The end of the Bute House Agreement provides an "opportunity for a rural reset", Scottish Land & Estates has said, welcoming the First Minister's commitment to supporting business and economic growth while continuing on a path to Net Zero.

The rural business organisation said that now is the time for the Scottish Government to undertake an urgent review of Scotland's rural policy direction.

Under the Bute House Agreement, the Scottish Government committed to a raft of rural policies but SLE's CEO, Sarah-Jane Laing, said that there was now a real opportunity to move towards a more evidence-based approach to helping rural Scotland thrive.


Sarah-Jane Laing, CEO of Scottish Land & Estates, said: "An end to the Bute House Agreement is a new beginning for the Scottish Government. It is an opportunity to hit the reset button on its relationship with rural Scotland.

"Now is the time for a rural reset, and a chance to map out a vision for rural Scotland that takes an evidence-based approach to delivering the outcomes we all want to see. SLE members are key delivery partners in achieving these goals.

"We now have an opportunity to take a different approach that takes into account the real priorities of people in rural Scotland and allows evidence and lived experience to lead the debate.

"We all want to see rural Scotland thrive, and we need to work together to deliver that. We want to see more rural homes delivered; land delivering for climate and nature; a stronger rural economy; and greater food and energy security. Today's fresh start must now be used as an opportunity to make all of this happen, taking an evidence-based approach with rural communities and businesses at its heart."