentary Questions and Answers that may be of interest to members please click on the attachment below.
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27/10/2011 - Parliamentary Bulletin week begining 25 October 2011
Scottish Land & Estates latest Parliamentary Bulletin can be viewed by clicking on the attachment below.
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27/10/2011 - Farmers urged to prepare for winter
To help farmers prepare the Scottish Government has identified a series of questions, based on actual problems regularly encountered during periods of severe weather, that will help farmers to identify their business risks and get ready. Issues regularly faced by farmers include access, livestock accommodation, feed, water
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26/10/2011 - Ministers meet for crucial CAP talks
Ministers from the four UK nations and DEFRA met in London yesterday (25 October) to discuss a range of rural issues with a focus on the forthcoming CAP and CFP negotiations. Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead put Scotland's case to DEFRA Secretary of State Caroline Spelman and ministers from the other nations. This wa
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26/10/2011 - New Compulsory Purchase guidance
The Scottish Government has launched new guidance on compulsory purchase orders for Local Authorities and an easy read guide for members of the public. This is the first time in over 30 years the guidance for Local Authorities has been updated. The updated guidance follows consultation which shows some local authorities are unc
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26/10/2011 - Renewable Heat Incentive Update
The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) Regulations have now been laid before Parliament and it is hoped that Phase 1 of the RHI will be open to applicants by the end of November 2011. The large scale biomass tariff has been revised from 2.7p per kWh to 1p per kWh. The exact date the RHI will come into force is dependent upon the
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21/10/2011 - Rural Connectivity
The UK Government has this week announced investment of £150 million in providing greater mobile network coverage across rural areas. Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey MP Danny Alexander has welcomed the announcement by saying, "Along with the ongoing work to bring improved broadband to all areas of the Highlands, this in
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21/10/2011 - Landowners Underline Commitment to Tenant Farming
Scottish Land & Estates, which represents 2,500 landowners across Scotland, said today (Friday October 21) there is ‘clear evidence’ of the commitment of landowners to the tenant farming sector. Luke Borwick, chairman of Scottish Land & Estates, welcomed the announcement today (Friday October 21) by Buccleuch Estates that i
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20/10/2011 - Chinese appetite for Scottish Salmon
In January this year, the Scottish and Chinese governments reached an agreement to allow seafood exports directly from Scotland to the People's Republic of China. Since then China has become the largest export destination for Scottish salmon in the Far East. Rural Affairs and Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "This
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20/10/2011 - Longannet Carbon Capture and Storage Project
Commenting on the statement made on the 19 October 2011 by the Secretary of State for Energy & Climate Change, Chris Huhne, that the Longannet Carbon Capture and Storage Project will not go ahead, First Minister Alex Salmond said: "This is a deeply disappointing announcement by the UK Government, and an enormous lost opportunit
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20/10/2011 - Council tax levy to tackle empty homes
Council tax levy to tackle empty homesCouncils are to receive new powers to tax empty homes that could help raise millions to build new affordable houses. The Council Tax on Empty Homes and Housing Support Grant Bill proposals could apply to the 25,000 properties that have currently been empty for more than six months and are l
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20/10/2011 - CAP Talks Begin in Luxembourg
The different views on EU CAP reform proposals were made very clear as member states discussed them for the first time since they were published last week. Speaking at the end of the EU Agrifish Council meeting in Luxembourg Richard Lochhead said: "The battle lines have been drawn, but as these negotiations get underway it
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20/10/2011 - Scottish Land & Estates fully engaged on CAP reform
This week Richard Lochhead promised to consult Scottish farmers and keep them fully informed throughout the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform negotiations. He launched a five-point plan to ensure that key stakeholders are aware of the latest developments and can make their voices heard. The five-point plan covers: Writ
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19/10/2011 - Events Newsletter - 19 October 2011
To view Scottish Land & Estates latest events enewsletter click here.
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17/10/2011 - Scottish Land & Estates objects to HSE’s proposal for cost recovery
Scottish Land & Estates has responded to the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) proposals for cost recovery. We have objected to the proposals, believing that they will impact disproportionately on rural businesses. The full response is attached below.
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17/10/2011 - Parliamentary Bulletin - week commencing 17 October 2011
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 17 October 2011. To view Bulletin please click on attachment below.
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14/10/2011 - Proven Energy Sold to Kingspan Renewables
Proven Energy, an Ayrshire based small wind turbine manufacturer, went into administration after a defect was identified in its P35-2 model and it advised customers to temporarily cease using the product. Receivers KPMG were called in and they have now sold the business and its assets to Kingspan Renewables. KPMG have said tha
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13/10/2011 - Planning Circular 5 2011: Disposal of Surplus Government Land - The Crichel Down Rules
Following consultation earlier this year -to which Scottish Land & Estates responded - the Scottish Government has published a new planning circular on the Disposal of Surplus Government Land – The Crichel Down Rules. This circular sets out the revised non-statutory arrangements known as the ‘Crichel Down Rules’ under whi
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13/10/2011 - Committee calls for evidence on availability of broadband
The Scottish Parliament’s Infrastructure and Capital Investment Committee is inviting views in relation to its work on the availability and roll out of broadband in Scotland. The Committee is conducting a scoping exercise: to assess the coverage, availability and uptake of broadband across Scotland to consider the ways in wh
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13/10/2011 - First Estimate of the Cereal and Oilseed Rape Harvest 2011
Figures released by Scotland’s Chief Statistician reveal the highest Scottish cereal harvest in more than 20 years, despite a delayed harvest due to the wet weather. Key trends between 2010 and 2011 show: For total cereals: production has increased by 346,000 tonnes (12.7 per cent) to 3.1 million tonnes this is the highest
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13/10/2011 - Situations Vacant: Outdoor Access Representatives required
Scottish Land & Estates is currently looking for members to represent land management interests at local access forum and countryside trust level. Stirling and Scottish Borders Local Access Forums are without a Scottish Land & Estates member representative and we would like to recruit a suitable member to represent land managem
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12/10/2011 - Scotland needs fair deal from CAP reform
Scottish farmers need a fair deal from common agricultural policy reform as well as support to continue sustainable and productive farming, ensuring continued high level of food supply. That was the message from Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead as he responded to the European Commission's proposals for reform of the Comm
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12/10/2011 - Let the CAP reform negotiations commence…
Scottish Land & Estates, which represents 2,500 landowners across Scotland, described the release of the European Commission’s extensively leaked Common Agriculture Policy Reform proposals as a “mixed bag”. Luke Borwick, Scottish Land & Estates Chairman said: “There are some positives for Scottish agriculture in these
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11/10/2011 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers
Parliamentary Questions and Answers from 3-7 October 2011 which are relevant to the rural sector and affect Scottish Land & Estates members. To view questions and answers please click on attachment below.
