ScotLand Matters: The Scottish Land and Estates Podcast

In this, our final episode for season one, Stephen Young, our Director of Policy, is joined by our newly appointed Press & Public Affairs Manager Cameron Gillies as they provide a summary of the work SLE is currently undertaking and share a glimpse of what’s coming next.

Following that, you’ll hear our Chief Executive Sarah-Jane Laing sit down to chat with Cameron, and our Senior Policy Adviser (Agriculture and Climate Change) Eleanor Kay, as they discuss the Scottish Government’s Cabinet reshuffle and its implications.

This episode was recorded on 7 and 12 February 2024.

ScotLand Matters is the official podcast of Scottish Land & Estates, hosted by Carmen McPherson and produced by Calum Henderson.

In this episode, the first of two recorded in person at Leys Estate in Banchory, our Head of Regions Fiona Van Aardt sits down with members of Leys' team to hear about how they have been celebrating the estate's 700th anniversary.

This episode was recorded on 21 and 22 September 2023.

ScotLand Matters is the official podcast of Scottish Land & Estates, hosted by Carmen McPherson and produced by Calum Henderson. 

In this episode of ScotLand Matters, our last for 2023, you’ll hear our Chief Executive Sarah-Jane Laing sit down with SLE Chairman Dee Ward as they discuss what 2023 looked like for Scottish Land & Estates. 

In this episode, expect to find out:

• Some of SLE's highlights throughout 2023
• Thoughts and hopes for 2024
• and much more!

This episode was recorded on Tuesday 19 December.

ScotLand Matters is the official podcast of Scottish Land & Estates, hosted by Carmen McPherson and produced by Calum Henderson. 

In this episode of ScotLand Matters, you’ll hear our Senior Policy Adviser (Agriculture and Climate Change) Eleanor Kay in conversation with Dr Calum Brown, Co-Chief Scientist at Highlands Rewilding. In his role as a land system scientist, Calum is interested in how land management affects ecosystems and societies.

In this episode, expect to find out:

• What was the inspiration behind Highlands Rewilding?
• The different estates managed by Highlands Rewilding and the varied approaches taken to maintaining them
• The importance of sharing information and community involvement, and much more.

This episode was recorded on Wednesday 25 October.

ScotLand Matters is the official podcast of Scottish Land & Estates, hosted by Carmen McPherson and produced by Calum Henderson. 

In this episode of ScotLand Matters, Sarah Madden, our Policy Adviser (Rural Communities), and Hannah Lloyd, our Business Development Manager, are joined by Jim Hume, Director of Policy, Public Affairs and Communications for Change Mental Health.

Expect to hear answers to questions including:

• What should you do if someone confides in you that they are concerned about their mental wellbeing?
• Are there common signs of poor mental health?
• What can employers do to take care of their employee’s mental health?

This episode was recorded on Wednesday 25 October.

ScotLand Matters is the official podcast of Scottish Land & Estates, hosted by Carmen McPherson and produced by Calum Henderson.

In this episode of ScotLand Matters, our Policy Advisor (Rural Property), Anna Gardiner, is joined by Chris Duncan and Darren Albury from Mill Architects. During their conversation we hear about the team’s love of architecture in the countryside, their unique approach to retrofitting rural properties, and how they deliver for rural businesses. This includes work on a recent project that won the Rural Property Award at this year’s Helping it Happen Awards.

This episode was recorded on Wednesday 13 September 2023.

ScotLand Matters is the official podcast of Scottish Land & Estates, hosted by Carmen McPherson and produced by Calum Henderson.

In this episode of ScotLand Matters, our Membership Communications Manager Carmen McPherson is joined by Caroline Pringle, Project Manager for Wildlife Estates Scotland (WES) and newly appointed WES Chairman Miles Montgomerie, along with James Joicey of Ford & Etal Estate.

In this episode of ScotLand Matters, our Chief Executive Sarah-Jane Laing is joined by Simon Ritchie, SLE's Press & Public Affairs Manager to discuss the newly published Programme for Government.

This episode was recorded on Friday 8 September.

ScotLand Matters is the official podcast of Scottish Land & Estates, hosted by Carmen McPherson and produced by Calum Henderson.

In this episode of ScotLand Matters, our Policy Adviser (Rural Property), Anna Gardiner, is in conversation with Steve Wood, Technical Director of Conservation for Narro Associates.

