The current and future contribution of estates towards net zero and tackling the nature emergency were key talking points at a meeting of next-generation stewards and owners of Scotland’s farms and estates.

Organised by Scottish Land & Estates, the rural business organisation, and sponsored by Savills and Hampden & Co bank, this annual event is designed to inform and act as a networking opportunity for those who are starting out on their journey managing land or intend to do so in the future.

The reception this year was held in the historic setting of the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland at Dover House on Whitehall, just three weeks ahead of the impending UK General Election.

An update on recent Scottish and UK political developments was also provided to attendees whilst legislation currently making its way through Holyrood such as the Land Reform Bill and the Agriculture and Rural Communities Bill was also discussed.

Sarah-Jane Laing, chief executive of Scottish Land & Estates, said: “Our next generation reception is an important event in our calendar as we bring together those who are starting to become involved in managing land and those who intend to in the future.

“By bringing together future owners and stewards of land, we can inform them of current developments and also explain how we envisage estates and farms being affected by policy changes over the years and decades to come.

“The Agriculture and Rural Communities Bill is due to enter its final stage at Holyrood next week and is a good example of how estates and farms will have to respond to legislation and other issues. Rural businesses are already making a huge contribution towards tackling the climate and nature emergencies and it is vital that the next generation continue to take the lead on these issues.

“In the context of the General Election, this event allowed us to discuss our priorities for the next UK Government, building a clear consensus with the next generation on the need for future policy to be designed with rural communities and businesses in mind.

“It is also a great event to network at and meet SLE staff and our sponsors and we thank those who attended for their engagement.”