26.08.2013
The Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee will visit the Glenlivet Estate tomorrow (27 August) for MSPs to learn first-hand about issues from deer population and forestry management to farm diversification.
The Glenlivet Estate, located in the Cairngorms National Park and managed by The Crown Estate, covers over 58,000 acres. The visit will allow MSPs to see a range of issues first-hand that are relevant to their work.
Convener of the Committee, Rob Gibson MSP said:
“Given our Committee’s remit, it is vital that MSPs have the chance to get out and about in rural Scotland.
“Whilst it is right that we question people and organisations in a formal setting, the opportunity to see for ourselves how land is being managed, how wildlife is being nurtured and how our environment is being protected, will be invaluable when we come to look at some of these issues in Committee this autumn.”
During their visit, MSPs will learn more about a number of issues including:
- deer population management;
- habitat management (including peatland, heather, woodland);
- forestry restructuring and management;
- farm diversification (including tenant farming);
- community projects/engagement;
- sustainable development; and
- integrated upland land use.
Alan Laidlaw, Rural & Coastal Portfolio Manager in Scotland, said, “We are really looking forward to welcoming the Committee and showcasing the work of our team and our partners at the multi-award winning Glenlivet Estate. There is a tremendous range of activity on the estate - from local business development to biodiversity projects, tourism developments to farm diversification - so we’re hope the visit will prove both enjoyable and informative.”
Background
The Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee will meet for the first time after the Parliament’s summer recess on 11 September.
The Committee has also recently agreed its new work programme.
In Scotland, The Crown Estate manages five rural estates, the seabed out to 12 nautical miles and around half the foreshore. The organisation operates on a commercial basis with all profits going to government spending across the UK.