Rural Community Gateway

In Off the Shelf, we highlight some recent additions to our library. There are hundreds of documents in our library, from research documents to community newsletters. You can search our library by title or keyword, making it easier to find what you are looking for.

Foot and Mouth review

In 2007, Foot and Mouth Disease broke out in England. Although the disease did not spread to Scotland, the effects of the outbreak were keenly felt. Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead commissioned a review of the Scottish Government’s handling of the outbreak shortly after disease freedom was reclaimed.

You can now find the Foot and Mouth Disease Review, produced by Jim Scudamore and John Ross, in our documents library. This interesting report reviews the Scottish response to the outbreaks in 2007 and identifies lessons learned for the future, particularly in terms of reducing the risk to Scotland and associated economic disruption.

Conservation Framework for Golden Eagles

A new report has found that there are no viable populations of native golden eagles left in some parts of Scotland. Scottish Natural Heritage’s Conservation Framework for Golden Eagles hit the headlines when it was published recently.

The report also found that there is clear evidence of the eagles’ decline in areas where there appears to be use of illegal poisoned baits.

Environment Minister Michael Russell said, "The golden eagle is a magnificent bird of prey and a key species for Scotland and I find this evidence of its decline deeply disturbing. This is a timely report, with tackling crimes against our wildlife firmly on my - and Scotland's - agenda. In addition, the report, alas, gives scientific proof, if further proof was needed, that the illegal use of poisoned baits continues to blight our country.”

Last year, the Rural Gateway reported on the poisoning of a golden eagle in the Borders and tougher penalties for wildlife crime. If you are interested in this document, you might want to take a look at Natural Justice and Persecution: A review of bird of prey persecution in Scotland 2006.

Farms and estates urged to give renewables a go

Scottish Renewables and the SRPBA have produced a booklet to highlight what has been done by land managers and rural businesses to deal with rising energy costs, tackle climate change and diversify income streams.

Rural Businesses Using Renewables has a number of case studies including a ground source heat pump at Dormont Estate, biomass at Brahan Estate and Langside Farm B&B and a hydro scheme at Ardvarikie Estate.

Scottish Renewables are urging rural businesses to give renewables a go. You can read more in Rural Round Up 94.

Agricultural Facts and Figures

This factcard provides summary indications concerning aggregate output, inputs and incomes as well as results from the agricultural census and surveys

Download Agricultural Facts and Figures: Scottish Agriculture 2007.

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