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10/10/2011 - Parliamentary Bulletin for week commening 10 October 2011
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commening 10 October 2011. To view bulletin please click on attachment below.
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06/10/2011 - New CARES Funding announced
Nearly £4 million of loans to help communities across Scotland develop locally-owned renewable energy projects were announced on Wednesday by Energy Minister Fergus Ewing. The loans, offered through the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES), will help with the pre-planning costs of 42 renewable energy projects. The loca
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06/10/2011 - Investing in housing despite UK cuts
Targeted capital investment will boost the number of affordable homes in Scotland, protect jobs and stimulate economic growth, Housing Minister Keith Brown told MSPs today. He reaffirmed a commitment to deliver 30,000 completed affordable homes, by the end of this Parliament, backed by investment of £600 million. At least 20,00
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06/10/2011 - Scottish Land & Estates Enewsletter - 6 October 2011
To view the latest Scottish Land & Estates Enewsletter click here.
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05/10/2011 - Housing Benefit Reform Update
To help raise awareness about the UK Government's HB reforms and their potential impacts on household incomes, the Scottish Government has launched a dedicated webpage, which can be found here.
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05/10/2011 - PERTHSHIRE LANDOWNERS TO DISCOVER FRESH APPROACHES TO RURAL TOURISM
LAND-based businesses in Perthshire are being asked to explore fresh approaches to cater for a range of tourists’ tastes and needs. Scottish Land & Estates’ next demonstration day will be held on Wednesday 19 October at Comrie Croft. The event will explore a myriad of ideas to inspire diversification into the rural touris
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05/10/2011 - Parliamentary Questions 26 - 30 September 2011
Parliamentary Questions & Answers - 26-30 September 2011 Summary Fergus Ewing answered questions on renewable energy and tourism.Alex Neil answered questions on broadband services.Richard Lochhead answered questions rural affairs and the environment.Aileen Campbell answered questions on building regulations. To view parliamen
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05/10/2011 - Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing Monday 3 October 2011
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 3 October 2011. To view Bulletin please click on the attachment below.
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03/10/2011 - Rise in farm payment euro rate
The Scottish Government has confirmed that the exchange rate to be used for the 2011 Single Farm Payment Scheme is 1 euro = 0.8665 pounds. The exchange rate to be used was set on Friday 30 September by the European Central Bank and has risen when compared with last year. The rate used in 2010 was 0.85995 pounds: the 2011 rate,
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30/09/2011 - The minority seeking Right to Buy must not be allowed to derail the process
Members of Scottish Land & Estates will have been appalled and alarmed by the recent so-called debate on the absolute right to buy for tenant farmers. This debate has been conducted largely through the pages of the Scottish Farmer with interventions from other agricultural journalists. What has been particularly depressing read
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30/09/2011 - Good news on Asulam from the Heather Trust
Simon Thorp's Blog provides a welcome update on the Asulam ban following a meeting with the manufacturers and NFUS yesterday in York. Read more...
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30/09/2011 - SNH Publish Outdoor Access Monitoring Report
Scottish Natural Heritage has published a report entitled Monitoring responsible behaviour among recreational users and landowners. The study was carried out to establish awareness levels following the enactment of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (2005). The report found that awareness of
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30/09/2011 - EID Latest
As members may already know that the Scottish Government, working with the UK Government and consulting with Scottish industry representatives, has successfully negotiated with the European Commission (EC) for a more proportionate EID cross-compliance system for Scottish sheep farmers. The Cabinet Secretary, Richard Lochhead ha
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30/09/2011 - Questions of Sport - Edinglassie Estate
LandBusiness visits Edinglassie Estate to see how being part of the Wildlife Estate Scotland Initiative is helping to promote effetive management of grouse moors.
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30/09/2011 - Call for Views on Scottish Government's Spending Proposals
The Scottish Parliament's Local Government & Regeneration Committee has launched a call for evidence on the Scottish Government's spending proposals for local government, contained in the Spending Review 2011 and Draft Budget 2012-13. Please see the call for evidence for details on how to make a submission to the Committee. Th
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30/09/2011 - Renewable Energy Production Drop in Scotland
Statistics from Whitehall’s Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) indicate that the total amount of renewable energy produced from wind and hydro power schemes in Scotland fell last year. Low rainfall meant that hydro fell by a third and despite a sharp increase in the number of wind turbines installed, there was on
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30/09/2011 - Delay to Launch of Renewable Heat Incentive
The launch of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) for non-domestic generators, which was planned for 30th September 2011, has been delayed. State aid approval is a necessary condition for the scheme to go ahead. As part of that process, the European Commission has expressed concerns that the large biomass tariff is set too hi
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30/09/2011 - Scottish Land & Estates Newsletter - 30 September 2011
To view latest Enewsletter click here.
