Michael Russell
@feorlean.bsky.social
Argyll, Scotland. Writes, takes pictures . Used to do more. Chair, Scottish Land Commission from 02/24. Hon Professor , Glasgow University. President SNP 2020 - 2023. Former MSP for Argyll & Bute and Minister/ Cabinet Secretary in Scottish Government
Reposted by Michael Russell
James Hutton Institute secures £44k from NatureScot to develop a nature restoration plan at Glensaugh Farm in Aberdeenshire.
Hutton to develop large-scale nature restoration plan at Glensaugh farm
www.thescottishfarmer.co.uk
January 11, 2026 at 8:28 AM
James Hutton Institute secures £44k from NatureScot to develop a nature restoration plan at Glensaugh Farm in Aberdeenshire.
Wise as ever ….thanks Alastair
On Trump's designs on Greenland and the spirituality of lament as articulated by a martyred African priest - my Thought for the Day on BBC Radio Scotland Breakfast today - text below or listen about 1:20 in (0720 hours, 8 Jan) at: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand...
January 8, 2026 at 9:14 AM
Wise as ever ….thanks Alastair
Reposted by Michael Russell
Snow & the emigrants monument Helmsdale.
January 3, 2026 at 2:54 PM
Snow & the emigrants monument Helmsdale.
Never a Christmas Eve passes without me repeating this, if only to myself. Written by Hardy during WW1 , the message regarding hope is worth repeating in “these times” too:
www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/53215/...
www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/53215/...
The Oxen
We pictured the meek mild creatures where They dwelt in their strawy pen, Nor did it occur to one of us there To doubt they were kneeling then.
www.poetryfoundation.org
December 24, 2025 at 8:09 AM
Never a Christmas Eve passes without me repeating this, if only to myself. Written by Hardy during WW1 , the message regarding hope is worth repeating in “these times” too:
www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/53215/...
www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/53215/...
Interesting review of the by-elections anthology to which I contributed a piece on the Hamilton one in Nov 1967. www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
'Revealing': Lord Hodgson reviews 'British By-Elections 1769–2025'
As the latest anthology edited by Iain Dale makes clear, by-elections are frequently enlightening and colourful affairs
www.politicshome.com
December 11, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Interesting review of the by-elections anthology to which I contributed a piece on the Hamilton one in Nov 1967. www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
This report is a key part of the @scottishlandcom.bsky.social annual activity but we continue to need more data to better inform evidence based land reform & tenant farming policy.
New Rural Land Market Data Report 2025 shows Scotland’s rural land market continued to cooled in 2024:
🌲 Forestry prices down to £10,054/ha - a drop of 34% from 2023
🏘️ Only 6 large-scale estate sales - a 5 year low
🚜Farmland prices rose slightly to an average of £16,502/ha
buff.ly/0AC0lVI
🌲 Forestry prices down to £10,054/ha - a drop of 34% from 2023
🏘️ Only 6 large-scale estate sales - a 5 year low
🚜Farmland prices rose slightly to an average of £16,502/ha
buff.ly/0AC0lVI
December 9, 2025 at 7:38 PM
This report is a key part of the @scottishlandcom.bsky.social annual activity but we continue to need more data to better inform evidence based land reform & tenant farming policy.
Reposted by Michael Russell
Woodland Carbon Code and Scottish Government win Bloomberg Climate Award for partnership in tackling climate change.
Woodland Carbon Code recognised for climate partnership excellence
www.thescottishfarmer.co.uk
December 4, 2025 at 8:47 PM
Woodland Carbon Code and Scottish Government win Bloomberg Climate Award for partnership in tackling climate change.
Reposted by Michael Russell
A new report from the Scottish Land Commission shows how lessons from around the world could help Scotland modernise the way it values land and property, strengthening the foundation for fairer taxation to support sustainable public finances, and action on climate change.
Global best practice could help Scotland unlock fairer, greener land taxation, report finds
A new report from the Scottish Land Commission shows how lessons from around the world could help Scotland modernise the way it values land and property, strengthening the foundation for fairer taxation to support sustainable public finances, and action on climate change.
www.scottishconstructionnow.com
October 22, 2025 at 9:21 AM
A new report from the Scottish Land Commission shows how lessons from around the world could help Scotland modernise the way it values land and property, strengthening the foundation for fairer taxation to support sustainable public finances, and action on climate change.
Reposted by Michael Russell
An ambitious £12 million appeal is seeking to rescue Robert Burns’s Ellisland Farm and restore the birthplace of Auld Lang Syne
£12 million fundraising appeal bid to rescue Robert Burns’s farm
www.thenational.scot
November 28, 2025 at 4:50 PM
An ambitious £12 million appeal is seeking to rescue Robert Burns’s Ellisland Farm and restore the birthplace of Auld Lang Syne
Interesting feedback from the @scottishlandcom.bsky.social “Scotland Futures” consultation www.thenational.scot/politics/256...
Michael Russell: There is overwhelming support for more land reform
A NEW national survey has found that 96 of people say Scotland needs more land reform ...
www.thenational.scot
November 26, 2025 at 10:32 PM
Interesting feedback from the @scottishlandcom.bsky.social “Scotland Futures” consultation www.thenational.scot/politics/256...
Reposted by Michael Russell
Scotland Futures: Future Voices", a publication just out yesterday from the Scottish Land Commission www.landcommission.gov.scot/downloads/69...
See also the sister document "What we Heard": www.landcommission.gov.scot/downloads/69...
See also the sister document "What we Heard": www.landcommission.gov.scot/downloads/69...
www.landcommission.gov.scot
November 26, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Scotland Futures: Future Voices", a publication just out yesterday from the Scottish Land Commission www.landcommission.gov.scot/downloads/69...
