As a flurry of emails and social posts jump back and forth from my land owning clients this morning about all the work that has already taken place this morning following last night's storm - work that aims to keep their employees and tenants safe as well as members of the public taking recreational access to these land holdings, I am reminded of the immense amount of work and commitment that goes in to owning and maintaining land. One weather warning and tomorrow's 'to do' list goes out the window or grows considerably. Plans for meetings are exchanged for 'all hands on deck' to make repairs, check animals and keep others safe, and this is before we factor in the many requests from surrounding communities to help clear debris, tow abandoned vehicles and share kit outwith their own patch.
With land and property management comes great responsibility and cost; it isn't all about commercial gain; it is the capacity to drop everything and fix problems in order to create safe environments for others. So as many of us stay warm and safe this morning, abiding by Police Scotland's request not to travel (and I include myself in that), let's consider for a second that, yes, there are lots of benefits for those who own and manage land, but there is also a great deal of work and responsibility to ensure the wellbeing of many - so let's look for the ones that are helping and maybe show and touch of appreciation. They are after all protecting our access to amenity land, our food supply, our bio-diversity and our climate - yet I am not exactly sure what I have done to be allowed to call it mine!! Stay safe out there! MILL Architects, one of Scotland’s top architectural businesses, is delighted to announce the appointment of two new directors to strengthen the existing management team.
Jo Parry-Geddes, RIAS Advanced Accredited Conservation Architect, and Darren Albury, who heads up the technical team, have been with the firm for five years and seven years respectively. They join current director Richard Webb, following the retirement last month of founding director Chris Duncan. Richard welcomed the appointments and said: “Jo and Darren exemplify the strength of talent at MILL and bring the commitment to clients and colleagues on which we pride ourselves. Their complementary skills will enhance the team considerably and I look forward to working with them as we continue to build our practice.” Darren Albury: “I am incredibly proud of everything MILL has achieved over the last seven years, and I am excited to have the opportunity to help lead the practice through its next chapter. The construction industry has been through some challenging years and I believe MILL has played an important role in supporting our clients’ interests. Rural development continues to be an important focus for the practice and I have enjoyed engaging with this community.” Jo-Parry-Geddes: “As a Conservation Architect and Retrofit specialist, securing the future of Scotland’s historic and traditional properties has been my passion for the last twenty years. At a time of climate crisis, sustainability and thermal efficiency are more important than ever. Ensuring MILL becomes the market leader is my primary focus. I am absolutely delighted to join Richard as a Director of MILL Architects and continue to build on the valuable work they have delivered to date.” MILL Architects is a creative, design-led firm working across Urban, Rural and Heritage environments. We are dedicated to creating innovative and sustainable designs that integrate the unique character of each location. The practice cares deeply for the environment and our built heritage. New Directors: Darren Albury Darren started his career in architecture in 1995 at Wheeler and Sproson Architects, before moving into Development Management, working for several Housing Associations in Edinburgh and Fife. He later joined MILL Architects in 2016, where his years of experience has been valuable in the delivery of residential, commercial and rural projects across Scotland. His expertise in IT and software ensures the smooth running of MILL’s computer and communication systems. Jo-Parry-Geddes Jo studied architecture at Duncan of Jordanstone College Art & Design, Dundee. She progressed her career as a Conservation Accredited Architect over the last 18 years gaining experience at PJMP Architects, A. Campbell Mars, Covell Matthews and Wheeler and Sproson. She completed her Part 3 at University of Edinburgh in 2004 and latterly worked at Hypostyle Architects as an Associate Director. Jo was awarded RIAS Conservation Accreditation in 2005 and in 2018 became Advanced Accredited. Connect with Jo on LinkedIn ENDS For more information contact: Lucy Laidlaw Lucy Laidlaw Communication 07834228951 | Lucy@lucylaidlaw.co.uk
Love him or loathe him, many feel that Jeremy Clarkson has done more to raise awareness of the challenges facing farmers than the large scale organisations whose main role is to do just that! But I am not here to discuss his popularity, I was however very interested to witness his approach to community engagement in the second season of Clarkson's Farm.