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29/09/2011 - Parliamentary Questions
Parliamentary Questions from 1-23 September 2011 which may be of interest to Scottish Land & Estate members. To view questions please click on the attachment below.
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29/09/2011 - Parliamentary Bulletin
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 26 September 2011. To view the bulletin please click on attachment below.
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29/09/2011 - Changes to Muirburn Practice
The Muirburn Season starts on 1 October 2011 but this year there have been some changes to the muirburn legislation that all those involved with muirburn need to be aware of. Changes to the legislationThe Wildlife & Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 (W&NE Act) introduced some important changes to the muirburn legislation
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28/09/2011 - RURAL SCOTLAND KEY FACTS 2011
Scotland’s Chief Statistician has today published Rural Scotland Key Facts 2011. The statistics provide a valuable evidence base on key policy areas affecting rural Scotland and provide comparisons between remote rural areas, accessible rural areas and the rest of Scotland. Full details are contained in the publication, availa
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27/09/2011 - Self Build Guide Published
The Scottish Government has developed a Self Build Guide to help people who are new to self build understand what is involved and where to go to find out more. The guide gives anyone considering self build in Scotland for the first time an idea of the issues, costs, and possibilities that need to be considered.
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27/09/2011 - Wildlife Habitat Trust Celebrates 25 Years
The 25th anniversary of the Wildlife Habitat Trust (WHT) has been marked with the release of a film that shows footage of clubs which have benefited from WHT loans across the UK. The WHT was created by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) at the request of wildfowling members. Its aim was to provide a
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27/09/2011 - Check, Clean, Dry Campaign Launched
The Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, Stewart Stevenson, launched a campaign today to tackle aquatic invasive non-native species and minimise their spread. The “Check, Clean, Dry Campaign” was launched by the Minister during a visit to Loch Leven National Nature Reserve in Kinross. The campaign is designed
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27/09/2011 - Positive census results for farmers
The latest statistics on Scottish agriculture give grounds for cautious optimism, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said yesterday. Mr Lochhead was commenting on the June 2011 Agricultural Census which was published today by Scotland's Chief Statistician. Among the key points in today's statistics were: * The beef herd
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27/09/2011 - Boost for Offshore Renewables Industry
A £35 million development fund to support production of new offshore wind technology in Scotland was unveiled on 27th September 2011 by First Minister Alex Salmond. The fund will be administered by Scottish Enterprise and is open for applications from across Scotland until March 2013. It is a highly targeted inward investment i
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23/09/2011 - Final salmon and sea trout fishery statistics 2010
Scotland's Chief Statistician today published the salmon and sea trout fishery statistics for the 2010 season. The publication provides an overview of rod and net catch together with net fishing effort based on returns from proprietors/occupiers/agents of salmon and sea trout fisheries throughout Scotland for the 2010 fishing s
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23/09/2011 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers
Parliamentary Questions which may be of interest to Scotitsh Land & Estates members. Answered by Stewart Stevenson ( 21/09/2011 ):The Food and Environment Research Agency’s recent report, Review of evidence concerning the contamination of wildlife and the environment arising from the use of lead ammunition, looks at the posit
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23/09/2011 - Right to Buy Discussions wtih Rob Gibson MSP
Earlier this week, Scottish Land & Estates’ Board Member and TFF rep Andrew Howard and senior staff met with Rob Gibson, Convenor of the Scottish Parliament’s Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee to exchange views on Right to Buy and the impact on the let land sector of the reopening of the debate. Durin
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23/09/2011 - Parliamentary Bulletin
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 19 September 2011. To view please click on attachment below.
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23/09/2011 - Catch and Release at Record High
CATCH AND RELEASE AT RECORD HIGH Anglers are increasingly heeding calls to operate a catch and release policy, according to the latest figures released by Marine Scotland today, helping to support vulnerable stocks.The figures show that the total rod catch for salmon was the highest on record, with 110,496 salmon and grilse cau
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23/09/2011 - Reaffirming Crown Estate contribution
Scottish Land & Estates has strongly refuted the claims made by Community Land Scotland that the Crown Estates puts little back into local communities. Ahead of the Scotland Bill Committee’s evidence session on Tuesday, Scottish Land & Estates highlighted the positive social, economic and environmental contribution made by the
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23/09/2011 - Bee Disease Confirmed in Scotland
Three samples of bees sent to Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA) for analysis have tested positive for Nosema ceranae. This is the first time the disease has been confirmed in Scotland. Nosema ceranae is a microsporidial disease of honeybees which may cause dwindling of the bee colony. For further information CLI
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23/09/2011 - Absolute Right to Buy Discussions
Our Chairman Luke Borwick, Board Director Andrew Howard, a Tenant Farming Forum (TFF) representative and CEO, met with the National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS) and the Scottish Tenant Farming Association (STFA) this week to counter the ongoing call by the STFA to bring in absolute right to buy provisions.
