Countryside

45 talks

The Scottish Smallholding & Countryside Festival returns to the Royal Highland Centre on October 17

Scottish Smallholding Festival expands programme for 2026

The report highlights the role of gamebird management in supporting farmland wildlife

The report highlights the role of gamebird management in supporting farmland wildlife

Biodiversity gamebirds

Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust

GWCT report highlights biodiversity benefits of gamebird management

Farmers will gather at Guardswell Farm for the Scottish Sustainable Agriculture Conference on October 1

Farmers will gather at Guardswell Farm for the Scottish Sustainable Agriculture Conference on October 1

Scottish sustainable agriculture conference sells out ahead of event

Loch Lomond National Park pilots first combined land use plan

Loch Lomond National Park pilots first combined land use plan

Planning shake-up

Scottish Government

Loch Lomond National Park to trial joined-up land use plan

Provision of housing sustains local communities

Provision of housing sustains local communities

Scottish Land & Estates

Rural housing 'essential infrastructure', says SLE

100% of survey respondents said or indicated regenerative farming was important to the future of British agriculture

100% of survey respondents said or indicated regenerative farming was important to the future of British agriculture

Questions remain

Industry backs regenerative farming but demands clearer evidence

Former home secretary Lord Blunkett has called on Labour to rethink its approach to rural Britain

Former home secretary Lord Blunkett has called on Labour to rethink its approach to rural Britain

Countryside Alliance

Blunkett warns Labour as rural anger mounts

The Scottish Crofting Federation

The Scottish Crofting Federation

Crofters' voice

Scottish Crofting Federation

SCF heads on roadshow to hear crofters’ views on common grazings

Milling oats for Wildfarmed are harvested alongside flowering strips

Milling oats for Wildfarmed are harvested alongside flowering strips

Wildfarmed oats harvested alongside flowering strips in East Lothian

The hearing will examine how the proposed line could affect machinery use, farming practices and agricultural productivity

The hearing will examine how the proposed line could affect machinery use, farming practices and agricultural productivity

New hearing puts farming impacts of pylon line under scrutiny

David Ross, principal consultant at SAC Consulting, says farmers should choose cultivation systems according to field conditions

David Ross, principal consultant at SAC Consulting, says farmers should choose cultivation systems according to field conditions

When should Scottish growers cultivate? SAC expert explains

The Scottish Government plans to establish a ScotWind Wealth Fund by the end of the parliament

The Scottish Government plans to establish a ScotWind Wealth Fund by the end of the parliament

Renewable energy

New Scottish Government plans put communities at heart of renewables

Caeli forecasts that annual electricity constraint costs could reach £8bn-£10bn by 2030 if grid bottlenecks are not addressed

Caeli forecasts that annual electricity constraint costs could reach £8bn-£10bn by 2030 if grid bottlenecks are not addressed

Renewable energy

The £10 billion question: Are we building Britain's wind farms in the wrong places?

Paul Robinson, D&R director

Paul Robinson, D&R director

Farmers warned not to delay renewable contract decisions

Malcolm Offord, Reform UK Scotland leader

Malcolm Offord, Reform UK Scotland leader

Reform Conference

Reform targets farm tax, bureaucracy and imported food standards

The Countryside Alliance is calling for a reset in the Government’s approach to rural Britain Ref:RH100823046 Rob Haining / The Scottish Farmer

The Countryside Alliance is calling for a reset in the Government’s approach to rural Britain Ref:RH100823046 Rob Haining / The Scottish Farmer

Countryside Alliance

Countryside Alliance calls for reset in Government’s rural approach

Helicopters will boost wildfire response across Scotland

Helicopters will boost wildfire response across Scotland

Helicopter deployment

Scottish Government

Scotland to have faster access to helicopters during wildfire threats

Wet conditions can delay drilling and harvesting in Scotland

Wet conditions can delay drilling and harvesting in Scotland

El Niño could add to weather and cost pressures for Scottish farmers

Farmers and land managers will explore how trees can support productive agriculture at a free event in Balloch on September 17

Farmers and land managers will explore how trees can support productive agriculture at a free event in Balloch on September 17

Forestry options

Discover how trees could deliver more for your farm

Scottish Forestry could be brought into a new national environmental body alongside SEPA, NatureScot and Zero Waste Scotland

Scottish Forestry could be brought into a new national environmental body alongside SEPA, NatureScot and Zero Waste Scotland

Scottish Forestry could be swept into new environment body

Couture Club: Green is proving a popular choice for 2026 and beyond, and this bold lime satin dress would make a real statement while tying in beautifully with a wedding colour scheme

Couture Club: Green is proving a popular choice for 2026 and beyond, and this bold lime satin dress would make a real statement while tying in beautifully with a wedding colour scheme

Frox of Falkirk reveals its favourite wedding guest looks for A/W 2026

Couples can choose from indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces and tailor their wedding day to suit them

Couples can choose from indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces and tailor their wedding day to suit them

