Month: December 2022

Aldi offers alternative air fryer Christmas dinner for budget-conscious customers this year

Aldi Scotland has developed a Christmas dinner recipe that can be made entirely in the air fryer for customers hoping to keep energy costs to a minimum this year.

The discount retailer has developed an alternative Christmas dinner recipe with BBC’s Great British Menu finalist and head chef of Edinburgh’s Angel’s with Bagpipes, Fraser Smith.

The centre piece for the Christmas dinner is Aldi’s Galloway Beef Sirloin Joint, that is paired with beef fat carrots, pancetta roast brussels sprouts, hasselback potatoes and red wine gravy.

Fraser has been trying and testing the air fryer to perfect an alternative cooking method for Christmas dinner this year.

Fraser said: “Airfryers offer a great alternative to oven cooking, they’re fast, compact and energy efficient.

“The results of cooking in them is the same as any oven, delicious and tender cooked meats and crispy delicious sides. I loved developing this recipe with Aldi and I hope others give it a try this festive season.”

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland said: “We know that airfryers have soared in popularity this year and with energy costs still concerning families across Scotland we wanted to provide an alternative method to oven cooking Christmas dinner this year.

“Our take on a Christmas Dinner puts our limited edition Galloway Beef Sirloin Joint as the centre piece and provides a selection of delicious, family favourite sides.”

Roasted Galloway Beef Sirloin Joint with beef fat carrots, pancetta roast brussels sprouts, hasselback potatoes and red wine gravy

Ingredients:

  • 4x large carrots
  • 1x Galloway Beef Sirloin Joint
  • 100g diced pancetta
  • 600g brussels sprouts
  • 750g baby potatoes
  • 5g fresh thyme
  • 1x bulb garlic
  • 200ml red wine
  • 10ml vegetable oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Method
For the roast:

  • Wash four large carrots and place on the bottom of the air frying basket.
  • Score the fat on the Galloway Beef Sirloin Joint, rub in salt and cracked black pepper and place on top of the carrots in the air fryer basket.
  • Cut the garlic in half and place that, and half the thyme, in the basket.
  • Put the Galloway Beef and carrots in the air fryer at 200°c for 10 mins then reduce the temp to 180°c. Cook for an additional 20 mins per 500g for rare, 25 mins per 500g for medium, and 30 mins per 500g for well done. 
  • While cooking, take time to baste the carrot and beef every half hour.
  • Once the beef is cooked to your liking, remove from the air fryer, cover in foil and allow to rest at room temperature for at least 20 mins.
  • Place the carrots back in the fryer, at 200°c, until they are cooked – this usually take 10 to 20 minutes depending on the size.

For the brussels sprouts:

  • Prepare the sprouts by removing the outer leaves and cutting them in half.
  • Place cut side up in the basket and cover with the chopped pancetta.
  • Place in the airfryer at 180°c for 20 minutes.

For the potatoes:

  • To prepare the hassleback potatoes, place the potato on a wooden spoon and make thin vertical slices through the potato being mindful not to cut all the way through – the wooden spoon should stop you cutting all the way through and splitting the potato.
  • Brush the slices potatoes with oil and sprinkle over some of the remaining thyme sprigs.
  • Place in air fryer at 200°c for 35 mins or until crispy.
  • This can be done in advance and the potatoes reheated just before serving.

For the gravy:

  • Make up some Aldi Specially Selected Beef Gravy as per instruction.
  • Add a splash of red wine to a warm pan, and reduce by half. Add this to the pre-made gravy.

Enjoy!

Winter warmer bundles provide emergency help as cold weather bites

As wintry weather takes hold, a winter warmer bundle provided by a charity’s trading arm is flying off the shelves to help people on a low income keep warm and cook a hot meal in the months ahead, while keeping energy bills down. 

The winter warmer bundle includes items such as a thick blanket, oil filled radiator, microwave, slow cooker and air fryer and is being supplied to grant-makers trying to keep people warm and fed. 

