This summer our Rural – Land & Business team visited 10 shows, from The Borders Union Show to the Argyllshire Gathering. Here’s what we heard.
In our hundreds of chats with land owners, managers, farmers and country dwellers this summer, a number of issues came up repeatedly. Here’s a rundown of some hot topics that may affect you over the coming months, and it’s certainly a varied mix.
Woodburners
Earlier this year, new Scottish Government regulations effectively banned the installation of woodburners in new-build homes, in a bid to tackle greenhouse gas emissions. Many in the rural sector thought policymakers had failed to take into account the realities of country living, so they will be glad to learn that the Scottish Government are reviewing the regulations and currently woodburners may be permitted if they can justify the need.
Native species
August saw the birth of the first wild-born beavers in Scotland for 400 years in the Cairngorms National Park. While this is certainly a conservation milestone, some farmers and landowners have mixed feelings about their reintroduction in, or near, agricultural areas. Others have apprehensions about proposals to reintroduce lynx in Scotland and Northumberland. For land managers, the issues raised by such projects range from their own wildlife management practices to rights to compensation for loss of income.
Peatland restoration
Peatland restoration continues to be a talking point for Lindsays clients, with our Rural – Land & Business team regularly consulted on projects around maximising land use. The Scottish Government reported record levels of peatland restoration over the 12 months to June 2024, and the increasing number of schemes and incentives available is likely to sustain the boom in such projects.
Land reform
Finally, the big trending themes for everyone in the rural sector continue to be the uncertainties over proposals in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill and the passing of the Agricultural and Rural Communities (Scotland) Act 2024. On the former, one of the major concerns for our clients relates to the proposed changes for the resumption of leased land, which if passed into law could have huge ramifications for rural landlords.
In all these different areas, from land reform to log burners to lynx, there’s a huge amount of detail to digest as you weigh up the possible impacts and opportunities. Our specialist Rural – Land & Business team are always on hand to tell you more.