How Pratis Barns has grown into a unique Fife wedding venue

Robert and Mary Gillan, formerly of Park Farm, Lochwinnoch, and now of Summerleas, Gateside, Beith, celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on September 5. The couple’s family send their love as they mark seven decades of marriage and look forward to

Robert and Mary Gillan, formerly of Park Farm, Lochwinnoch, and now of Summerleas, Gateside, Beith, celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on September 5. The couple’s family send their love as they mark seven decades of marriage and look forward to

70th anniversary

Robert and Mary celebrate an incredible 70 years of marriage

Michael and Emma Tait, both from Caithness, were married at Inkstack Farm, Barrock, on May 16, 2026. Michael and his dad, Mike Tait, have a pedigree Aberdeen Angus herd which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, while Emma grew up around farming,

Michael and Emma Tait, both from Caithness, were married at Inkstack Farm, Barrock, on May 16, 2026. Michael and his dad, Mike Tait, have a pedigree Aberdeen Angus herd which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, while Emma grew up around farming,

Caithness wedding

Michael and Emma Tait celebrate wedding at Inkstack Farm

The Tealing-Kintore 400kV line will face a dedicated hearing on its potential impact on agricultural operations

The Tealing-Kintore 400kV line will face a dedicated hearing on its potential impact on agricultural operations

SSEN under pressure as 400kV line farming hearing confirmed

Ingliston Estate offers a countryside setting for weddings

Ingliston Estate offers a countryside setting for weddings

Country wedding

Ingliston Estate offers a country setting for the big day

Sarah Helen Dawson and Scott Andrew Stoddart, both raised on farms, were married at St John’s Church, Cupar, on May 29, 2026, before celebrating with a reception at Sarah’s family farm, Muirhead of Pitcullo, Dairsie. Sarah, a PE teacher, also manages

Sarah Helen Dawson and Scott Andrew Stoddart, both raised on farms, were married at St John’s Church, Cupar, on May 29, 2026, before celebrating with a reception at Sarah’s family farm, Muirhead of Pitcullo, Dairsie. Sarah, a PE teacher, also manages

Farm-raised Sarah and Scott celebrate wedding day in rural Fife

Fraser and Rheanna Wilson, from Tummel Bridge and Alyth respectively, married at Molteno Hall, Fortingall, on August 14, 2026. Rheanna is a mixed vet with Blairgowrie Vets Ltd, while Fraser works for Cross Group in Aberfeldy. The ceremony and reception

Fraser and Rheanna Wilson, from Tummel Bridge and Alyth respectively, married at Molteno Hall, Fortingall, on August 14, 2026. Rheanna is a mixed vet with Blairgowrie Vets Ltd, while Fraser works for Cross Group in Aberfeldy. The ceremony and reception

Wedding sunshine

Fraser and Rheanna Wilson celebrate sunny Fortingall wedding

Peter and Aimee Ray, who live at Ladywell Farm near Kirriemuir, married at the Glen Clova Hotel on March 14, 2026. Peter is an arable farmer and works as a sprayer, tractor and combine driver, while Aimee enjoys life with their working dogs and seven

Peter and Aimee Ray, who live at Ladywell Farm near Kirriemuir, married at the Glen Clova Hotel on March 14, 2026. Peter is an arable farmer and works as a sprayer, tractor and combine driver, while Aimee enjoys life with their working dogs and seven

Kirriemuir wedding

Peter and Aimee Ray share their special Glen Clova wedding day

Scotland's chief fire officer calls for wildfire action

Scotland's chief fire officer calls for wildfire action

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

Wildfire prevention must become national priority as fire chief calls for action

Magnus and Karis Sandison, both from rural Shetland, married in Lerwick on July 25, 2025 following a traditional three-day wedding. The couple, who farm at Bigton and Sandwick, are pictured with St Ninian’s Isle and its famous tombolo beach in the

Magnus and Karis Sandison, both from rural Shetland, married in Lerwick on July 25, 2025 following a traditional three-day wedding. The couple, who farm at Bigton and Sandwick, are pictured with St Ninian’s Isle and its famous tombolo beach in the

Shetland wedding

Magnus and Karis Sandison celebrate their Shetland wedding

Conor and Rachel McLelland, Ochiltree, married at Boswell’s Estate on December 6, 2025. The dairy farmers had a surprise in store for guests, with Rachel’s papa arranging for his pipe band to perform during the evening celebrations

Conor and Rachel McLelland, Ochiltree, married at Boswell’s Estate on December 6, 2025. The dairy farmers had a surprise in store for guests, with Rachel’s papa arranging for his pipe band to perform during the evening celebrations

Wedding surprise

Dairy farming couple celebrate unforgettable wedding at Boswell’s Estate

Mossyard Beach, one of the scenic coastal locations near GG’s Yard

Mossyard Beach, one of the scenic coastal locations near GG’s Yard

Dumfries and Galloway

From farm buildings to fairy-tale weddings at GG’s Yard

Land entering organic conversion more than doubled in 2025

Land entering organic conversion more than doubled in 2025

Organic acres surge as Scottish farmers enter conversion

Russell Findlay met gamekeepers who were first on the scene to tackle one of Scotland’s largest ever wildfires

