SLE is backing rural industries

Despite the on-going political turbulence, land-based businesses remain committed to their role as key drivers in the rural economy.

Speaking in Perth yesterday at the annual general meeting of Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), reelected chairman David Johnstone said that the organisation’s members provided thousands of direct jobs in a range of countryside industries as well as supporting indirect employment in supply chain trades and professions – both of which helped maintain demand for the public services which rural communities needed to remain viable: “Not only that, we have also maintained and enhanced the environment that is central to Scotland’s visitor economy and added to our natural capital for future generations,” said Johnstone.

He told the meeting that the future test for the sector would be to continue growing activity levels even further:

“Brexit presents both opportunities and challenges, not least in terms of our future trade relationship with Europe,” he said. “Yet, our rural businesses are a resilient force for good – and we will continue to make the case with decision-makers for a policy and legal framework that allows business to keep providing these priceless benefits.”

SLE executive director Sarah-jane Laing said the organisation’s aim was to have the true contribution of rural land-based businesses recognised and valued publicly and politically – a task which would require SLE to work at peak efficiency: “We have grown our staff team considerably over the past year and this has led to a better service for our members and also a substantial increase in the engagement we can enjoy with government and stakeholders.”