For those who have not watched it, Jeremy Clarkson received daily emails from angry members of the community complaining about traffic management, unsightly car parks and the impact of people and traffic on the community. His reaction? To call them morons! Far from ideal! But with a bit of a prod from his advisers, he realised that things were going to go far more smoothly if he built a relationship with the people of Chadlington. So what did I take away from it? 1. Don't call the community morons for a start! 2. Don't expect to give the community freebies and sponsorship and for that to be considered meaningful engagement! 3. Do make time to meet people, understand each others' constraints, concerns and challenges and discuss ways to move forward that work for both parties. 4. Do share your decision making processes. 5. Do listen to feedback and give it proper consideration. 6. Do open up the channels of communication for ongoing discussions 7. Do meet in a mutually convenient place that will allow as many as possible to attend. 8. Do discuss the wider benefits for all. and finally 9. Do keep engaging, this is an ongoing process. Now I know television is edited, but it was amazing how quickly the tone of the discussions changed from both parties when they sat in a room together and discussed their challenges and concerns. If people don't understand your operating environment, constraints and decision making processes, how can you expect unwavering support - equally how can you expect people to feel comfortable engaging with you face to face when all they have received is aggressive and rude correspondence. Good communication works both ways and rarely do angry emails get anyone anywhere! Misinformation (Half the farm turning into a car park!?) flows quickly when there is not an opportunity to set the record straight - so stop it spreading by giving people the opportunity to hear direct from the source. Contrary to one comment about Clarkson not needing the money, I think most people recognise that a business has to be financially sustainable for it to be able to survive. When a land based business is successful it brings huge benefits to a community, from investment in renewables to employment, access to the natural environment, biodiversity and yes perhaps sponsorship for the local football team and free wildflower seed! So I most definitely don't approve of many of his behaviours, but I am pleased to see him engaging positively with his community. Long may it continue. If you want to discuss your approach to community engagement then please get in touch.
Yesterday I attended the launch of the Scottish Land and Estates research paper on the contribution rural estates make to Scotland's wellbeing economy. If you have a spare half an hour, then you can read it in full here.
Many of you will have heard me talk about the importance of celebrating achievements before we ask 'what's next', and this piece of research does precisely that. It doesn't claim there isn't more to be done or that there isn't an appetite to do more, but it helps us to recognise how much is already being done, something that has been missing from the land reform debate thus far. The research was managed by Biggar Economics, a well-known and well-respected organisation working across many sectors to identify economic impacts. Interestingly this particular piece of research was headed by Shona Glenn, formerly Head of Policy at the Scottish Land Commission, who was well versed in the land use versus land ownership debate and the impact land and how it is used can have on surrounding communities. In Shona's presentation to gathered politicians, media, academics and wider stakeholders, she not only identified some of the significant contributions made by Scottish landowners but also stressed how pleased she was to hear a desire from existing landowners to do more. She also identified that this was the first group to look at their contribution to the wellbeing economy in this way, and Tom Arthur MSP identified it as "groundbreaking". The report identifies that Rural Estates have a 'significant' impact on seven of Scotland's 11 National Outcomes, highlighting their contribution to the environmental, economic and community outcomes as 'particularly large'. So let me give you a whistle-stop tour of what the report identifies rural estates are currently contributing:
After the initial presentation, questions were received from the floor, with the Financial Times exploring the impacts of scale - the message was clear - net zero will not happen without significant scale ownership - which presumably is why the Scottish Government is the largest land owner in Scotland and continues to buy more! Through my clients and my experiences working with Scottish Land and Estates and Buccleuch, I have witnessed the overwhelmingly positive attitude of landowners who want to create thriving rural businesses that benefit all. Like many I get frustrated when sweeping anecdotal statements are made that aren't backed up in fact, and I am delighted that I (and many others) can now back up my anecdotal statements about the incredible initiatives taking place across with country with data! So now we have done some celebrating, by all means let's look at what we can do better or how we can help others to learn from some of the existing projects already out there. I can't wait to see the stats next time!
Copyright 2022 BIGGAR Economics Ltd
On 19 January 2023 Mount Stuart Trust will host two consultation events on new proposals to site a campsite at Ettrick Bay.
