Scottish Land & Estates Annual Conference 2024

As with every good conference, the 2024 Scottish Land and Estates Annual Conference began with bacon rolls – always a good sign! With keynote speakers from two of the main political parties alongside the former Director General of the National Trust, expectations were high from this year’s Conference. With a theme titled “Resilience: Building Successful Businesses For The Future”, it was clear that the day would be a thought provoking one for all attendees.

Following introductory remarks from Claire Taylor, Conference Chair who steered the whole event fantastically, it was up to Dee Ward to welcome attendees to the Conference which, of course, he did with aplomb.

Several panel discussions took place across the day exploring resilience, case studies that effectively showed Estates’ demonstrating it in action and what, future changes would be required to ensure a resilient future – all of which were fascinating. For this mini roundup however, we are going to focus on the Keynotes of the day.

First up, Anas Sarwar, Leader of the Scottish Labour Party. Mr. Sarwar struck a confident tone, becoming of a man who recognises the strong position that Labour are in nationally however, he did not dwell on this fact. Instead, he focussed on two key tenets throughout his address – stating that “the job of Government is partnership and collaboration”. He was very clear and consistent on these two points, suggesting that they underpinned everything from his “unashamedly pro-business, pro-growth” approach through to how “progressive and enlightened private landowners” can work to achieve a positive outcome regarding Land Reform. He conceded however, that we would not agree on everything on this topic. Many nods of agreement with that statement.

Anas Sarwar went on to identify his 3 key low hanging growth sectors, which he stressed he did not change, depending on the audience.  These were:

1. Maximising the green revolution opportunity – several concepts were mentioned, including micro nuclear, which he suggested should be reviewed.
2. Digital evolution and technology – a focus on fintech here
3. Brand Scotland and tourism – selling Scotland to the rest of the UK and the world, rather than the historical approach of selling Scotland to the Scots.

The latter of these, so called, low hanging opportunities was evidently a priority for Mr. Sarwar. The immense networks of the Whisky and Salmon industries were referenced as something that could be used to accelerate Scottish brands exposure abroad, delivering increased investment and new, yes you guessed it, collaborations and partnerships. Leveraging the Scottish heritage and links to the USA and elsewhere (reflecting past successes of Ireland here) was seen as another opportunity to be explored too.

In an entertaining exchange following a question from the floor, Mr. Sarwar remarked that “Our planning authority is an absolute disaster” and drew negative comparisons to the application processing time in Scotland when compared to one of our closest ‘rivals’, Manchester. The numbers were stark; 78 weeks for a decision in Scotland compared to 16 in Manchester – the decision of where investors would put their cash was an easy one, he suggested. The idea put forward was that of a National Planning Agency, where a premium would be paid to fast-track applications and there would be consistency and clarity as a result.

Throughout Mr. Sarwar’s address, he appeared keen to demonstrate his financial understanding and responsibility towards Scottish businesses by “working together to maximise the opportunities for Scotland”. All good stuff but will he get the opportunity to deliver on it?

Following the Leader of the Scottish Labour Party and after a rushing about of SPADs, Jim Fairlie MSP, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity took to the stage. Mr. Fairlie began by providing a brief background on how he came to be in politics. Of farming stock and coming from a highly political family, he remarked that he had hated politics growing up and that the irony of him being sat in front of 400 delegates that day, was not lost on him.

Jim Fairlie then went on to agree with several of Anas Sarwar’s comments, particularly those of Land Reform and the fact that not all parties and individuals would agree, but a decision must be taken. This point was returned to during the Q+A, where Mr. Fairlie defended the SNPs position on Land Reform and child poverty, despite clear frustration from the question poser.

The conference was buoyed to hear of the £40m that is annually given to crofting communities and acknowledged the £82m given to Highlands and Islands Enterprise, alongside South of Scotland Enterprise, to nurture and develop growth in rural areas.

There was little of substance within Mr. Fairlie’s address. He stressed that the new Leadership of Swinney and Forbes was a power couple that would deliver action rather than the stagnation of the last few years, which he accepted had been the case. The Conference appeared sceptical of this.

Following questions around short term let policy and the damaging impact that this was having, Mr. Fairlie put forward what can only have been meant as a joke but, from discussion with delegates afterwards, appeared to be taken at face value. “We do not tend to lobby Westminster, we like to keep ourselves to ourselves” – the contrast of this statement to Mr. Sarwar’s focus on partnership and collaboration was palpable.

Mr. Fairlie was then asked a question about Natural Capital, to which he responded that he had “a real concern about Natural Capital” specifically regarding “how we protect the Natural Capital we have and keep it in Scotland”. I took this, and the comments that followed, to suggest that Mr. Fairlie is not keen on investors supporting the ambitions of landholders to increase their Natural Capital stock. This is perhaps concerning for the future, given the funding shortfalls around us to deliver on the required action.

The final keynote address of the day was delivered by Dame Fiona Reynolds. An assured and uplifting keynote that reflected on a career that spanned the civil service, a plethora of Non Exec roles and, as mentioned earlier, the Director General of the National trust.

Within the National trust, Dame Reynolds explained that she had adopted an “arms open” approach to conservation, valuing people as well as the conservation action itself. This, she said, was new at the time and lead to a new focus within the National Trust that meant that people were considered within their strategy. She then drew comparisons to land management of rural areas and that people must not be forgotten there.

Dame Fiona Reynolds made great mention of the National Parks and the possibility of a new one in Scotland soon. She spoke very fondly of National Parks and their ability to effect change although, she did acknowledge that there had been plenty of learning along the way in England. When questioned on whether there should be new funding provided alongside a new National Park (something that was identified as being missing from all the proposal documents), she confirmed that there must be new money associated with a new Park, to allow it to have the effect that was intended. Where this money would come from was not explored.

Public expectations were growing and conversely, politicians’ aspirations to meet those expectations were growing too. “Change before you have to” was the clear message from Dame Reynolds.

“The planet will be fine, it will be us that are toast!” Dame Reynolds

All in all, the conference was a success. Sold out and engaging, Scottish Land and Estates reaffirmed their place in the Scottish dialogue and demonstrated categorically that rural landowners and businesses are ready to build resilience and support the delivery of Scotland’s ambition.