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Welcome
This has been a very busy week indeed, it started with our AGM on Tuesday, included a flurry of press activity, and ended with us signing off the latest edition of LandBusiness magazine this morning, just in time for it to be printed and ready for the Royal Highland Show at the end of the month.
The AGM was the real highlight of the week, with First Minister Rt Hon Alex Salmond MSP delivering a resounding endorsement of the role of landowners, estates, farmers and rural business owners in Scotland. Mr Salmond's speech was forward thinking and very encouraging and was the most positive endorsement of the role that we play in Scotland by any politician from any party for a very long time.
But there was a lot more going this week than just the AGM...
I hope that you find the selection of items below useful and if you have any comments or views on this update or any of our communications with you, please contact:
communications@scottishlandandestates.co.uk
Paul Wakefield Director of Operations & Communications
T: 0131 653 5400
F: 0131 653 5401
www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk
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Landowners Play Key Role In 21st Century
Rural Scotland
 First Minister Alex Salmond delivered the keynote address at the annual meeting of Scottish Land & Estates in Edinburgh in which he said a partnership approach can boost rural recovery in a way which delivers economic growth.
Luke Borwick, chairman of Scottish Land & Estates, told the meeting: "Landowners and estates can make things happen; things Government wants to happen and things communities want to happen. Read more ...
First Minister's address...
Member Feedback
"Just a word of thanks for an excellent AGM on Tuesday. Very well-organised and stage managed on the day with a good lunch in between! To have Alex Salmond as the key note speaker on the first AGM of the new organisation was a real coup and I took considerable encouragement from what he said." Read more comments like these... |
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First Minister praises Centre for Rural Development
Scottish Land & Estates has revealed that a new Centre for Rural Development is to be created, to be chaired by Bruce Beveridge.
First Minister Alex Salmond gave particular recognition to the role landowners play in supporting rural Scotland and also welcomed the creation of the Centre for Rural Development during a speech to members at the Scottish Land & Estates AGM. He said: "As a body which represents more than 2,500 landowners, with estates, farms and rural businesses, your (Scottish Land & Estates') actions and decisions have a huge, lasting impact on the Scottish economy, and therefore on the prosperity and wellbeing of communities who live on the land...the Scottish Government is already working closely with Scottish Land & Estates on the wide range of issues where we share a commonality of interest." Read more... |
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Land Registration Bill
The Land Registration (Scotland) Bill Stage 3 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 found here.
An Information Sheet will be prepared for members.
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Scottish Land & Estates Backs Up SAC Report Recommendations
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 Scottish Land & Estates, Sarah-Jane Laing commented:
"The SAC report highlights differences between rural and urban areas, and also differences between rural areas themselves." Read more...
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Colleges merger will create new Rural University
The boards of Barony, Elmwood and Oatridge Colleges, and SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) have announced their formal agreement to merge to form Scotland's Rural University College (SRUC). SRUC will come into existence on August 1, 2012, following approval by the Cabinet Secretary.
The college partners have appointed SAC's chief executive and principal, Professor Bob Webb, as chief executive and principal of SRUC. A shadow board, with representatives from all the colleges, is now being established to drive progress and action ahead of August 1, when the new SRUC board, chaired by Lord Jamie Lindsay, will assume responsibility. |
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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) and will continue to do so for the good of all of those involved within the sector.
Read full press release and media coverage... |
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Clear, Hard Facts 'A Must' In Tenancy Debate
 Scottish Land & Estates facilitated the visit of three members of the Scottish Parliament's Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee (RACCE) to The Bute Estate, which is owned by the Mount Stuart Trust.
Douglas McAdam, Chief Executive of Scottish Land & Estates, added: "Agricultural Holdings legislation is complex and emotive. However, it is important that everyone with an interest, particularly politicians and decision-makers have clear, hard facts at their disposal. The industry as a whole will benefit from a more evidence-led approach." Read more... |
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Agricultural Holdings Stage 3 Debate
Members are advised that the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland) Bill stage debate will take place on the afternoon of Thursday 7 June 2012, commencing at 2.55pm. |
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How is EID affecting Scotland's sheep farmers?
Alyn Smith MEP will announce at Scotsheep on 6th June the launch of a survey of all farmers in Shetland to gather real statistics and data on the impact that the regulation on the electronic tagging (EID) of sheep has had in Scotland. Alyn's survey will by way of background also explain the timeline of EID and how it came to pass at all, the success the SNP government has had in making the EU Regulations workable and work ongoing to further reform the package.
The survey results will be presented to European Commission officials in July. Read more... |
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Westminster Agriculture Committee slams CAP greening measures
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee has released its latest report into greening and says that EU plans to impose new environmental regulations on farmers across Europe will reduce food production and are likely to harm the environment. In their latest report on Greening the Common Agricultural Policy, MPs reject the European Commission's proposed 'greening' regulations in favour of giving the Member States the flexibility to encourage farmers to tailor their land management to local circumstances. Launching the report, Anne McIntosh MP, EFRA Committee Chair said "as they currently stand, the Commission's proposals to green the CAP would hurt UK farmers, consumers and our countryside. They will reduce food security by taking land out of production and are likely to impact badly on our environment. It's a nonsense to think that farmers from Finland to Sicily should be tied to the same narrow prescriptive rules. One-size-fits all regulation cannot work across the range of environments found in Europe". Further information... |
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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 continue to be index-linked in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI) and the export tariff will be increased from 3.2p to 4.5p.