The consultation events form part of Mount Stuart Trust’s commitment to engage meaningfully with members of the local community on its land use activities across the Island. The drop-in sessions will take place at the Ettrick Bay Café between 1pm and 3pm and at The Bank of Ideas in Rothesay between 4pm and 6pm. Members of the community will have an opportunity to view drawings of the proposed site and raise any questions with the Mount Stuart Trust team. Fiona Hardie, Community Liaison Officer, Mount Stuart Trust said: “We are aware that concerns have been raised about visitors parking vehicles on the verges and footpaths at Ettrick Bay and leaving rubbish behind when they leave. The proposals will explore an opportunity to create a dedicated space for campervans and caravans to avoid this happening in the future. “The next step in the process is for us to understand the thoughts and opinions of those who live and work on the Island and we would encourage as many people as possible to attend.” For those who are unable to take part in the events, drawings of the proposed site can be viewed below and any queries sent to contactus@mountstuart.com Later this month the Mount Stuart Trust will be launching their community engagement strategy following a survey undertaken in 2022. ENDS For further information contact: Fiona Hardie Community Liaison Officer fiona@mountstuart.com About The Mount Stuart Trust The Mount Stuart Trust is a Charitable Trust managed by a board of independent Trustees, which works to facilitate public interest, understanding and appreciation of the arts, architecture and the rural environment. The Trust manages and maintains a series of assets across the Isle of Bute, including Mount Stuart House and gardens, 36 farms, 110 residential properties, 1447 hectares acres of woodland and approximately 21 commercial properties, including golf courses, bowling greens, fishing and gaming leases. All funds generated through its operations are reinvested into the Trust to ensure a long-term sustainable future that continues to create economic value for the Isle of Bute through employment, tourism revenue, housing and much more.
Or perhaps it is the other way around!
With the publication of ‘Making the Most Out of England’s Land’ on the 13th of December, I was eager to see how the issue of land, how it should be used, who should benefit from it and who should lead the debate would be tackled by the Land Use in England Committee. We have seen many reports and guidance published by the Scottish Land Commission north of the Border, and I think I have read (almost) all of them, so what are another 103 pages between friends? First things first, the tone is entirely different from anything official we see on the issue of land in Scotland; in the summary alone, we are seeing language like ‘help’, ‘supporter’ ‘, facilitator’ and ‘appropriate’ and would you believe it, they are talking about helping and supporting the land owners and managers so that they can make sure land delivers as much as it can for everyone. It recognises the challenging environment they are currently operating in and demands urgent clarity on future support for agriculture. It identifies how land use balance is hard to get right with many competing objectives around biodiversity, climate change, housing, food production and wellbeing. Yet, the word ‘ownership’ appears only twice in the report. Now I know that the Committee’s focus is Land Use, but in Scotland, we have been led to believe that the only way Land Use can benefit the many is if the existing ownership pattern is addressed. Despite evidence to the contrary, the focus remains on breaking up large Estates, and it raises the question of how will Scotland meet all these competing demands if scale is encouraged to be viewed as the enemy. Creating a Land Use Commission and a land use framework has so much opportunity to do good if its commissioners look at land holistically and avoid focussing on one issue when there are so many areas where they could add value. The appointment of the Commissioners will be critical, and I encourage the Land Use Committee to consider the importance of including land owners and managers with first-hand experience managing land for the benefit of the many. However, the big ticket item in the report seems to be access and the right to roam, something that has been strengthened in Scotland since the 2003 Land Reform Bill came into play. This is where there is a huge opportunity to learn from Scotland and some of the mistakes that have been made. In Scotland, all guidance and interventions from the Land Commission have focussed on the rights of those to gain access without highlighting the importance of doing so safely and responsibly. Issues of fly-tipping, sheep worrying and anti-social behaviour rumble on with minimal comment – however, any sign of restricted access, no matter the reason, is quickly jumped on and made an example of. To gain buy-in from land owners, the Land Use Commission in England must look at how access can be provided in a manner that creates a safe and constructive environment for all competing land uses and doesn’t demonise those trying to meet our food production and climate change goals. Interestingly there is minimal reference to community engagement in the report, something that has been hugely successful in building positive relationships between landowners and those who access the land. If access rights are on the agenda, it strikes me that community engagement has to go hand in hand to ensure a mutual understanding of challenges and opportunities. Scottish Land and Estates has many examples of excellent working relationships, much of which was in place before the Land Commission’s guidance. And although a route map must be created for the future of land use, I hope time is also given to understanding, recognising and celebrating the immense good that is already done. Many land owners and managers in Scotland feel they are being demonised no matter what they do and what they deliver – unless of course what they are doing is breaking up their land holding. So can England learn from what has gone before in Scotland? Absolutely, but I for one am not quite ready for a carbon copy!
