Rural Britain is a wonderful assortment of farms, estates, hamlets, villages, forests and moors, lochs and valleys. Our stunning scenery, close communities and wonderful rural businesses provide an idyllic lifestyle for many, but rural life can also throw up some pretty unique challenges.
The Rural Scene (the Scene & Herd rural blog and news updates) looks at what’s new, what’s relevant, what’s tasty, what’s fun and what’s challenging about life in the Great British Countryside. We offer an insider insight into rural Britain, highlighting some of the exceptional people, businesses and innovations we believe that everybody should know about.
Last month I attended the 2025 Helping It Happen Awards in Edinburgh (see below for a list of winners). The awards, which are organised by Scottish Land & Estates (SLE) and generously sponsored by NatureScot, recognise outstanding contributions to the rural economy, inspiring education, pioneering conservation and vital environmental stewardship. It was a fantastic, glittering event and made me proud to work in the rural sector.
READ MOREFrom my desk in Scene & Herd HQ, I can hear the pink-footed geese starting to arrive. As their numbers increase, the sound, especially at night, is incredible. I love autumn, particularly the array of local seasonal fare, including pumpkins, pears and pheasant (The Eat Game has an interesting recipe for pheasant and partridge harissa kebabs).Although I enjoy this time of year, I know many people dread the early evenings and unpredictable weather, so do check in with your friends, co-workers and neighbours this autumn.
READ MOREWe’re excited to announce that the OnFARM podcast has returned with a brand-new series and proudly sponsored by Scottish legal firm, Gillespie Macandrew. Join us every fortnight as we share stories from across Scotland’s farms, food producers, and rural communities – from innovation on the land to the people who make Scottish agriculture thrive. Episodes will be available wherever you get your podcasts.
READ MOREScottish farmers are warning that the UK’s food security is under serious threat following a UK Government decision to remove Skilled Worker code 5111, effectively blocking farms from recruiting skilled overseas workers. The change, introduced on 22 July 2025, has taken skilled farm roles off the Temporary Shortage List, leaving dairy, pig, poultry and horticultural producers struggling to fill vital jobs. In Dumfries & Galloway alone, more than 25 dairy farms depend on staff from the Philippines and other nations to keep operations running.
READ MOREIn August 2025, Roger Baird concluded his three-year tenure as SOPA Chairman Roger has had a significant influence on the organisation, bringing about financial stability, enhanced membership services, and a strategic plan that provides clear direction for the next five years. Following five years as a board director, Jean McLean has recently been appointed as the new Chairperson and has already hit the ground running, supporting the team and the board.
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Anna Davies: Email: anna@sceneandherdpr.co.uk
Ross (Monty) Montague: Email: monty@sceneandherdpr.co.uk
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