- The new tariffs should give a return on investment of over 6% for most typical, well-sited installations, and up to 8% for the larger bands.
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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 organisations through the scheme. The main aim of the scheme if to reduce the risks around the pre-development stages of renewable energy projects when it is uncertain as to whether planning, grid and capital finance will be secured.
If you are interested in this scheme please submit a short Expression of Interest to CES by email - further information here.
Alternatively, please contact Iona McDonald, Iona.McDonald@communityenergyscotland.org.uk,
telephone 0141 275 4889. |
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Comments Required from Members in NVZs
Do you live in a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone? If so, you should be aware that the Scottish Government is currently consulting on proposed amendments to the Action Programme for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (Scotland) Regulations 2008. This consultation will run until 25th June 2012 and Scottish Land & Estates encourages you to contribute to the organisation's response by emailing Janice.Fenny@scottishlandnadestates.co.uk with comments by18th June 2012 at the latest. |
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Deadwood in forests and woodlands: new practice guide
Forestry Commission has published new guidance for woodland owners and managers who want to know where and how to manage woodlands for deadwood.
The Guide aims to encourage owners and managers to develop a strategic approach to deadwood, with a strong emphasis on working with natural processes such as windthrow and decay.
A copy of the Guide is available on the Forestry Commission website... |
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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 requirement to submit deposits into a scheme will begin.
The schemes will be free to join and aim to protect the reputation of the majority of private rented sector landlords who act professionally and responsibly. Read more...
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South West Landowners Share Tourism Worries With Minister
 Landowners in the South West met with Scottish Government Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism, Fergus Ewing, to discuss barriers to tourism and development in the countryside at Dumfries House.
Matthew Sinclair, Chairman of Scottish Land & Estates' South West Committee, commented: "It was good to welcome Fergus Ewing as a guest at our South West Committee meeting and to share the frustrations, but also the hopes, of many of our members in rural areas seeking help with establishing and growing their rural businesses." Read more... |
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Government changes plans for VAT on static caravans
In his recent Budget, Chancellor George Osbourne announced that a VAT loophole would be closed from October this year and the 20% tax rate would be levied on the sale of static caravans.
However, after extensive representation from the tourism sector and caravan manufacturers, it has been announced that a reduced 5% tax rate will be imposed from April 2013 instead. |
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Consultation on the licensing of caravan sites in Scotland
The Scottish Government has issued a consultation seeking views on ways to improve the licensing of caravan sites.
The consultation is aiming to gather views on six proposals for tightening the site licensing regime. Views are also sought on the type of caravan site that the new law should apply to.
Caravan site licensing proposals:
- Proposal 1 - Statutory Minimum Application Criteria
- Proposal 2 - A Fit and Proper Person Test
- Proposal 3 - Duration of a Site Licence
- Proposal 4 - Issue of the Site Licence
- Proposal 5 - Enforcement of a Site Licence
- Proposal 6 - Ability of the Licensing Authority to Charge a Fee
A copy of the consultation is available here...
Scottish Land & Estates will respond to this consultation if we receive comments from members. Any views or comments should be directed to Ailsa.Anderson@scottishlandandestates.co.uk
by 6 August 2012. |
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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 training obtained prior to this Order will be taken into account. So where an approved body, having made a relevant determination of competence, issued a training certificate on or after 1st May 2010 and before the coming into force of this Order, that training certificate is deemed to be a valid training certificate. Further information... |
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Parliamentary questions
- Richard Lochhead answered questions on CAP, SRDP, and the aquaculture and fisheries Bill.
- Fergus Ewing answered questions on enterprise zones and the draft Energy Bill.
- John Swinney answered questions on renewable energy targets and energy efficiency.
- Derek Mackay answered questions on planning.
Parliamentary Questions and Answers |
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Consultation papers
Consultations closing soon
EU Environment Policy Priorities for 2020: Towards a 7th EU Environment Action Programme
Closing Date: 1 June 2012
Consultation on Options for a Blueprint to Safeguard Europe's Waters Closing Date: 7 June 2012
Loch Lomond Byelaw Review 2012 Closing Date: 18 June 2012
Members who wish to contribute to the Scottish Land & Estates' responses please see the list of consultations for details of the relevant member of staff to contact with any comments. |
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Contributions to this newsletter
We welcome any contributions that you wish to make to this newsletter to help us keep your fellow members informed.
If you have any events or diary dates which you would like us to publicise we will try our best to include them.
Please send details of any events or diary dates to
communications@scottishlandandestates.co.uk no later than Monday pm for inclusion in the next newsletter. |
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 | Please remember to submit any events or diary dates to
communications@scottishlandandestates.co.uk no later than Monday pm for inclusion in the next newsletter.
Jane Corcoran Communications Officer jane.corcoran@scottishlandandestates.co.uk T: 0131 653 5400 F: 0131 653 5401 www.scottishlandandestates.co.uk Disclaimer
Scottish Land & Estates seeks to ensure that the information in the enewsletter is accurate and up to date, though neither Scottish Land & Estates nor its employees are legally liable for any inaccuracies, mistakes, or omissions regarding this information. Scottish Land & Estates is not responsible for the content or external sites. |
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