It has been put together by Family Fund Business Services, the trading arm of charity Family Fund, the UK’s largest grant-making charity for families with disabled and seriously ill children, living on a low income.   

Family Fund supports families with grantsfor essential items such as kitchen appliances, clothing, bedding, sensory toys, computers and tablets, much-needed family breaks.   

The charity used its expertise in procuring large quantities of essential goods from suppliers, to set up its own company, Family Fund Business Services, which gifts 100% of its profits back to the charity.

Phil Henderson, director of Family Fund Business Services said: “For our winter warmer bundle we have worked hard to get urgent access to value-for-money quantities of air fryers, slow cookers, thick blankets and oil filled radiators from suppliers.  

“This means that they are readily, and easily, available for organisations such as local authorities and other charities to provide them for people struggling with the cost of living this winter and seeking emergency help to keep warm and make hot food.  The demand for our winter bundle is growing by the day”. 

Family Fund Business Services secures income through its expertise and collective buying power for essential goods with suppliers. It works on behalf of other charities, local authorities and housing associations seeking to help people in need

It provides value-for-money, easy access to thousands of essential products, including washing machines, furniture, energy vouchers and food vouchers for organisations supporting those facing hardship such as veterans, refugees and those struggling financially to meet their most basic needs. 

Phil Henderson added: “The winter warmer bundles demonstrate a unique business model which delivers social value twice over.

“The expertise of Family Fund Business Services in securing cost-effective contracts for essential goods with suppliers,  means the money of local councils, charities and other organisations goes further to help those in greatest need.

“But its work also helps to secure the future of the Family Fund charity so that Family Fund, in turn, can carry on its vital work of helping even more families with disabled children on a low income.”  

Profits from Family Fund Business Services has helped the charity significantly increase its reach. Last year, Family Fund provided over 170,919 grants and services worth over £37 million to families across the UK. 

Funding of more than £13.2 billion for Scotland’s councils

New deal for local government as allocations published

Details of how more than £13.2 billion in Scottish Government funding for 2023-24 will be distributed among local authorities have been published. 

They include a cash increase in day-to-day revenue funding of 3.5% for next year, compared with the 2022-23 Scottish Budget.

The settlement represents a total cash increase of £570 million or 4.5%. This is equivalent to a real terms rise of 1.3% to support vital council services and follows the most challenging Scottish Budget settlement since devolution.

The Scottish Government has enabled local authorities to make their own local decisions, with financial flexibility on council tax, employability and homelessness services, as well as early learning and schools workforce provision.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “I recognise the challenge which local councils face in delivering services during the current bleak economic climate.

“The 2023-24 Budget confirms that, despite the most turbulent economic and financial context that most people can remember, and the huge pressure on public finances, we are providing councils with a real terms budget increase of 1.3% next year.

“Local government had sought even more funding but – candidly – there was no way in the current climate we were going to be able to meet the request in full. The entire country is having to make difficult choices, including government and local authorities, but we have managed to find an extra £570 million for councils on top of last year’s budget allocations.  

“We are building flexibility and autonomy into how budgets can be spent, but a more fundamental shift is required. We will work with local authorities to review how public services are delivered, so that they are designed around the needs and interests of the people and communities of Scotland.

“That means tackling problems through early intervention before they become acute. It means creating a more effective way of working together with local government by focusing on outcomes, not process.”

LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE 2023-4: TOTAL REVENUE SUPPORT
      
