Rural and Environment

  • Women in the Rural Economy: Part 8

    7th March 2019 by

    As we continue to celebrate women in the rural economy, Julie Hesketh-Laird, chief executive of Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation blogs about her experience and career to date. As I approach my first anniversary in the salmon farming industry, I am struck by how different my initial expectations were compared to the reality of the exciting and diverse industry I now know.

    Read more

  • Women in the Rural Economy: Part 7

    6th March 2019 by

    Elaine Whyte of Clyde Fisherman's Association is the latest woman to provide an insight into the diverse and important role women play in Scotland's rural economy as part of our series of blogs to mark International Women's Day.

    Read more

  • Women in the Rural Economy: Part 6

    6th March 2019 by

    As we continue to look at the diverse and important role women play in the rural economy, Katen Betts, CEO of the Scottish Whisky Association gives us an insight into the whisky industry. Greek philosophy tells us 'the only thing that is constant is change’. This of course is as true for Scotland’s national drink as anything else, as the industry navigates its way through the changing tastes of consumers, innovation in production, and the changing shape of our global competitors, not least American, Irish and Japanese whiskies.

    Read more

  • Women in the Rural Economy: Part 5

    5th March 2019 by

    A farmer’s daughter, a farmer, an industry representative, whichever title she chooses to use, it is clear that Alison Milne's life has been shaped by Scottish agriculture. The next blog in our series on the important and diverse role women play in supporting and driving Scotland's rural economy.

    Read more

  • Women in the Rural Economy: Part 4

    5th March 2019 by

    As we continue our new series looking at the important and diverse role women play in driving and supporting Scotland's rural economy, QMS Chair Kate Rowell gives us an insight into her career and experience. Ever since I was a little girl I wanted to be a farmer like my Dad, Grandpa and the many generations who came before them. I clearly remember being very put out when an elderly Aunt told my younger brother that he would take over the farm, completely ignoring me! Ever since then I’ve been aware of society’s overwhelming view that it’s only the boys…

    Read more

  • Women in the Rural Economy: Part 3

    4th March 2019 by

    The third post in our new series looking at the important and diverse role women play in driving and supporting Scotland’s rural economy. This piece looks at the career and experience of Joyce Campbell of Armadale Farm in Sutherland. I’m blessed to be farming here at Armadale on the beautiful north coast of Sutherland and I love sharing my farming life and story through the lens of my camera on social media.

    Read more

  • Women in the Rural Economy: Part 2

    4th March 2019 by

    As we approach International Women’s Day, this is the second post in our new series looking at the important and diverse role women play in driving and supporting Scotland’s rural economy. This piece looks at the career and experience of Fiona Matheson of the Orkney Fisheries Association. To be woman in the rural economy in Orkney is to live a life adapting to what jobs are available. It’s problem solving at every turn rather than ‘choice’ as a traditional career plan does not fit with rural life. Well paid jobs usually in government agencies, are scarce for everyone. Women still…

    Read more

  • Women in the Rural Economy: Part 1

    1st March 2019 by

    As we approach International Women’s Day, this is the first post in our new series looking at the important and diverse role women play in driving and supporting Scotland's rural economy. This piece looks at the career and experience of Claire Taylor, political reporter at the Scottish Farmer. I have been very lucky throughout my life and working career, that being a woman has never been a hindrance to my ambition to progress and a lot of that is down to the incredible female role models who have lined the way before me.

    Read more

  • This week: 01/03/19

    1st March 2019 by

    Beavers given protected status The Eurasian or European beaver will be added to the list of European Protected Species of Animals, protected under Scottish law. This means that from 1 May 2019 shooting will only be allowed under licence, which will be managed by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). All licenses will be issued in accordance...

    Read more

  • This week: 08/02

    8th February 2019 by

    Forestry strategy Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing announced Scotland’s Forestry Strategy 2019-2029 which will secure the long-term success and sustainability of Scotland’s forestry sector. We have a new 50-year vision for forestry in Scotland, aimed at having more forests and woodlands, sustainably managed and better integrated with other land uses to provide a more resilient...

    Read more