SEBG News
Death of Duke of Buccleuch
4th September 2007Following the announcement today of the death of the Duke of Buccleuch, Roddy Jackson, Deputy Chairman of the Scottish Estates Business Group (SEBG), said:
"The Duke of Buccleuch was one of the founder members of SEBG dedicated to the highest standards of stewardship. He was committed to open access to his estates actively developing extensive footpaths and trails and also to widening understanding of the countryside and the role of estates in the rural economy. His interest in improving public access and in the education of what estates do was also demonstrated by the development of the Countryside Service across all the Buccleuch Estates as well as the separate heritage and living landscape trusts which now operate so effectively in offering resources to schools and other groups. He combined an accomplished blend of business focus with a care for people and the land, the very model of sustainable land use.
"He embodied the core principles of the organisation by engaging with decision makers at all political levels and enthusiastically promoting the wide range of activities that Scotland's estates offer and deliver real benefits to Scots and visitors alike.
"The Duke was a great man and had rural Scotland at his heart. He served as an advocate and ambassador of the finest principles of estate management and the challenge for all landowners will be to follow his example of effective stewardship and land management to ensure a vibrant future for rural Scotland."
For further information:
Polly McPherson at SEBG 07810891831
Notes to editors
SEBG represents a group of progressive land-based estates with significant agricultural and rural business interests. It aims to promote a modern business approach in the management of Scotland's land resource in ways which deliver social, economic and environmental benefits. The Group seeks to secure a sustainable and prosperous future for rural areas and its members work hard across Scotland to stimulate enterprise and economic development.