Imagery of the unit is available to download here The Mount Stuart Trust is offering to let Mid Ascog Farm, a dairy unit close to Rothesay on the Isle of Bute – the Trust’s fourth 20-year MLDT made available on the Island since 2020. Mid Ascog is a well-equipped dairy unit with First Milk membership and has a range of modern buildings, a three bedroom farmhouse and approximately 179.41 ha. The successful applicant will enter into a 20-year Modern Limited Duration Tenancy (MLDT), with the entry date to be Spring 2023. The land is a mix of silage and arable ground with a good amount of permanent pasture. The farm has been milking 110 head through a 20/10 parlour, has 155 cubicles across two buildings and is complete with a 4,000-litre milk tank. This latest farm brought to the rental market by The Mount Stuart Trust follows the arrival of Emma and Ewan Irvine on Bute in 2021, when the This Farming Life cameras captured their move to Ardros Farm, which they took on a 20 year MLDT. More recently, Mount Stuart Trust re-let a Bute Dairy Farm with First Milk Membership to Chris and Katie Homer who have now successfully completed their first year on the island. Harry Bowman, Rural Operations Director at Mount Stuart Trust, said: “In the last two years, we have brought four new farming families to the island on long tenancies. We understand there is a lot of uncertainty in the sector at the moment, and we believe that offering a longer tenancy can provide a greater level of security and attract the best tenants. “The families and businesses that have moved to the Island in the last two years are thriving, and we are excited to hear from those looking to follow in their footsteps. Mid Ascog provides a great opportunity to grow a thriving farm business. It also has the potential to add great social and economic benefits to the Island by bringing new people to Bute or offering a new business opportunity for someone already living and working on the Island.” Stanley Wright is marketing the tenancy; viewings can be arranged with them directly. The deadline for tender proposals is noon Monday, 23 January 2023, after which a shortlist of candidates will be invited for an interview with the date of entry soon after that. ENDS For more information, contact: Lucy Laidlaw | Lucy Laidlaw Communication | Lucy@Lucylaidlaw.co.uk | 07834228951 About The Mount Stuart Trust The Mount Stuart Trust is a Charitable Trust managed by a board of independent Trustees, which works to facilitate public interest, understanding and appreciation of the arts, architecture and the rural environment. The Trust manages and maintains a series of assets across the Island of Bute, including Mount Stuart House and gardens, 36 farms, 100 residential properties, 1447 hectares acres of woodland and approximately 21 commercial properties, including golf courses, bowling greens, fishing and gaming leases. All funds generated through its operations are reinvested into the Trust to ensure a long-term sustainable future that continues to create economic value for the Island of Bute through employment, tourism revenue, housing and much more. JACKSON DISTILLERS ASSEMBLES INDUSTRY HEAVYWEIGHTS TO DRIVE FORWARD ITS SCOTTISH BORDERS’ DISTILLERY2/11/2022
Imagery: Headshots available to download here Top executives from the distilling industry have been appointed to the senior management team of Jackson Distillers Ltd, the company developing an innovative new grain distillery in the Scottish Borders. Trevor Jackson, Chief Executive of Jackson Distillers, today announced the appointments of David Brown as Commercial Director, Tommy Leigh as Operations Director and Nick Laird as Deputy CEO. They will help steer the pioneering project through to full production at the proposed plant at Charlesfield, St Boswells after planning consent was granted by Scottish Borders Council at the end of 2021. David Brown, is a familiar face in the Scotch Whisky industry, having held senior positions at Allied Domecq and Whyte & Mackay before becoming Managing Director of John Crabbie & Co in 2018. He has been involved in several new distillery build projects in Glasgow and Edinburgh and regularly features as a judge at the Scottish Whisky awards. Tommy Leigh has worked in the Scotch