In this episode of ScotLand Matters, our Chief Executive Sarah-Jane Laing is joined by Simon Ritchie, SLE's Press & Public Affairs Manager. This episode focuses on the current political landscape in Scotland. Listeners can expect to hear thoughts on various topics, including: Scotland's new First Minister, Humza Yousaf. Yousaf's newly appointed cabinet. What might these changes mean for SLE members and rural Scotland. Why this is the perfect time to start engaging with your MSP, if you haven't already. and much more. This episode was recorded on Wednesday 5 April 2023 ..read more

In this episode of ScotLand Matters, our Policy Adviser (Rural Communities) Sarah Madden is joined by Shona Glenn, Wellbeing Economy Lead at BiGGAR Economics. This episode focuses on the recently launched report "The Contribution of Rural Estates to Scotland’s Wellbeing Economy". Listeners can expect to hear answers to questions, including: Why was the report commissioned? Why focus on the wellbeing approach specifically? What information included in the report might surprise others? and much more. This episode was recorded on Monday 6 March 2023. ScotLand Matters is the offic ..read more

'ScotLand Matters: the Scottish Land & Estates Podcast' provides listeners with the opportunity to hear recently recorded discussions and interviews with fascinating people and senior figures from all over rural Scotland. From chief executives to the leaders of small initiatives, and from land managers to estate owners, ScotLand Matters offers a peek behind the curtain at those who help rural Scotland thrive. ScotLand Matters is available on all major streaming platforms. Subscribe, leave a rating, and join us in conversation with those who work in and for the Scottish countryside. ScotLa ..read more

In this episode of ScotLand Matters, our Director of Policy Stephen Young speaks with Gillian Ogilvie, Managing Director (Edinburgh) at Will Rudd. This episode covers questions around Passivhaus Standards and retrofitting properties. Listeners can expect to hear answers to questions, including: What are Passivhaus Standards? What do these standards mean and what considerations need to be made for those looking to develop sites? Can older buildings be brought up to modern standards through retrofitting? and much more. This episode was originally recorded on Thursday 2 March 2023. ScotLand Mat ..read more

In this episode of ScotLand Matters, our Policy Adviser (Rural Property) Anna Gardiner sits down to speak with Clare Dunlop, Senior Associate Lawyer and Solicitor at Brodies LLP. This episode covers questions around the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act which was introduced by the Scottish Government last year. Expect to hear answers to questions, including: Does the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) Act mean that a landlord wouldn’t be able to get a property back until the end of these special measures? What should a landlord do if their tenant is struggling t ..read more

In this episode of Scotland Matters, find out about our Clydeside Regional Support Officer Nic MacLeod's recent trip to the Isle of Bute to meet and speak directly to some of the people directly involved with the running of Mount Stuart. The second of two episodes, this podcast features conversations with Mark Low, Mount Stuart Trust’s Countryside Ranger, and Lynsey Nairn, Mount Stuart Trust’s Archivist. This is an episode all about discovery - from monuments on the island that even some locals may have previously unaware of, to the most surprising find within the archives! The ..read more

In this episode of Scotland Matters, find out about our Clydeside Regional Support Officer Nic MacLeod's recent trip to the Isle of Bute to meet and speak directly to some of the people directly involved with the running of Mount Stuart. The first of two episodes, this podcast features conversations with Campbell MacFadyen, Mount Stuart Trust’s Chef and member of Bute Kitchen, and Louisa Davison, the Visitor Experience Manager at Mount Stuart Trust. Expect to find out about securing produce on the island, information about Mount Stuart’s Christmas Food and Craft Market, and an a ..read more

In this episode of Scotland Matters, our Business Development Manager Hannah Lloyd chats with Charlotte Gilfillan, Senior Associate Rural Land Management, Highland at Bell Ingram. This podcast aims to expand upon ideas that Charlotte brings up in her article in the latest edition of the LandBusiness Magazine. This podcast was recorded on the 18 August 2022. This podcast was edited by Joanna McPhillips, as part of her internship with Scottish Land & Estates. ScotLand Matters is the official podcast of Scottish Land & Estates, and is produced by Calum Henderson. Find out more about Scott ..read more

In this episode of Scotland Matters, recorded the week of the Royal Highland Show, our Head of Policy Stephen Young chats with Lesley Mitchell of Whitriggs Farm, Sarah-Jane Laing, Scottish Land & Estates' Chief Executive, and Nic MacLeod, Clydeside Regional Support Officer for SLE. The conversation answers questions about the background of each individual, their experiences in agriculture and business, and what more can be done to help women step into and succeed in the industry. This episode was recorded on 21 June 2022. ScotLand Matters is the official podcast of Scottish Land & Esta ..read more

In this episode of Scotland Matters, our Wildlife Estates Scotland Project Officer Caroline Pringle sits down with ​Mark Reed, Professor of Rural Entrepreneurship and Co-Director of the Thriving Natural Capital Challenge Centre at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC). This episode works as a companion piece to an interview with Mark, featured in the latest edition of LandBusiness Magazine, asking questions around the subject of the soil carbon market, finding out more about the research taking place behind the scenes, and the implications for land managers across Scotland. This episode wa ..read more