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22/09/2011 - Asulam Appeal Fails
The Appeal Committee met on 20th September to review the registration of Asulam and unfortunately the appeal failed. There was not sufficient support from other Member States and therefore Asulam will be removed from the list of chemicals approved for use in the EU. The expiry date for sale, supply and advertisement is 31 De
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21/09/2011 - Scottish Land & Estates Responds to Budget Announcement
Scottish Land & Estates today welcomed the renewed commitment in the Scottish Government’s spending review to provide continued financial support to rural communities across the country. Douglas McAdam, Chief Executive of Scottish Land & Estates, said: ”We are delighted that the Scottish Government recognises that far
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21/09/2011 - Rural and Environment - Spending Review Announcement
Opportunities to make rural communities even stronger and increase their already significant contribution to economic growth is the Scottish Government's main focus for the next three years said Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Environment Richard Lochhead today. Mr Lochhead said rural communities will continue to play
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21/09/2011 - Spending Review Announcement
Over three quarters of a billon pounds will be transferred from resource expenditure into the capital investment programme to support economic recovery, it was announced today. The Scottish Spending Review 2011, published today, confirms that despite a 36 per cent real terms cut to Scotland's capital budget in the UK spending r
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21/09/2011 - Affordable Housing Securing Planning Consent 2010/11 - Publication Announcement
The Scottish Government has today published Affordable Housing Securing Planning Consent Survey 2010/11 This report presents key statistics from the fifth annual survey of planning authorities on the amount of affordable housing provision granted planning consent during the 2010/11 financial year, and the four previous years.
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16/09/2011 - Cost of Planning Increasing Says Audit Scotland Report
A recently Audit Scotland report published , Modernising the planning system, assesses whether recent reform of the planning system is making it more economic, efficient and effective. The report finds that, while public bodies involved in planning are now working better together, the time councils take to decide planning applic
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16/09/2011 - Scottish Land & Estates Enewsletter - 16 September 2011
To view Scottish Land & Estates Enewsletter click here.
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15/09/2011 - New Scottish Land & Estates Directors
Strengthened by factor of three Scottish Land & Estates welcomed three directors to the Board over the summer to bring more expertise, insight and passion to help develop the strategic direction for the organisation. They are Daye Tucker, Sir Alastair Gordon Cumming and Sarah Troughton. Daye TuckerDaye runs a diversified farm
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15/09/2011 - Parliamentary Questions & Answers - 9 September 2011
Parliamentary Questions & Answers dated 9 Septemer 2011 which may be of interest to members. To view please click on attachment below.
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15/09/2011 - Views on Business Gateway Sought
The views of local business people are being sought as part of an inquiry launched today into Business Gateway by the Scottish Parliament's Economy, Energy and Tourism Committee. The committee would like to hear from business people across Scotland who use the Business Gateway service which is designed to offer advice and inform
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14/09/2011 - SCOTTISH LAND & ESTATES RESPONDS TO RSPB SCOTLAND REPORT
Douglas McAdam, Chief Executive, Scottish Land & Estates, which represents around 2,500 landowners in Scotland, said: “The official government statistics were issued by Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture last month and were commented upon widely by police, government and other organisations. "The illegal poisoning of
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13/09/2011 - Parliamentary Bulletin
Scottish Land & Estate's Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing Monday 12 September 2011. To view please click on the attachment below.
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13/09/2011 - Scottish Land & Estates Events Newsletter - 13 September 2011
To view Scottish Land & Estates Events Newsletter - 13 September 2011 please click here.
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12/09/2011 - Housebuilding Infrastructure Loan Fund
The Scottish Government is calling for applications to a new £10m Housebuilding Infrastructure Loan Fund, which will offer repayable loans to support the provision of enabling infrastructure and other work required to bring forward new housing. The fund is open to applications from any and all organisations and entities and
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12/09/2011 - Scottish Government Economic Strategy Launched
Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth, John Swinney, today launched the Government Economic Strategy, which sets the direction for the public sector - Scottish Government, enterprise bodies, VisitScotland and other key agencies - to work collaboratively with the private, academic and third sectors to a
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09/09/2011 - Success as Scottish Government chooses not to gold plate new GAEC measure
The Scottish Government has to introduce a new GAEC measure to establish buffer strips along water courses on the 1st January 2012, as a result of the CAP Health Check. The options available to the Scottish Government ranged from introducing the minimum standards relating to land application of fertilisers near water courses as
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09/09/2011 - CAP Reform – more details emerge
The European Commission continues to leak like a sieve with new details emerging of the draft direct payments regulations due to be released on October 12th. A great deal of caution is required with dealing with leaked information, but it at least provides an insight into the way that the Commission is thinking about the issue
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09/09/2011 - HARVESTING OPPORTUNITIES IN FOOD AND DRINK
LAND-based businesses are being asked to enhance the reputation of Scotland as a country of amazing food and drink. Scottish Land & Estates’ next demonstration day on Friday 23 September will encourage interested businesses to make the most of Scotland’s natural culinary offerings, with a focus on the wealth of local produce
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09/09/2011 - Houses in Multiple Occupation
Legislation intended to clarify and simplify the process for a Landlord to apply for a Houses in Multiple Occupation Licence came into force on 31 August 2011. However, this includes severe penalties for non-compliance in relation to HMOs entered into after that date (and which were not existing or pending before), of which La
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09/09/2011 - Scottish Land & Estates Newsletter - 9 September 2011
To view Scottish Land & Estates Newsletter for 9 September 2011 please click here.