Whisky Industry for over 40 years, 37 of those with the North British Distillery, latterly as Production Director, responsible for all production, engineering, compliance, quality and safety. As a Scotch Whisky Environmental Strategy Group member, Leigh was part of the team who developed and launched Scotland’s first sector-wide sustainability strategy. Nick Laird, a highly experienced Managing Director and Non-Executive Director, has worked across the automotive and technology-enabled businesses for more than 30 years providing growth and commercial investment expertise. David Brown, Commercial Director, Jackson Distillers, said: “Having worked with some of Scotland’s best known spirits brands, I am looking forward to working with the next generation of distilleries, creating innovative and environmentally sustainable products that are going to carry the industry into the next century.” Tommy Leigh, Operations Director, said of his appointment: “The St Boswells Distillery will be the first carbon absorbing distillery in Scotland capable of producing grain spirit for scotch whisky and grain neutral spirit, and I am excited to have the opportunity to be at the forefront of its development. There is a gap in the market for low carbon and fully traceable spirit and being able to fill that gap not only supports our own business but helps to bolster the sector as a whole.” Nick Laird, Deputy Chief Executive Jackson Distillers, commented: “Jackson Distillers is at a pivotal point in its development. I am thrilled to help drive the organisation from proposal to production. Once built, it is anticipated the St Boswells Distillery will produce 5% of the total market volume of grain whisky spirit, providing a substantial return on investment for its shareholders and supporting the wider sector in a resource-efficient manner.” Jackson Distillers has been granted planning consent to build a new 20m LPA grain distillery in St Boswells in the Scottish Borders. The construction phase will create 200 jobs, with 20 full-time positions once the Distillery is operational. Trevor Jackson, Chief Executive, Jackson Distillers, said: “The St Boswells Distillery is set to be a gamechanger for the sector, and I think the calibre of the talent we have been able to attract to our Senior Management Team is a testament to that. I am looking forward to working with David, Tommy and Nick to drive forward the next phase of this transformative, innovative and sustainable project.” ENDS Visit www. https://jacksondistillers.co.uk/ About The St Boswells Distillery The development near St Boswells will create 20 permanent high-value jobs and more than 200 jobs on-site through the construction phase, developing skills and training opportunities locally and generating significant economic value for the Scottish Borders. The site will take high-quality local cereals from the Tweed valley and process them efficiently and sustainably with renewable energy into high-quality spirit. The cereals, once spent, will be passed to the adjacent anaerobic digestion plant, where they will be converted into methane, with the remaining material being used as soil conditioner for the crops. In addition, process water from an on-site bore-hole will be efficiently recycled to minimise the use of this important resource. The Distillery will add value to locally-grown cereals using up-to-date distilling technology, adding to the circular economy, maximising recycling, reducing carbon emissions with zero waste to landfill. The cereals will be tracked from the seedbed to the still and beyond so that the customer can be confident of the provenance of the spirit.
As communication sits at the heart of my job, and as the daughter of a bewildered newspaper journalist, I watch with great interest as the way we consume information, specifically media, evolves. Even in my relatively short communications career, the shift has been seismic, from the early days of Myspace and Bebo to the juggernauts that are Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to online newspapers that far outstrip their print counterparts. My children consume the exact content they want whenever they want it and grumble when faced with no internet connection and the need to watch adverts!
