Press Release

RICHARD LOCHHEAD MSP TOURS GLENLIVET ESTATE IN MORAY

18 October 2006

Newly-elected Moray MSP Richard Lochhead toured the award-winning Glenlivet estate last week as part of an educational visit hosted by The Crown Estate.

The MSP, a member of the Scottish Parliament’s Environment and Rural Development Committee, was given an insight into the multiple use management of this 23,000 hectare integrated upland estate.

The tour included visits to a Glenlivet farm, the Speyside Glenlivet Water Company, The Crown Estate Information Centre in Tomintoul, the Lecht Ski Centre and commercial forestry plantations.

During the visit Mr Lochhead also had the opportunity to meet with livestock farmer Jim Innes of Deskie Farm, and James McIntosh, Director of the Lecht Ski Centre to see and hear first hand the challenges faced by rural businesses and the measures being taken by The Crown Estate in partnership with its tenants, the community and other agencies, to help with economic development in Moray.

A wide range of rural issues, projects and initiatives were considered during the visit, including tourism development, community activities, business diversification, conservation projects, long term woodland and forestry management and housing.

Alan Laidlaw, Head of Rural Customer Management for The Crown Estate and Andrew Wells, Countryside and Forestry Services Manager who is based at Glenlivet, hosted the visit together with staff from Smiths Gore the estate managing agents.

Richard Lochead MSP said: “I had a fascinating insight into the work of The Crown Estate and the role it plays in the local community. It is very clear that The Crown Estate has a key part to play in generating economic development in Glenlivet and the surrounding area.

“I would also like to thank the people involved for taking the time during my visit to demonstrate the wide variety of activities that The Crown Estate is involved in from the direct employees of the estate to the tenant farmers and local businesses working in the area.

“I emphasised to Crown Estate management the urgent need to facilitate new affordable housing in rural areas, both in the rented and bought sector. Freeing up land is key to making this work and, in turn, making rural areas attractive to young people and especially young families.

"I was impressed with good image that The Crown Estate gives of Moray, an image of natural beauty and environmental quality but while the practicalities of rural life are equally addressed.

"From this and previous visits to Glenlivet I am certain that the area has one of the strongest communities in northern Scotland of which The Crown Estate is an important part."

Welcoming Mr Lochhead’s visit, Alan Laidlaw, said: “The Crown Estate is committed to the long term future of the Glenlivet estate. We will continue our efforts to facilitate economic growth, environmental improvements, community participation and investment for the benefit of local people and visitors alike to this very special area."