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08/09/2011 - LANDOWNERS RESPOND TO LEGISLATIVE PROGRAMME
Scottish Land & Estates, which represents over 2500 landowners in Scotland, today reinforced its members’ commitment to a vibrant tenant farming sector in Scotland, in line with emphasis of similar support in the Scottish government’s new legislative programme. Chief Executive Douglas McAdam commented: “We share the go
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07/09/2011 - Legislative Programme Announced
First Minister Alex Salmond launched a Programme for Government today with a pledge to pursue economic growth and reformed public services to deliver better outcomes for all of Scotland's people. The Programme for Government document outlines Scottish Ministers' legislative and non-legislative priorities for the new 2011-12 Par
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07/09/2011 - Parliamentary Questions - August 2011
Parliamentary Questions for August 2011 which may be of interest to members. To view please click on the PDF below.
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07/09/2011 - Parliamentary Bulletin
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 5 September 2011 To view please click on the PDF below.
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07/09/2011 - Scottish Moorland Group Enewsletter
The Scottish Moorland Group's latest enewsletter to view click here
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02/09/2011 - LANDOWNERS WELCOME NFUS COMMITMENT
Scottish Land & Estates, which represents 2,500 landowners in Scotland, today praised NFU Scotland for underlining its commitment to a vibrant tenant farming sector. Responding to comments from NFUS President Nigel Miller at today’s Rural Law Conference in Aberdeen, Luke Borwick, chairman of Scottish Land & Estates, said: “
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02/09/2011 - Moorland management message to Minister
Stewart Stevenson MSP, Minister for Environment and Climate Change was welcomed to The James Hutton Institute’s Glensaugh Research Station today (Wednesday 31 August 2011) to find out more about issues affecting moorland areas. The visit was jointly arranged by The James Hutton Institute and the Moorland Forum and aimed to hi
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02/09/2011 - Revised Deer Management Code of Practice
Following analysis to the George St report of consultation responses and further stakeholder input, a revised Deer Management Code of Practice to the amended version, has been approved by SNH Board and submitted to Scottish Ministers. It will now be laid before the Scottish Parliament for approval as required by the Wildlife and
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31/08/2011 - Parliamentary Bulletin
Latest Parliamentary Bulletin. To view please click on PDF below.
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31/08/2011 - LEADER Guide Published
Projects throughout Scotland are being showcased to highlight the benefits LEADER funding can bring. Sixty successful projects are included in the Scottish LEADER Guide which was launched on Wednesday 31 August at the LEADER conference in Inverness, attended by Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead. Further information can be
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31/08/2011 - Parliamentary Questions July 2011
Parliamentary Questions for July 2011 which may be of interest to members. To view the Parliamentary Questions please click on the link below.
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30/08/2011 - Changes at Historic Scotland
After conducting a review of the agency’s business model and management structure, the Senior Management Team at Historic Scotland has introduced a new organisational structure. Further details can be found in the attached document. Historic Scotland is currently developing its new corporate plan for 2012-2015, and Scottish L
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26/08/2011 - Scotland needs dramatic upswing in deer farm numbers to meet venison demand
The Scottish Venison Partnership has announced today that if things don't change Scotland will lose out as the lucrative venison market grows, and that the country needs up to 500 more deer farms to cope with an ever increasing demand for this popular food product. The Group, which represents Scotland's venison industry, is also
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26/08/2011 - CAP Reform: another week, another leak
Following the leak of draft regulations relating to the future of direct payments and rural development support, another leak has emerged from the European Commission, this time with regard to the financing and monitoring arrangements that should apply to the CAP. As with all such leaks, it comes with a large health warning (it
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23/08/2011 - FARMS AND ESTATES LEARN TO PROFIT FROM THE PAST
FARMS AND ESTATES LEARN TO PROFIT FROM THE PAST HOW to boost Scotland’s rural heritage tourism sector? That will be the challenge laid down to delegates at the next Scottish Land & Estates demonstration day on Thursday 15 September in Inverurie. Interested farmers and estate managers will have the opportunity to learn mo
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23/08/2011 - Pre Budget Representations Response
Pre Budget Representations Scottish Land & Estates has received a response from HM Treasury to the representations submitted on 22 July 2011. To view the response please click on PDF below.
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23/08/2011 - Let us prey: Churchman fury at RSPB after attack on his flock
As a bird-lover, one of Scotland’s leading churchmen could have been expected to have been backing the ongoing battle to save the endangered sea eagle. But after being terrorised by the country’s largest bird of prey, which killed one of his prize-winning geese and left him wounded, the Very Reverend Hunter Farquharson, Pro
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19/08/2011 - KEY APPOINTMENT ANNOUNCED AT SCOTTISH LAND & ESTATES
Scottish Land & Estates has underlined its commitment to promote the social, economic and environmental contribution of landowners and estates with a key new appointment to its senior management team. The organisation, which represents around 2,500 landowners throughout Scotland, has appointed Paul Wakefield as Director of
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19/08/2011 - Farm borrowing rise is 'a positive move'
Newly released figures showing Scottish farmers increasing their borrowing requirements by £105 million to a new record height of £1.6 billion should be seen positively according to a leading banker."The increased borrowing figure stated in the survey illustrates the farming sector's continued ability to secure funding, largel
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19/08/2011 - Second U-turn over forestry group
Forestry Commission Scotland has performed another U-turn and added a second new member to its woodland expansion advisory committee – just a week after it said there was no space for other representatives on it. The appointment of Stuart Goodall, the chief executive of the Confederation of Forest Industries (Confor), emerged
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18/08/2011 - Health and Safety at Work and Personal Injury —Lyme’s Disease
In the Court of Session, the Outer House has ordered a case to go to proof to establish whether the Forestry Commission, as employers, are liable in respect of an employee who contracted Lyme’s Disease following infection through tick bites. This case will be of considerable interest to rural employers whose employees (inclu
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18/08/2011 - Lyon seeks fair share of CAP cash in Scotland Market round-up
LibDem MEP George Lyon has called on the UK Government to back the Commission’s proposals for a fair distribution of CAP cash between Member States. The commission’s budget proposals call for all member states who currently receive less than 90% of the EU average direct payments (approx €243 per hectare) to have 30% of th
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17/08/2011 - Land managers urged to take advantage of new streamlined funding approval process
Farmers, crofters and other land managers are being encouraged to take advantage of a new streamlined approval process for applications to the Rural Priorities scheme, part of the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP). Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs, announced the changes in March an
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17/08/2011 - Corporation Tax
The Scottish Government has this week published a Discussion Paper on the options for reform of Corporation Tax, which is currently reserved to Westminster. For further information click here.
