Debating the future of Scottish land

As Scotland’s leading institute providing advice and guidance on the use of land and natural resources, our job is to inform people of the issues and catalyse the debate.

How can Scotland’s land best contribute to sustainable economic growth? What can be done to cope with growing and conflicting demands on the use of land? What options are available to land managers for ensuring food security and other benefits to society?

These, and many other questions, will be addressed at an open debate to be hosted by the RSA Fellows’ Media, Creative Industries, Culture and Heritage (MCICH) Network and the James Hutton Institute, with additional support from Anderson Strathern LLP and CKD Galbraith.

The event, to be held on Monday 19 November 2012 at Melrose Parish Church Hall in the Scottish Borders, will feature presentations aimed at prompting debate from Professor Bill Slee (James Hutton Institute), Chris Badenoch (Tweed Forum), John Thomson FRSA (Southern Uplands Partnership), Alastair McKie (Anderson Strathern LLP), Ian Davidson (Scottish Government) and farmer Jim Shanks.

They are expected to touch on subjects such as the Scottish ‘squeezed middle’: this refers to the most contentious land use zone in Scotland – the strip between prime arable land and high nature conservation mountains. Other subjects up for discussion will be renewables and government policy, as well as dairy farming and diversification.

Professor Iain Gordon, Chief Executive of the James Hutton Institute, said: “As Scotland’s leading institute providing advice and guidance on the use of land and natural resources, our job is to inform people of the issues and catalyse the debate on what pressures exist and how we most effectively use land to achieve the outcomes society wants.

"We are delighted to be working with the RSA Fellows' Media, Creative Industries, Culture and Heritage Network (MCICH) and to have the involvement of so many important stakeholders.”

Although the event is free and open to the public, prior registration is essential via the event website.

Notes for editors

Representatives from the media are welcome to attend the debate. To confirm your attendance, please contact Ann Packard by phone at 0131 556 2052 or by email: apmcich@btinternet.com.

About RSA and its Fellows’ Media, Creative Industries, Culture and Heritage (MCICH) Network

The RSA Fellows’ Media, Creative Industries, Culture and Heritage Network (MCICH) is a Network approved by the Trustees of the RSA: it is a self-funding group open to RSA Fellows irrespective of their location. The MCICH Annual Report to October 2012 is obtainable via its Chairman, Ann Packard. The RSA, a charity registered in England and Wales (2121424) and in Scotland (SCO37784), combines thought leadership with social innovation to further human progress. Building on its 250 year history as a beacon for enlightenment values, it undertakes influential and varied research projects and hosts the UK’s most ambitious free lecture series. The Society’s work is supported by 27,000 Fellows, an international network of influencers and innovators from every field and background.