As I watched the remarkable events unfold, celebrating Her Majesty the Queen and all that she meant to her family and the nation, I noted how the views she saw from her many processions must have changed over her 70-year reign. This week, the sea of mobile phones held high along the Royal Mile, and the Mall felt stark. They were undoubtedly the same phones held aloft during the jubilee celebrations, at the Palace concerts and will no doubt appear at King Charles III's Coronation; however, there was something quite harsh about it during a period of mourning rather than celebration. Capturing images of people during their saddest times felt somewhat cruel, and the constant nature meant that every moment of grief was captured by someone and now lives on hundreds of thousands of devices. But will people look back at them, or were they again about instant gratification? Proof that you saw what you saw? At a recent Coldplay concert, Chris Martin asked a packed Hampden Park to put their phones away for one moment and really experience the reality of the moment. The feeling was electric. As I walked through St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh to pay my last respects to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth late last Monday night, there was not a phone in sight, and I still struggle for the words to describe that moment - I felt it rather than filmed it. Shortly afterwards, a friend sent me a photo of my moment of contemplation; it had been caught on the live stream; even in that moment of quiet, the world was still watching! I work with many people on their digital strategies, which is still essential to the communication, community engagement and marketing mix. But, now and then, I think we need to feel something, put our phones down, step away from our computers, and experience it for ourselves, not through our devices. In this digital age, I rarely buy print newspapers; however, on the 9th of September and again on the 19th, I purchased The Times, a publication that I hold a digital subscription to and can view in my palm as I wish. The reality is that I didn't want that memory to be fleeting or to live in a device not to be reviewed again. I went and bought the actual newspaper because I wanted to keep it. For many things in life, instant gratification is fantastic, and our world is now set up for it, but for the significant stuff - the newspaper clippings of birth announcements, of important moments in our nation's history or just in our family's, I want to keep it and come back to it and remember it. I will fold it away and keep it safe, and I look forward to the day I happen upon it and remember how that day felt or even better when my kids happen upon it and ask me about Her Majesty The Queen, no doubt while they review their many devices at the same time!!!!
It has taken me a few days to process the 2022 Royal Highland Show; as some of you may know, my other half is involved in its organisation, so I perhaps see it slightly differently from others. For many, The Royal Highland Show starts on the third Thursday in June; in our house, it starts a year earlier!
Over the years, I have worn many hats at the Show (not just Aldi cowboy hats), school visitor, stand holder, member, guest, mum, wife – I have lived through stand building in the days before the Show, finding your marquee had been put up the wrong way round, or the graphics weren’t quite right. I have carried boxes of giveaways across the show field and queued up each morning to buy milk from the M&S stand. I have served tea and coffee to important visitors, and I have pushed a buggy around the site until my baby falls asleep, I have milked Mable the cow at RHET and emptied bins, and I have attended formal lunches and events with my husband. Every year, no matter what hat I wear, I enjoy it, but this year felt different. Was the weather amazing? Yes! Did the new members Pavillion look unbelievable in the light of the sunset? Yes! Was there an array of inspiring events? Yes! Was it their 200th year? Yes! But these aren’t the reasons; it was different because everyone had craved this moment for three years! Everyone was thrilled to be there; thoughts of sore feet (and heads) were put to one side in a quest to see everyone, taste everything and not miss one corner of the Showground. We finally had the best of rural Scotland back in one place; we shook hands and debated, launched things and learned – and it felt bloomin’ marvellous! My Highland Show 2022 Highlights: -The Women In Agriculture Breakfast – a great way to kick off the Show, with excellent speakers and an inspiring group of women. -The Service of Worship on Sunday morning, a moment of calm reflection in amongst the madness of the Show. If you haven’t been before, do consider it, it is good for the soul. -Hosting my goddaughter Edith at her first-ever Highland Show. -Piper Tom Henderson playing Highland Cathedral as we arrived for supper on Saturday evening. -My first ever Show dance (very briefly) and a trip on the waltzers! The Mini Laidlaws' Highlights: -The Grand Parade – particularly the Herefords, after being given a rosette by the Harrisons at Moralee Herefords -The Vikings brought to the Showground by this year’s RHASS Presidential Team. -Roddy McLean, Head of Agriculture at RBS and Alan Laidlaw (aka Daddy) being covered in pink gunge by the young farmers! Video evidence available here. -Being interviewed for RHS TV and showing the video to all their friends! Also available to view here. -Learning to play Top Trumps at the Royal Bank of Scotland stand. -TRACTORS!!!!! So my feet definitely still hurt, and I have lost my voice, but I wouldn’t have it any other way – roll on 2023 when I hope we all remember to appreciate it as much as we did this year – I hear the planning is already underway…. |