Landowners across Scotland have been ‘greatly encouraged’ by an independent report recognising the contribution of estates to the rural economy.
Family Estates and Rural Resilience, published by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) explores links between estates and the resilience of the communities they operate in.
Carried out by the college’s Rural Society Research Team, the report studied 23 family estates in Scotland. It is the second part of a three-phase SRUC project researching how different types of land management and decision-making contribute to rural development and resilience.
Phase one, in 2011, explored estates owned and managed by communities, while in 2014-15, the team will consider estates owned and managed by charities.
An overview will be provided after this final third phase has been completed.
Report author Dr Mike Woolvin said the study found examples of “positive, productive interaction with communities”.
He said: “Although it will be important to identify how our findings apply across the wider estate sector in Scotland, our research reveals the diversity of family estates and shows there is scope for building on existing activity to support further involvement.”
The estates included in the study count farming, forestry, sporting and let housing as their dominant activities, but quarrying, tourist accommodation, equine and renewables are growing in importance as they seek to diversify income streams.
According to the report, most of the estates recognise that the needs of their businesses and those of their wider communities are interdependent, and the majority feel they have a duty to support local rural development.
There is also evidence of family estates supporting local communities through activities such as affordable housing provision; support for employment opportunities and local services; investment in their local areas; and working with multiple partners to give input to local development plans.
It concludes that rather than wishing to be seen as ‘paternalistic’, many estate owners viewed community engagement as part of their long-term rationale for supporting sustainable rural communities.
Douglas McAdam, chief executive of Scottish Land & Estates, hailed the Scottish Government-commissioned report as “exactly the sort of independent recognition” which landowners and estate owners have been looking for.
“It is clear from the findings of the report that estates make a significant social, economic and environmental contribution to the communities of which they are a part,” said Mr McAdam.
He said the evidence demonstrates a “clear link” between the vibrancy and strength of rural Scottish communities and the decision-making which takes place on local estates.
Conceding SL&E is not suggesting that everything is perfect across the landowning sector, Mr McAdam said the body is urging all landowners to build on the best practice that has been identified by SRUC.
One owner who views a close relationship with the local community as a critical part of his estate business is Jamie Williamson of Alvie and Dalraddy Estates near Aviemore.
Mr McAdam said this type of independent research is “especially welcome” because it sheds light on the diversity of estates.
“In the current debates about land ownership it is all too easy to generalise and stereotype estates and landowners,” he said.
“We hope this work will enhance the current debate by adding to the picture of estates and the role they can play in rural society.”