Expect to find out:

• The purpose of a structural engineer
• How the skills a structural engineer possesses which complement the work of an architect on a project
• And some background into the restoration work which has been undertaken on prominent structures, including Fairburn Tower, Hill House and Gala Fairydean Rovers Football Club

This episode was recorded on Monday 21 August 2023.

ScotLand Matters is the official podcast of Scottish Land & Estates, hosted by Carmen McPherson and produced by Calum Henderson.

In this episode of ScotLand Matters, our Director of Moorland Ross Ewing sits down with Southern Uplands Moorland Group's Regional Coordinator, Mark Ewart, and Audrey Williams, who runs SUMG's ladies group.

Expect to find out:

• how grouse shooting takes place
• the broader activities that the group engages with
• how the ladies group was formed
• and much more!

This episode was recorded on Saturday 15 July 2023.

ScotLand Matters is the official podcast of Scottish Land & Estates, hosted by Carmen McPherson and produced by Calum Henderson.

In this episode of ScotLand Matters, Tony Stevenson, our Director of Operations, explains why attending the Royal Highland show, and other shows and fairs across Scotland throughout the Summer is so important, not just for members, but for colleagues as well. You'll also hear an introduction and closing thoughts from our Chief Executive Sarah-Jane Laing, Dee Ward's first Royal Highland Show welcome to members as SLE Chairman, and some ambient sounds to give you a flavour of the atmosphere on the day.

This episode was recorded in person at the Royal Highland Show on Thursday 22 June 2023, and at SLE's HQ on Wednesday 5 July.

ScotLand Matters is the official podcast of Scottish Land & Estates, hosted by Carmen McPherson and produced by Calum Henderson.

In this episode of ScotLand Matters, our Membership Communications Manager Carmen McPherson sits down with our outgoing Chairman Mark Tennant to discuss his tenure in the post, and hopes for the future.

This episode was recorded on Thursday 4 May 2023.

ScotLand Matters is the official podcast of Scottish Land & Estates, hosted by Carmen McPherson and produced by Calum Henderson.

In this episode of ScotLand Matters, our Chief Executive Sarah-Jane Laing is joined by Simon Ritchie, SLE's Press & Public Affairs Manager. This episode focuses on the current political landscape in Scotland. Listeners can expect to hear thoughts on various topics, including:

• Scotland's new First Minister, Humza Yousaf.
• Yousaf's newly appointed cabinet.
• What might these changes mean for SLE members and rural Scotland.
• Why this is the perfect time to start engaging with your MSP, if you haven't already.
• and much more.

This episode was recorded on Wednesday 5 April 2023.

ScotLand Matters is the official podcast of Scottish Land & Estates, hosted by Carmen McPherson and produced by Calum Henderson.

In this episode of ScotLand Matters, our Policy Adviser (Rural Communities) Sarah Madden is joined by Shona Glenn, Wellbeing Economy Lead at BiGGAR Economics. This episode focuses on the recently launched report "The Contribution of Rural Estates to Scotland’s Wellbeing Economy". Listeners can expect to hear answers to questions, including:

• Why was the report commissioned?
• Why focus on the wellbeing approach specifically?
• What information included in the report might surprise others?
• and much more.

This episode was recorded on Monday 6 March 2023.

ScotLand Matters is the official podcast of Scottish Land & Estates, hosted by Carmen McPherson and produced by Calum Henderson.

'ScotLand Matters: the Scottish Land & Estates Podcast' provides listeners with the opportunity to hear recently recorded discussions and interviews with fascinating people and senior figures from all over rural Scotland.

From chief executives to the leaders of small initiatives, and from land managers to estate owners, ScotLand Matters offers a peek behind the curtain at those who help rural Scotland thrive.

ScotLand Matters is available on all major streaming platforms.

Subscribe, leave a rating, and join us in conversation with those who work in and for the Scottish countryside.

ScotLand Matters is the official podcast of Scottish Land & Estates, hosted by Carmen McPherson and produced by Calum Henderson.

In this episode of ScotLand Matters, our Director of Policy Stephen Young speaks with Gillian Ogilvie, Managing Director (Edinburgh) at Will Rudd. This episode covers questions around Passivhaus Standards and retrofitting properties. Listeners can expect to hear answers to questions, including:

• What are Passivhaus Standards?
• What do these standards mean and what considerations need to be made for those looking to develop sites?
• Can older buildings be brought up to modern standards through retrofitting?
• and much more.

