Rural issues on agenda at city land conference

Key policies on landed estates and the business of rural Scotland have been discussed at Perth Racecourse.

Over 60 people came to the soldout conference event and training day at the racecourse. Presentations included policies affecting landbased businesses, land reform, rural planning, agricultural holidays, and discussing new legislation for residential landlords.

Other workshops included energy efficiency in traditional buildings, the electronic communications code, and renewable energy.

Sarah-Jane Laing, executive director of Scottish Land and Estates, said: “Policy and legislation affecting rural businesses is constantly evolving and it is vital that land managers are fully up to speed with the political and legislative landscape.

“We were pleased to welcome land managers from right across Scotland to the event and it is clear from lively discussions that there is a continued desire to improve business practice and explore opportunities for business growth. The Scottish countryside remains very much open for business.”

Clive Phillips, head of land and rural business at Brodies LLP, added: “Rural Scotland is facing major challenges and opportunities with Brexit and land reform on the agenda. The rural sector is a valuable part of the Scottish economy and has the potential to become even more so. Therefore it is important that the sector can attract and retain the very best land managers for the future. Brodies is delighted to support this event in sharing knowledge with those who are leading the sector forward.”

Mark Fogden, Savills’ head of estate management, also said: “We are delighted to be involved in this important event as now, more than ever, land managers need to stay on top of their game.

“After a relatively quiet year to date, the sector is dealing with a raft of new issues from sporting rates, many of which will need to be appealed, to the introduction of the private residential tenancy and the modern limited duration tenancy.

“Change is undoubtedly in the air, but this can be as much a great opportunity as it is a challenge - a chance to entrepreneurial land managers to transform and improve rural business.”