In Scotland, there is an estimated workforce of 108,825 and approximately 23,812 businesses operating wholly or principally in the land-based sector.

Key statistics on the sector in Scotland include:

• 98.7% of businesses employ less than 10 people or no staff, compared to 94.7% in all Scotland
• 18.5% of the workforce are staff, 81.5% are proprietors
• 36% of the workforce are aged 25-44 years, compared to 47.7% in all Scotland
• 43.8% aged over 45 years, compared to 37.5% in all Scotland
• 76.8% of the workforce are male, compared to 52.2% in all Scotland
• most common annual business turnover is £161,141
• 75% of all jobs are full-time
• skilled trades (39%), elementary (27%) and managers and senior officials (14.5%) occupations dominate the  workforce
• 8.7% of all establishments report vacancies, of which 5.6% are hard-to-fill
• 0.3% of the workforce have skills gaps

In Scotland, the highest proportions were working in: agricultural livestock (37%); agricultural crops (13%); and landscaping (12%). 

Businesses in the region need the following skills: communication (66.5%); planning and organisation (63.2%); environmental management (58%); and technical skills (57.9%).  Over the next few years, all skills will be needed at a higher level.

Education and training providers offer both full-time and part-time learning, work-based learning and short course provision for technical skill development and continuing professional development.  29% of establishments have funded or arranged off-the-job training for their employees in the last 12 months.  For more information on education and training in Scotland go to the education and training. 

Priority industries in Scotland include:

• trees and timber
• environmental conservation
• aquaculture
• fisheries management
• agriculture (livestock and crops)
• game and wildlife

Source: Lantra Scotland National Consultation 2005, Sector Skills Agreement Stage 1: Analysis of Current and Future Skills Needs 2005 and Sector Skills Agreement Stage 1: Annex 2.6 2005

For data on regional workforce by industry, plus regional data for the Highlands and Islands and Scottish Enterprise see:

Distribution of Lantra workforce in Scotland, 2005

Highlands and Islands

Scottish Enterprise