Kintyre represented as rural estates host UK minister visit
The laird of Torrisdale Castle Estate represented Kintyre at a meeting with the UK Government’s Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland to discuss issues affecting rural businesses and communities.
Niall Macalister Hall was joined by representatives from several Argyll estates, including Torquhil Ian Campbell, the Duke of Argyll, at the meeting with John Lamont MP at Ardkinglas Estate near Cairndow last Thursday (May 18).
Among the key topics discussed at the event, organised by rural business organisation Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), were: the continuing problems with the A83 Rest and Be Thankful and the impact it is having on residents and businesses in the area; issues with improving local infrastructure and delays in the planning process; connectivity matters including broadband and connection to the energy grid; and housing shortages affecting families and the workforce.
Mr Macalister Hall, whose estate is home to Beinn an Tuirc Distillers, where award-winning Kintyre Gin is produced, as well as a range of self-catering accommodation, told the Courier he found it to be a good and constructive meeting.
“The minister listened to our concerns regarding various issues including the Rest and Be Thankful, deposit return scheme, the ferry woes and the delays within the planning system,” he said.
“Most are devolved issues but any pressure he can put on the Scottish Government to get some form of resolution can only help businesses through these trying times.”
The visit comes a short time after new SLE-commissioned research was published by leading economic consultancy BiGGAR Economics demonstrating the contribution of estates to Scotland’s wellbeing economy, generating an estimated £2.4 billion GVA/year for the Scottish economy and supporting approximately 57,300 jobs – around one in 10 rural jobs.
Estates also provide homes for 13,000 families and land for 14,000 rural enterprises whilst attracting an estimated 5.4 million Scottish residents annually to enjoy the natural environment.
“We are really pleased that SLE was able to organise the visit by John Lamont MP to Ardkinglas and provide a chance for him to meet and talk to estates who play a vital role in the economy of Argyll,” said Stephen Young, director of policy at SLE.
“Whilst there will be undoubted change for rural Scotland in the next decade, there is a wealth of opportunities ahead to benefit the communities of which these estates are a key part. Mr Lamont was really engaged with the discussions and we appreciate the time he took to visit and relay these views back to his colleagues in government.”
Mr Lamont said: “I’d like to thank SLE and Ardkinglas Estate for a very informative tour and discussion about what landowners are doing for the benefit of rural communities, the wider economy, nature, climate and food production.
“It was also interesting to hear more about specific challenges faced by rural estates and businesses in Argyll and Bute and across Scotland.
“The UK Government is committed to growing our economy as it means healthier businesses, more jobs and more prosperity.
“We look forward to continuing working with rural Scotland.”