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16/08/2011 - Scotland's Broadband Allocation
Responding to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) announcement today on funding for rolling-out broadband in Scotland, Alex Neil, Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment said: "I am disappointed with the allocation from the UK Government towards the Scottish Government's ambition for roll out
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12/08/2011 - Heather Beetle
Now is the time of greatest risk for heather beetle. Heather beetle is a sporadic problem – devastating when you have an outbreak but often forgotten about afterwards. Our knowledge of the behaviour of the beetle is not good and as a result we do not yet have the answers on dealing with its impact. The Heather Trust a
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12/08/2011 - Leaked Document Details Plans for Capping
As members are aware, the future of the Common Agricultural Policy is currently being debated with several options on the table at present. One proposal is that a cap on the amount of direct support that any one recipient can receive should be introduced. Scottish Land & Estates believes that a cap should not be introduced and,
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12/08/2011 - Chefs Toast The 'Golden Grouse' On The Glorious Twelfth
Shooting enthusiasts to pay up to £70,000 to shoot on Scotland’s moors LEADING Scottish chefs today toasted the ‘golden grouse’ as they prepared for the Glorious Twelfth. They were joined by grouse shooting enthusiasts who will pay up to £70,000 to shoot on Scotland’s moors from tomorrow. Despite weather conditions
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12/08/2011 - Glorious 12th - The Day Of The Green Grouse
Scotland’s grouse moor owners are calling for the Glorious 12th to be a day of national celebration – on which everyone can take pride in the major environmental contribution of the country’s iconic heather-clad moorland. The green dividend of Scotland’s moorland includes:- · Major impact on the conser
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11/08/2011 - Streamlined approval process for Rural Priorities applications on nature sites
Farmers, crofters and other land managers can take advantage of a new streamlined approval process for applications to the Rural Priorities scheme, part of the Scotland Rural Development Programme (SRDP). This process is available for projects worth up to £50,000 which will benefit designated natures sites (SSSIs and Nat
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05/08/2011 - Agri-Renewables Strategy announced
A major boost to expand renewable projects in the agriculture sector was announced today by Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead, through the development of an Agri-Renewables Strategy. While attending the annual Black Isle Show, Mr Lochhead explained the new Agri-Renewables Strategy will 'ensure that land managers can bene
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05/08/2011 - Cultural Plan Unveiled
Plans for a three-year celebration of Scottish culture and creativity have been announced by Culture and External Affairs Secretary Fiona Hyslop, which set out how Scotland will take advantage of the opportunities offered by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Scotland's Cultural
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05/08/2011 - Moorland Group Chairman sends letter to Minister for Environment and Climate Change
Lord Hopetoun, as Chairman of the Scottish Land & Estates Moorland Group, wrote on 5th August to Stewart Stevenson MSP, (Minister for the Environment and Climate Change), also copied to Fergus Ewing MSP, (Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism). The letter set out the benefits of grouse management to Scotlands’s economy
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01/08/2011 - Support for Beef Producers
A new Scottish Beef Scheme will be introduced from January 1, 2012 to ensure support payments to the beef sector continue until new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) regulations come into force. The scheme will help some of Scotland's most vulnerable beef producers by targeting payments towards small farms in hills and other less
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29/07/2011 - FLYTIPPING SMALL GRANT SCHEME
Zero Waste Scotland has launched a new flytipping grant scheme this summer, which will allow landowners/managers and communities to apply for small grants to help clear their land of flytipped material and create long-term, innovativedeterrents to flytipping. Anyone who has experienced problems with flytipping on th
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29/07/2011 - Section 75 Planning Obligations - Letter to Heads of Planning
Following the introduction of the formal process for modification or discharge of a planning obligation, the Chief Planner, Jim Mackinnon, has issued a letter to planning authorities clarifying that applications may be made to modify or discharge agreements made under section 75 prior to 1 February 2011. The letter also sets out
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22/07/2011 - Review of Landlord Registration Published
The Scottish Government has published an Evaluation of the Impact and Operation of Landlord Registration in Scotland, which looks at the operational impact of the policy and legislative framework for landlord registration and the effectiveness of the associated administrative systems. The research indicates that the Landlord Reg
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22/07/2011 - Scottish Enterprise Rural Leadership Programme 2011/12
If you play an active part in Scotland’s rural economy, you’ll understand the complexities and competing issues involved. That’s why Scottish Enterprise has developed the Rural Leadership Programme, to help you balance those challenges and make a real impact through your business. This six-month programme, commencing
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18/07/2011 - Parliamentary Bulletin
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 18 July 2011.