Russell Findlay met gamekeepers who were first on the scene to tackle one of Scotland’s largest ever wildfires

Scottish Conservatives

Wildfires up 330% as Scottish Tory calls for national response unit

The Government has announced £65m of additional support for farmers

The Government has announced £65m of additional support for farmers

£65m drought lifeline as Burnham seeks farming reset

Strathmore JAC members (L-R) Helen Steel, Sophie Hamilton, Rebecca Hamilton and Zara King

Strathmore JAC members (L-R) Helen Steel, Sophie Hamilton, Rebecca Hamilton and Zara King

Meals to Fields

Strathmore JAC serves up support during busy harvest

British potato growers are facing increasing pressure from dry conditions and competition for agricultural water supplies

British potato growers are facing increasing pressure from dry conditions and competition for agricultural water supplies

Potato growers warn water shortages threaten British food production

A new James Hutton Institute guide aims to help land managers understand the ways people value nature

A new James Hutton Institute guide aims to help land managers understand the ways people value nature

James Hutton Institute

New guide helps land managers value nature

The £1bn transmission project is the subject of an ongoing Scottish Government public inquiry

The £1bn transmission project is the subject of an ongoing Scottish Government public inquiry

Safety Concerns

Farmers challenge safety measures for Kintore-Tealing power line

The grouse shooting season got underway in the Angus Glens on August 12, bringing sporting visitors to the hills

The grouse shooting season got underway in the Angus Glens on August 12, bringing sporting visitors to the hills

Glorious twelfth

Grouse shooting

Glorious Twelfth gets underway with boost for rural Angus

Pupils at Glenalmond take part in expeditions, mountaineering and other outdoor activities designed to build confidence and resilience

Pupils at Glenalmond take part in expeditions, mountaineering and other outdoor activities designed to build confidence and resilience

Education excellence

Glenalmond shows how countryside education can shape futures

Why Scotland’s farm land values remain strong despite sales slump

Why Scotland’s farm land values remain strong despite sales slump

Scottish farmland market continues to defy wider uncertainty

More than 254,000 badgers were killed during England’s bovine TB cull, according to final figures covering the programme from 2013 to 2026

More than 254,000 badgers were killed during England’s bovine TB cull, according to final figures covering the programme from 2013 to 2026

254,000 badgers killed during England cull

Scottish agricultural support is expected to develop into a four-tier system by 2030

Scottish agricultural support is expected to develop into a four-tier system by 2030

Scottish Government

Resilience key as Scottish farmers face uncertain policy road to 2030

Taking the first step onto Scotland's farming property ladder

Taking the first step onto Scotland's farming property ladder

Taking the first step onto Scotland's farming property ladder

Kenny Macleod has been appointed area manager at SAC Consulting’s Stornoway office

Kenny Macleod has been appointed area manager at SAC Consulting’s Stornoway office

LOCAL EXPERTISE

New SAC leadership promises stronger support for crofters

NatWest is expanding financial support for farmers facing pressure from prolonged dry weather and drought

NatWest is expanding financial support for farmers facing pressure from prolonged dry weather and drought

CASHFLOW PRESSURE

NatWest steps up support as drought pressures farmers

Chris Packham has criticised animal agriculture as a major driver of biodiversity loss while calling for a shift towards plant-based diets

Chris Packham has criticised animal agriculture as a major driver of biodiversity loss while calling for a shift towards plant-based diets

Chris Packham calls for shift to plant-based diet amid rising wildfires

First Minister John Swinney has announced £3m in support for island businesses affected by ferry disruption

First Minister John Swinney has announced £3m in support for island businesses affected by ferry disruption

£3m announced for businesses hit by ferry disruption

Three exceptional rural leaders are competing for a £10,000 prize and the title of Rural Champion 2026

Three exceptional rural leaders are competing for a £10,000 prize and the title of Rural Champion 2026

Scottish Land & Estates

Rural Scotland’s stars named as awards finalists

Ross Ewing said recovery funding was vital but should be matched by greater investment in wildfire prevention

Ross Ewing said recovery funding was vital but should be matched by greater investment in wildfire prevention

Scottish Government announces £3 million Cairngorms wildfire business recovery fund

Just 14.3% of England’s 4658 surface water bodies achieved good ecological status in the latest assessment

Just 14.3% of England’s 4658 surface water bodies achieved good ecological status in the latest assessment

Just 14% of England's rivers, lakes and estuaries meet good environmental standards

HSBC has reported that worsening heatwaves are encouraging farmers to better safeguard their businesses

HSBC has reported that worsening heatwaves are encouraging farmers to better safeguard their businesses

Bank says ongoing dry weather is hitting farming businesses