This episode was originally recorded on Thursday 2 March 2023.

ScotLand Matters is the official podcast of Scottish Land & Estates, hosted by Carmen McPherson and produced by Calum Henderson.

In this episode of ScotLand Matters, our Policy Adviser (Rural Property) Anna Gardiner sits down to speak with Clare Dunlop, Senior Associate Lawyer and Solicitor at Brodies LLP. This episode covers questions around the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act which was introduced by the Scottish Government last year. Expect to hear answers to questions, including:

• Does the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) Act mean that a landlord wouldn’t be able to get a property back until the end of these special measures?
• What should a landlord do if their tenant is struggling to pay their rent?
• Should landlords get on and get their rent review notices sorted out for March?
• and much more.

In this episode of Scotland Matters, find out about our Clydeside Regional Support Officer Nic MacLeod's recent trip to the Isle of Bute to meet and speak directly to some of the people directly involved with the running of Mount Stuart.

The second of two episodes, this podcast features conversations with Mark Low, Mount Stuart Trust’s Countryside Ranger, and Lynsey Nairn, Mount Stuart Trust’s Archivist. This is an episode all about discovery - from monuments on the island that even some locals may have previously unaware of, to the most surprising find within the archives!

The interviews featured in this podcast were recorded in person in Mount Stuart House on 26 October 2022.

ScotLand Matters is the official podcast of Scottish Land & Estates, and is produced by Calum Henderson.

In this episode of Scotland Matters, find out about our Clydeside Regional Support Officer Nic MacLeod's recent trip to the Isle of Bute to meet and speak directly to some of the people directly involved with the running of Mount Stuart.

The first of two episodes, this podcast features conversations with Campbell MacFadyen, Mount Stuart Trust’s Chef and member of Bute Kitchen, and Louisa Davison, the Visitor Experience Manager at Mount Stuart Trust. Expect to find out about securing produce on the island, information about Mount Stuart’s Christmas Food and Craft Market, and an answer to the question "what might surprise people most about living on Bute?"

The interviews featured in this podcast were recorded in person in Mount Stuart House on 26 October 2022.

ScotLand Matters is the official podcast of Scottish Land & Estates, and is produced by Calum Henderson.

In this episode of Scotland Matters, recorded the week of the Royal Highland Show, our Head of Policy Stephen Young chats with Lesley Mitchell of Whitriggs Farm, Sarah-Jane Laing, Scottish Land & Estates' Chief Executive, and Nic MacLeod, Clydeside Regional Support Officer for SLE. The conversation answers questions about the background of each individual, their experiences in agriculture and business, and what more can be done to help women step into and succeed in the industry.

This episode was recorded on 21 June 2022.

ScotLand Matters is the official podcast of Scottish Land & Estates, and is produced by Calum Henderson.

In this episode of Scotland Matters, our Chief Executive Sarah-Jane Laing sits down with Bob McIntosh, the Tenant Farming Commissioner with the The Scottish Land Commission, for a discussion around issues faced by those in the tenanted sector, looking at what's next, and how to encourage more people to get into farming.

This episode was recorded on 14 June 2022.

ScotLand Matters is the official podcast of Scottish Land & Estates, and is produced by Calum Henderson.

In this episode of Scotland Matters, our Wildlife Estates Scotland Project Officer Caroline Pringle sits down with ​Mark Reed, Professor of Rural Entrepreneurship and Co-Director of the Thriving Natural Capital Challenge Centre at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC). This episode works as a companion piece to an interview with Mark, featured in the latest edition of LandBusiness Magazine, asking questions around the subject of the soil carbon market, finding out more about the research taking place behind the scenes, and the implications for land managers across Scotland.

This episode was recorded on 5 April 2022.

ScotLand Matters is the official podcast of Scottish Land & Estates, and is produced by Calum Henderson.

In this episode of Scotland Matters, our Business Development Manager Hannah Lloyd sits down with ​Liz Barron‑Majerik, Director at Lantra Scotland, along with Alicja Blaszczyk and Rory Donaldson who were both winners at this years Lantra Scotland's ALBAS. Find out about the ALBAS, the winners, advice for young people looking to work in the rural sector, and much more!

This episode was recorded on 7 April 2022.

ScotLand Matters is the official podcast of Scottish Land & Estates, and is produced by Calum Henderson.