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18/07/2011 - Asulam update
The European Commission’s (EC) proposal for non-inclusion of asulam, used for bracken control in Scotland, in Annex I of the EC Plant Protection Products Directive (91/414/EEC) would mean that the product would be phased out and no longer legal for use after September 2012. The Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal
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15/07/2011 - Dog Walkers Urged To Be Cautious Near Cows With Calves
Ramblers Scotland and Scottish Land & Estates have joined forces to remind dog walkers to take care around cows with calves, following a number of recent incidents where walkers have been injured. Helen Todd, Development Officer with Ramblers Scotland commented: “At the height of summer there is nothing better for most dog o
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11/07/2011 - Parliamentary Buletin
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 11 July 2011.
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06/07/2011 - Full House At Deer Farming Demonstration Day
THE latest ‘demonstration day’ hosted by Scottish Land & Estates took place yesterday (Tuesday) at Stirling Mart and was packed out with delegates eager to learn more about the deer farming business. The event, held in conjunction with the British Deer Farms and Parks Association (BDFPA), gave attendees the opportunity to l
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06/07/2011 - More Planning Control Not The Answer For Scotland's Hill Routes
Scottish Land & Estates has urged the Scottish Government not to over-regulate Scotland’s hills and mountains. Responding to the Government’s consultation on Permitted Development Rights for access tracks into hill ground, the membership organisation for landowners has called for simplification of the curren
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05/07/2011 - Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 4 July 2011.
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05/07/2011 - Landowners Urged to 'Answer The Call' Of Wildlife
‘Answer the call’ of wildlife. That is the challenge being laid down to land and estate owners by Wildlife Estates Scotland (WES) and the Scottish Government at today’s (Friday) Game Fair.Over 200 farms and estates have signed up to the WES initiative since it was launched last November. Today marks the start of a pilot pr
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04/07/2011 - Wader friendly land use
Scottish Land & Estates, Game and Wildlife Conservancy Trust (GWCT) and RSPB Scotland joined forces on 1st July 2011 at Scone Gamefair to raise awareness about the current decline in waders and to promote wader friendly land use practices. At the joint reception, Scottish Land & Estates Chief Executive Douglas McAdam emphasise
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01/07/2011 - The potential of development charges in the Scottish Planning System
A report has been published by the Scottish Government, which provides the findings of a five month research study from Autumn 2010 to Spring 2011 on the potential of development charges in the Scottish Planning System. The Scottish Government states that the financing of infrastructure is currently a key constraint to developme
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01/07/2011 - Scottish Land & Estates Considers CAP Budget
Scottish Land & Estates has welcomed the European Commission’s announcement that it plans to preserve in cash terms the EU budget for farmers and land managers. Although the Commission's proposal represents a modest reduction in real terms over the seven-year period of the next CAP budget, it is as good an outcome as coul
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01/07/2011 - Historic Environment Act 2011 Commencement
The provisions in the Historic Environment (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2011 (HEAS Act) are being commenced in two phases. The first phase of provisions in the Historic Environment (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2011 came into force on 30 June 2011. The second phase will be commenced in late Autumn 2011. A
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30/06/2011 - Scottish Land & Estates Stresses Community Ownership Not The Only Option
Following the release of an SAC research report looking at community land ownership and community resilience, Luke Borwick, Chairman of Scottish Land & Estates, has stressed that community ownership is only one of the solutions for developing vibrant communities. To read more click on the PDF below.
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29/06/2011 - Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 27 June 2011.
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27/06/2011 - News from Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group
Scottish Country Sports Tourism Group News
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24/06/2011 - Scottish Land & Estates Commends Rural Affairs Announcement
Scottish Land & Estates has released the following response to today’s announcements by Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead regarding a new advisory group on farming and forestry and the extension of the farm woodlands leasing programme:
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24/06/2011 - Scottish Land & Estates Supports European Vote On Agri Spending But Not Capping
Scottish Land & Estates Supports European Vote On Agri Spending But Not Capping 23 June 2011 Scottish Land & Estates has welcomed today’s decision by the European Parliament to defend the agriculture budget. Chairman of Scottish Land & Estates Luke Borwick commented: “Agriculture is being expected to play an
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23/06/2011 - Scottish Land & Estates Commends Rural Affairs Announcements
SCOTTISH LAND & ESTATES COMMENDS RURAL AFFAIRS ANNOUNCEMENTSScottish Land & Estates has released the following response to today’s announcements by Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead regarding a new advisory group on farming and forestry and the extension of the farm woodlands leasing programme: &nbs
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21/06/2011 - Parliamentary Bulletin
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing Monday 20 June 2011.
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16/06/2011 - Parliamentary Bulletin
Scottish Land & Estates Parliamentary Bulletin for week commencing 13 June.
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16/06/2011 - Scottish Land & Estates and Historic Houses Association for Scotland Sign Partnership Agreement
Scottish Land & Estates and the Historic Houses Association for Scotland have announced they will form a new strategic partnership to conserve the best of Scotland's unique built heritage.
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15/06/2011 - Bluetongue Restrictions Lifted
Bluetongue Restrictions Lifted The Scottish Government has announced that restrictions regarding bluetongue will be lifted for livestock exporters from 5 July 2011. Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has welcomed the news by saying, “This is good news for our livestock industry.” By declaring bluetongue free status
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13/06/2011 - Scottish Land & Estates A New Era for Landowners
Scottish Land & Estates, a new voice for landowners in Scotland, is unveiled today. Scottish Land & Estates, which represents around 2,500 landowners, has been created to:-
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12/06/2011 - Study points finger at cattle vaccine
A UK Government report on a mystery new illness affecting calves yesterday pointed the finger of blame at a vaccine used to combat bovine viral diarrhoea in cattle. To read more click here.
