Scottish Land and Estates (SL&E), the body representing the interests of Scottish landowners, yesterday called for "rural concord" with Government and communities.

Speaking at the SL&E annual conference in Edinburgh, chairman Lord David Johnstone said a "sea-change in co-operation" could deliver a "multitude of benefits" across Scotland.

Lord Johnstone said: "After an intensive, two-year-long land reform debate we now have a raft of legislation designed to change the rural landscape.

"Landowners and land businesses have been in the firing line during an intensive land reform debate over the last two years. Although many feel they have been portrayed as being opponents of change, we now need to embrace this new era of landownership and do even more to demonstrate we have listened and understand arguments for change."

Despite several prominent and powerful members of his organisation publicly declaring their intention to challenge new legislation granting secure farm tenants the right to assign their tenancies, Lord Johnstone went on: "We believe that now the dust is settling there is a very compelling case to be made for a rural concord - a fresh start in which Government, community bodies and landowners work together in a spirit of renewed co-operation."

Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform, Roseanna Cunningham said: "Land reform is at the centre of this Government's ambitions for a fairer and more prosperous Scotland. Land reform can make a real difference to local communities by supporting and revitalising local areas and providing more opportunities for local people to have a say in decisions about land which affect them."

The Cabinet Secretary added: "Throughout the passage of the Land Reform Bill, the Scottish Government has worked closely with all stakeholders to ensure that land delivers benefit for everyone and I look forward to continuing this collaboration as we implement the legislation."

Lord Johnstone concluded: "We would like to see landowners going the extra mile to show they are part of the fabric of rural communities and local economies. We have to demonstrate that we are working for the interests of others, and not just our own."

Market round-up

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 231 prime hoggs in Newton Stewart yesterday to a top of £83.50 per head and 181.8p per kg to average 154p (+10p on the week), while 211 prime lambs peaked at £100 and 218.4p to level at 198p (+13p).

There were also 145 cast sheep forward when ewes sold to £116 for Texels and £68.50 for Blackfaces.