In this episode of ScotLand Matters, our Digital Projects Manager Calum Henderson chats with Caroline Pringle, Project Officer for Wildlife Estates Scotland (WES). The first in a series of upcoming WES-themed episodes, this is the perfect place to find answers to any questions you may have about the initiative.

Whether you are well-acquainted with WES, or hearing about it for the first time, this episode aims to provide you with background information about the history of Wildlife Estates Scotland and reasons to become accredited!

This was recorded on 19 April 2022.

ScotLand Matters is the official podcast of Scottish Land & Estates, and is produced by Calum Henderson.

In this episode of ScotLand Matters, our Policy Adviser (Rural Communities) Sarah Madden sits down with Mark Myles, Partner and Head of Planning Scotland at Bidwells. The episode answers questions you may have around the draft National Planning Framework (NPF4), including an explanation of what it covers, and its relevance and importance for rural Scotland.

In this episode of ScotLand Matters, our Policy Adviser (Rural Business & Property) Lindsay Duncan sits down with Neil Freshwater, Public Affairs Manager at VELUX. The episode covers VELUX's findings on the Healthy Homes Barometer, an annual research-based report that takes the pulse of Europe's building stock.

This episode is sponsored by Velux, and was recorded on 8 March 2022.

ScotLand Matters is the official podcast of Scottish Land & Estates, and is produced by Calum Henderson.

In this episode of ScotLand Matters, Scottish Land & Estates’ Head of Policy Stephen Young speaks with Partner and Head of Development and Planning for Bidwells, Andrew Wood, on strategic planning. The episode covers various questions around development and planning, including:

• What 'strategic planning' means 
• The different kinds of developments such planning can relate to
• The sort of things that landowners should consider when looking at a development site 

and much more. 

In this episode of ScotLand Matters, Scottish Land & Estates’ Digital Communications Officer Calum Henderson speaks with Ross Macleod of The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) about the Trust's demonstration farm at Auchnerran. Expanding upon 'Focus on the future of farming,' an article in the Autumn 2021 edition of LandBusiness Magazine (available online now), this episode covers a number of bases, from the purpose of the farm, and how it came to be, to the local wildlife in the area. The episode also covers questions around carbon audits and natural capital assessments, providing an introduction to those who may not be familiar with the terms or what these entail in a practical sense. 

In this episode of ScotLand Matters, Scottish Land & Estates’ Head of Policy Stephen Young speaks with Andy Turnbull of Bidwells on the subject of natural capital. The episode covers various subjects, including different variations of land uses (including regenerative agriculture), climate change, biodiversity, and more. This episode is sponsored by Bidwells, and was recorded on 24 August 2021. 

Recorded on Friday 30 July 2021 as part of our virtual offering for what would have been the week of the Border Union Show, this conversation saw FBR Seed's David Seed and Professor Russel Griggs joined by SLE's Chief Executive, Sarah-Jane Laing. Featuring an introduction and closing remarks from Trevor Jackson, Chair of the South East Committee, the conservation covers a variety of fascinating topics as the trio of speakers discuss what the future of rural businesses in the South of Scotland could and should look like.

Recorded on Friday 18 June 2021 as part of our virtual events for the Royal Highland Showcase, this conversation saw farmer and Chair of Quality Meat Scotland Kate Rowell, Chair of the Arable Sector Climate Group Andrew Moir, and Chair of the Dairy Sector Climate Change Group Jackie McCreery led in discussion by Scottish Land & Estates' Head of Policy Stephen Young.

Recorded on Thursday 17 June 2021 as part of our virtual events for the Royal Highland Showcase, this conversation saw NatureScot's Chair Dr Mike Cantlay in the hot seat being asked questions by SLE Chairman, Mark Tennant. Rewilding, biodiversity and working in partnership were some of the areas discussed.

Recorded on Wednesday 16 June 2021 as part of our virtual events for the Royal Highland Showcase, this conversation saw Scottish Land & Estates' Chief Executive Sarah-Jane Laing answer questions set by Alan Laidlaw, CEO of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland. Topics covered include the issue of land reform.

Recorded on Tuesday 15 June 2021 as part of our virtual events for the Royal Highland Showcase, this conversation saw Scottish Land & Estates' Policy Adviser Lindsay Duncan talk with Oxbury Bank's Nick Evans about financial management and funding available for Scotland's rural sector.