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11/06/2011 - New for Rural Priorities 2011
The European Commission approved changes to the SRDP, Rural Priorities at the beginning of this year. Changes to option guidance reflecting the amended regulations are available from the Scottish Government
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11/06/2011 - Response to Code on Non-Native Species
The organisation has this week submitted comments to the Scottish Government on the draft Code of Practice on Non-Native and Invasive Non-Native Species. This Code was a requirement in the Wildlife and Natural Environment Act 2011. In the response, we stressed that the Code must be written in a grammatically accurate and cl
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11/06/2011 - New SPICe Briefing on Rural Affairs and Fisheries
A new SPICe briefing on Rural Affairs and Fisheries has been published. This briefing is written for the benefit of both new MSPs and those returning to the Parliament. More detailed briefings on rural affairs topics will be produced throughout the parliamentary session. It provides an overview of the main issues within the rura
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11/06/2011 - New SPICe briefing - SB 11-39 Energy: Subject Profile
A new briefing SPICe Briefing on Energy: Subject Profile has been published. It provides an introduction to the energy sector in Scotland; within a UK, European and Global context. It addresses reducing demand, renewable technologies, energy for transport, heat and electricity. It then considers key policies and targets. To v
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10/06/2011 - Parliamentary Committees Announced
14 Scottish Parliamentary Committees, including a Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee, are to be established. SNP MSPs have been announced as convenors of most of the committees. The party's overall majority means it can choose conveners for nine of Holyrood's 14 committees, with Labour getting four
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10/06/2011 - Wages Board Proposals
Following the annual meeting of the Scottish Agricultural Wages Board (SAWB) on Wednesday, it is being proposed that the minimum agricultural wage increases by 2.5% from 1 October 2011 and that agricultural workers be given an extra day's holiday. The SAWB will meet again on 19 August to decide whether the proposals for i
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10/06/2011 - Changes to Ag Holdings Legislation
Tenant Farming Forum - New Information Note on changes to Agricultural Holdings legislation The TFF has published on its website a new Information Note on the provisions of the Public Services Reform (Agricultural Holdings) (Scotland) (Order) 2011. To view click here.
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SRPBA Concern At European Vote
Following the vote of the European Parliament's Agriculture Committee on the Dess report last week, Scottish Land & Estates has expressed concern that the issue of capping direct payments appears to be back on the policy agenda. While the organisation is supportive of much of the report, including the emphasis on food pro
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02/06/2011 - SRPBA Welcomes Ecosystem Report
The SRPBA has welcomed the National Ecosystem Assessment (NEA) published today (2 June),calling it an invaluable contribution to our improving knowledge of the wide range of benefits thatland managers deliver to society.
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01/06/2011 - Halt to Rural Schools Closures
Scottish local authorities have been asked not to progress or bring forward new proposals to close any rural school for one year. A Commission on the Delivery of Rural Education will be established to consider the provision of education in rural communities and to take a comprehensive look at the Schools (Consultation) (Scotlan
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31/05/2011 - Capping Direct Payments Would Hit The Wrong Target
The SRPBA has expressed concern that the issue of capping direct payments appears to beback on the European policy agenda following the latest Agriculture Committee vote on the futureof the Common Agricultural Policy.
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13/05/2011 - Draft Code of Practice on Deer Management
The Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 required SNH to draw up a Code of Practice for the purpose of providing practical guidance in respect of deer management. A draft Code has now been published for consultation and SNH are inviting views before 1 July 2011. The final Code will be subject to Parliamentary app
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29/03/2011 - Wildlife Estates Pilot Locations Unveiled
Three Scottish estates in the Cairngorms National Park were today (Tuesday) named asthe first to pilot the pioneering Wildlife Estates Scotland (WES) initiative.
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11/03/2011 - SRPBA Gives Cautious Welcome to Renewable Heat Incentive
The £860m Renewable Heat Incentive, announced yesterday by the Department forEnergy and Climate Change, has been broadly welcomed by the Scottish RuralProperty and Business Association (SRPBA).
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10/03/2011 - Rural Broadband Summit
Following the launch of the Scottish Government's Digital Strategy, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Richard Lochhead convened a special summit in Edinburgh in March , along with Jim Mather, Minister for Enterprise, Energy & Tourism to look at the rollout of next generation broadband in rural and remote areas of Sc
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03/03/2011 - WANE Bill Stage 3 Update
The Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill passed it’s final hurdleyesterday evening when the Parliament voted it onto the statute books following adebate in the Scottish Parliament this afternoon. The Act will still be subject to RoyalAssent which is expected in a few weeks’ time.
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02/03/2011 - RSPB Accused of Scaremongering on Raptor Death Figures
Five leading rural land management organisations today (Wednesday) reiteratedtheir condemnation of the illegal killing of birds of prey while accusing the RSPB ofirresponsible scaremongering on the eve of the final stage hearing of the Wildlife andNatural Environment (WANE) Bill in the Scottish Parliament.
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17/12/2010 - Response to A Draft Land Use Strategy For Scotland
SRPBA Responds to the Draft Land Use Strategy The SRPBA has submitted its response to the Scottish Government consultation on the draft Land Use Strategy and advised that it is supportive of the principle of a Land Use Strategy (LUS) and believes that the Scottish Government is to be commended for attempting to produce an overa
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