Deputy First Minster Shona Robison visited an upland estate in the Angus Glens this week.

The fact-finding mission allowed the MSP to see how Scotland’s rural estates are delivering benefits for people, jobs, and nature.

During her visit to Rottal Estate in the Angus Glens, owned and managed by Dee Ward, the Deputy First Minister heard about the contribution of rural estates to Scotland’s Wellbeing Economy – a key priority for the Scottish Government.

Estate owner Dee Ward, who is Chairman of the rural business organisation Scottish Land & Estates, said: “We’re really pleased the Deputy First Minister was able to come out today and see firsthand what we are doing here at Rottal.

“We’re deeply invested in doing our bit for climate and nature – through restoring degraded peatland on the estate, to planting native trees, restoring the Rottal Burn to its natural meander, and restoring wetlands.

“In addition we have livestock, renewable energy, and sustainable country sports are an integral part of our land management.

“We also host small businesses on the estate and directly employ 8 FTE people. We try to make the Estate the heart of the community here by providing jobs and accommodation as well as hospitality.”

Scottish Land & Estates argues there are huge opportunities for rural estates to do more, and that the Scottish Government should be working with Scotland’s landowners and land managers to deliver mutual benefit for wider society.

Mr Ward added: “Rottal is just one example – there are estates right across Scotland delivering for communities and helping the government meet its own targets.

“I think that too often, estates and rural businesses feel like the government doesn’t fully understand them and doesn’t always make things easy.

“So we’re particularly grateful to the Deputy First Minister for coming out today to see things for herself, and for listening. Our message to the government is: work with us to help us do more for people, jobs, and nature.”

During the visit, Ms Robison was also told of the need for urgent clarity on the future of agriculture support, and the need to adequately fund government agencies tasked with delivering Net Zero, such as NatureScot, in the forthcoming Scottish Budget expected in December.

Deputy First Minister Shona Robison MSP said: “In April this year, the Scottish Government committed to publishing a plan by 2026 setting out how we are delivering for rural and island communities.

“The Rural Delivery Plan will detail actions being taken to help rural communities, with a renewed focus on delivery and an acknowledgment that issues affecting rural Scotland relate to every area of government work. We expect it to cover a range of priority areas including agriculture, land reform, housing, repopulation, and economic development.

“Stakeholder engagement will be crucial as the plan is being developed. As one of the joint chairs of the Ministerial Working Group driving forward this work, visits like this, and hearing directly from partners, are highly informative. They are also a great opportunity to recognise the contribution of rural estates to our wellbeing economy, net zero, and biodiversity ambitions.”