Mark Tennant

Being in business is a tough job at any time. Throw in the consequences of an unprecedented global pandemic and suddenly a difficult job becomes a herculean task.

For owners of Scotland’s rural businesses, the challenge is no less stark. Whilst the media spotlight has focused on the boarded-up bars and the deserted streets of our major cities, rural communities have watched economic activity shudder to a standstill at the exact moment it should have been getting into gear for 2020.

As the newly appointed chairman of Scottish Land & Estates (SLE), the organisation representing rural business, coming into the hotseat at this moment is truly a baptism of fire.

A recent article in our members’ magazine wryly said that trouble followed me around. In 2009, I took over as chairman of Scottish Financial Enterprise just as the trade body was dealing with the aftermath of the global banking crisis, and, although there are parallels with the events of a decade ago, I believe the current situation is even more difficult for a much broader range of businesses. We simply cannot allow the rural economy to get left behind as we plan recovery.

Farmers continue to provide a crucial service to Scotland through feeding the nation and whilst it has been the bedrock of the rural economy, since the turn of the millennium our land-based businesses including estates and farms have been diversifying to encourage growth in the rural economy.

Forestry, energy, housing, conservation and country sports are just some of the sectors in which SLE members are involved and all have been impacted by COVID-19 to some extent. However, the impact on Scotland’s leisure and tourism businesses is jaw-dropping.

Whether it be castles, gardens or glamping pods, many of these facilities are drivers of economic activity in the Scottish countryside. They bring visitors who not only spend money at the stately home or campsite but also go on to spend more in the family-owned tearoom in the village centre, helping to sustain many permanent and seasonal jobs as they enjoy their time in a rural idyll.

Many estates, I have spoken to are already counting substantial losses as a result of shutting up shop. Their cash flow has dried up and so some have had to use the furlough scheme to prevent redundancies. Knowing that jobs are being protected and being kept open for better times will be crucial for rural communities. This is an essential investment by government to keep people in employment.

There is a strong possibility that as we emerge from lockdown, flexibility for rural businesses will be an essential part of getting back to normal. It is a challenge that we must rise to as we have never done before. Rural people’s livelihoods depend on it.

Amidst the horror of this pandemic, we need to recognise that Brexit has not gone away and nor has the target of net zero carbon emissions the Scottish Government has set, and the crucial role land managers will need to play in achieving it, such as using land as a carbon sink to drain greenhouse gas emissions.

So, rural Scotland will have to adapt to the ‘new normal’ and perhaps even more quickly than other parts of the country. If we are to be part of the advanced guard in this recovery, rural businesses will face huge challenges. Their success in overcoming those challenges will determine the future of rural Scotland.

Mark Tennant is chairman of Scottish Land & Estates