The new Programme for Government does not provide sufficient action to foster rural economic growth, Scottish Land & Estates has said.

The rural business organisation also said the omission of a new Agriculture Bill will add to the uncertainty faced by farmers and land-based businesses.

Sarah-Jane Laing, chief executive of Scottish Land & Estates, said: "At a time of huge financial challenges, there will be disappointment from many that Scotland's rural economy appears to have been overlooked in the programme for government.

"Very few of the measures proposed will help the rural economy and communities to prosper. Whilst there were mentions of growth, future actions within the programme appear to offer little to move forward the much-discussed post-Covid economic recovery.


"The rent freeze announced by government is likely to compound the existing structural and supply problems with the private rented sector, and may impact on required investment in energy efficiency measures. Rural estates provide a huge supply of affordable housing, often significantly outstripping supply from councils and housing associations. The ban on evictions also seems a disproportionate response given that approval already needs to be provided by a tribunal which takes full account of tenants' personal circumstances.

"Our farming businesses are also facing a hugely uncertain period and the omission of a new Agriculture Bill from the programme, despite it being the subject of a current consultation, will mean farmers and land managers have less time to prepare themselves for new public support rules due to come in by 2025."