See also the sister document "What we Heard": www.landcommission.gov.scot/downloads/69...
See also the sister document "What we Heard": www.landcommission.gov.scot/downloads/69...
Reposted by Michael Russell
Thank you to everyone who took part in our ScotLand Futures survey. More than 1,200 people shared their views, and 96% told us Scotland still needs further action on land reform 👇
buff.ly/tSiMkVO
buff.ly/tSiMkVO
November 25, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Thank you to everyone who took part in our ScotLand Futures survey. More than 1,200 people shared their views, and 96% told us Scotland still needs further action on land reform 👇
buff.ly/tSiMkVO
buff.ly/tSiMkVO
“I know where I’m going “ is a great film but good to see Werner Kissling’s use of Gaelic in his 1935 documentary also acknowledged www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Mull's 1940s romantic comedy that brought Gaelic to cinema
I Know Where I'm Going was made 80 years ago but still has an impact today.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 23, 2025 at 3:13 PM
“I know where I’m going “ is a great film but good to see Werner Kissling’s use of Gaelic in his 1935 documentary also acknowledged www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Michael Russell
#PeatlandRestoration is not the most photogenic of subjects, but this blog from our partner #AssyntFoundation explains why it's important & what those diggers are doing on the heather. 👉 buff.ly/0yI3qFP Thanks PeatlandACTION. Great to see more carbon storing work happening in Assynt.
Peat Bog Restoration - Blog of photographer Chris Puddephatt - Chris Puddephatt Photos of North West Scotland - Peat Bog Restoration
Blog of photographer Chris Puddephatt
buff.ly
November 22, 2025 at 5:01 PM
#PeatlandRestoration is not the most photogenic of subjects, but this blog from our partner #AssyntFoundation explains why it's important & what those diggers are doing on the heather. 👉 buff.ly/0yI3qFP Thanks PeatlandACTION. Great to see more carbon storing work happening in Assynt.
Reposted by Michael Russell
A valuable opportunity for researchers to dig into what’s driving the shift from largescale to smaller community acquisitions and how we remove barriers to communities taking ownership of land at scale.
If you work on land reform, rural development or community wealth building, take a look 👇
If you work on land reform, rural development or community wealth building, take a look 👇
📢 New SEFARI Gateway fellowship with @scottishlandcom.bsky.social.
Explore changes in demand for largescale community land acquisitions in Scotland & identify steps to overcome barriers preventing new acquisitions.
To apply & for more info ➡️ tinyurl.com/SLCfellowship
⌛Apply by: 21st Nov 2025
Explore changes in demand for largescale community land acquisitions in Scotland & identify steps to overcome barriers preventing new acquisitions.
To apply & for more info ➡️ tinyurl.com/SLCfellowship
⌛Apply by: 21st Nov 2025
October 28, 2025 at 1:38 PM
A valuable opportunity for researchers to dig into what’s driving the shift from largescale to smaller community acquisitions and how we remove barriers to communities taking ownership of land at scale.
If you work on land reform, rural development or community wealth building, take a look 👇
If you work on land reform, rural development or community wealth building, take a look 👇
Reposted by Michael Russell
📌 Scotland takes important step towards fairer use and ownership of land
Scottish Land Commission statement on the passing of the Land Reform Bill
Scottish Land Commission statement on the passing of the Land Reform Bill
November 5, 2025 at 7:10 PM
📌 Scotland takes important step towards fairer use and ownership of land
Scottish Land Commission statement on the passing of the Land Reform Bill
Scottish Land Commission statement on the passing of the Land Reform Bill
Reposted by Michael Russell
The result of the Stage 3 vote on the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill is:
✅ Yes - 85
❌ No - 28
🟣 Abstain - 9
The Bill is therefore passed.
You can find out more online at: https://ow.ly/g4AC50XnkZw
✅ Yes - 85
❌ No - 28
🟣 Abstain - 9
The Bill is therefore passed.
You can find out more online at: https://ow.ly/g4AC50XnkZw
November 5, 2025 at 7:10 PM
The result of the Stage 3 vote on the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill is:
✅ Yes - 85
❌ No - 28
🟣 Abstain - 9
The Bill is therefore passed.
You can find out more online at: https://ow.ly/g4AC50XnkZw
✅ Yes - 85
❌ No - 28
🟣 Abstain - 9
The Bill is therefore passed.
You can find out more online at: https://ow.ly/g4AC50XnkZw
Reposted by Michael Russell
BREAKING: MSPs have backed a bill that is described as the 'most radical land reform legislation in the history of devolution'
The Scottish Parliament passed the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill with 85 in favour, 28 against and 9 abstentions
The Scottish Parliament passed the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill with 85 in favour, 28 against and 9 abstentions
November 5, 2025 at 7:06 PM
BREAKING: MSPs have backed a bill that is described as the 'most radical land reform legislation in the history of devolution'
The Scottish Parliament passed the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill with 85 in favour, 28 against and 9 abstentions
The Scottish Parliament passed the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill with 85 in favour, 28 against and 9 abstentions
Reposted by Michael Russell
The gentlest, firmest, weapon for us to use in the culture wars, from Goethe:
"A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul."
"A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul."
October 31, 2025 at 6:13 PM
The gentlest, firmest, weapon for us to use in the culture wars, from Goethe:
"A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul."
"A man should hear a little music, read a little poetry, and see a fine picture every day of his life, in order that worldly cares may not obliterate the sense of the beautiful which God has implanted in the human soul."