Sarah-Jane Laing (SJ) is Chief Executive at Scottish Land & Estates and is a familiar face in rural Scotland. From her childhood in Kelso with early memories of life on a working farm to becoming the first woman to lead Scottish Land and Estates, SJ’s journey is one of commitment, courage and care for the rural places she loves.

We explore her early career in housing and public policy, the unexpected summer job that changed everything, and the twenty one years that have shaped her role at the heart of land use and land ownership in Scotland. SJ opens up about balancing leadership with raising a family, the honest conversations that made it possible, and the pressures that many women face when trying to be everything to everyone.

We dive into the challenges of the current political landscape, the outdated stereotypes that still dominate discussions about land ownership, and the realities of advocating for a living, working countryside. SJ also shares the policy wins she is most proud of, including the Helping It Happen Awards and the Women in Agriculture Taskforce which continue to empower and elevate voices across the sector.

Her reflections on leadership, her experience with the Windsor Leadership Trust and her belief in the power of turning up as your true self offer inspiration for anyone navigating rural careers or community life. It is a conversation filled with honesty, humour and heart and we hope it leaves you feeling encouraged and understood.

The Women in Wellies Podcast is sponsored by Scottish Law firm, Gillespie Macandrew, advising on all areas of land & rural business, private client, energy and real estate.

Connect with SJ and Scottish Land & Estates on social media :  Instagram - @scottishlandandestates  \\ LinkedIn - Sarah-Jane Laing / Scottish Land & Estates \\ Twitter (X) - @SJLaing / @ScotLandEstates

Episode Recorded on 10th November 2025.

All views expressed are our own.

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