 2022-232023-24IncreaseIncrease 
Local Authority£m£m£m% 
Aberdeen City390.6435.945.311.6 
Aberdeenshire499.6539.039.47.9 
Angus237.9255.417.57.3 
Argyll & Bute219.7232.512.85.8 
Clackmannanshire110.2118.78.47.7 
Dumfries & Galloway329.0354.725.77.8 
Dundee City338.0359.921.96.5 
East Ayrshire268.7290.822.18.2 
East Dunbartonshire217.7232.815.16.9 
East Lothian203.6221.017.58.6 
East Renfrewshire205.5222.316.88.2 
Edinburgh, City of872.9948.976.08.7 
Eilean Siar103.7108.64.94.7 
Falkirk327.6352.024.47.4 
Fife760.8820.459.57.8 
Glasgow City1,407.91,529.3121.48.6 
Highland523.6559.736.26.9 
Inverclyde187.8200.712.96.9 
Midlothian190.3204.714.57.6 
Moray188.9204.815.98.4 
North Ayrshire314.5337.723.27.4 
North Lanarkshire719.4774.955.57.7 
Orkney83.989.65.76.8 
Perth & Kinross294.8320.425.68.7 
Renfrewshire365.2393.228.17.7 
Scottish Borders243.0260.117.17.0 
Shetland98.8103.14.34.3 
South Ayrshire235.8256.020.28.6 
South Lanarkshire651.9702.950.97.8 
Stirling196.1209.813.77.0 
West Dunbartonshire213.5228.715.27.1 
West Lothian369.7402.432.88.9 
Undistributed482.9125.5-357.4-74.0 
Scotland11,853.612,396.5542.94.6 
      

This publication starts the formal consultation period on the 2023-24 local government settlement. Final allocations will be published following approval by the Scottish Parliament, expected in February.

The Scottish Budget 2023-24 proposal includes a net increase of £16 million for free school meals.

The Scottish Government is transferring £105 million per year to give effect to the devolution of Non-Domestic Rates Empty Property Relief. This is significantly more than the cost of replicating the existing policy, should councils wish to do so.

Full details of the provisional allocations, including capital allocations, were published yesterday.

Last minute Christmas gifts from Fort Kinnaird

Christmas is just round the corner and to help visitors pick up any last-minute gifts they need for the big day, Fort Kinnaird has rounded up a selection of ideas to help make the search easier.

From fashion gifts to jewellery, there is something for everyone in this collection, with some retailers even offering gift wrapping services so any purchases can go straight under the tree. 

And late-night shopping continues at Fort Kinnaird for the festive season, with visitors able to take advantage of shopping until 9pm at selected stores on Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd.

Here’s a roundup of the best gifts you can pick up at Fort Kinnaird:

Fashion

Fort Kinnaird is home to an abundance of clothing stores, from M&S to Next and H&M to Primark.

Timeless cashmere jumpers, scarves, hats and gloves from Marks & Spencer and Next are always a welcome surprise on Christmas morning, and Clarks remains the place to visit for men’s footwear. While Ugg’s Classic Ultra Mini Boots are topping the most-wanted lists at schuh along with Veja’s sustainable trainers.

Visitors can discover new looks at Fat Face, or head to Mountain Warehouse and Trespass for weatherproof jackets, walking boots and backpacks ideal taking with you on a long winter walk.  

Jewellery

If you’re thinking of a more luxurious gift, Beaverbrooks and Swarovski are the places to look for gorgeous keepsakes and timeless classics, with their team being on hand to make sure you pick up the most perfect present. 

For a tailored gift, visitors can head to the newly opened Pandora for a bracelet filled with carefully chosen charms plus rings, pendants and lab-created diamonds. 

Beauty 

With most wish lists this year including fragrances by Chanel and Dior and make-up sets from No 17, Maybelline and Benefit, Boots, Superdrug and The Perfume Shop are the places to go. While the Philips Series 9000 Prestige Beard Trimmer, leather wash bags, and skincare gift sets can also be found in Boots and Superdrug and are this year’s grooming essentials. 

Holland & Barrett also have a range of special gift sets from CBD to self-care and sustainable heroes featuring calming tea bags, vegan snacks and naturally soothing beauty.

Gifts for children

With Smyths Toys, Hobbycraft and TK Maxx filled with great ideas for children’s presents, Christmas shopping for little ones is made easy at Fort Kinnaird. 

This year’s most wanted gifts include V-Tech designs, Gabby’s Purrfect Dollhouse, Jurassic World Real FX Baby Blue, Little Live Pets Mama Surprise, Sylvanian Families, Squishmallows, Funko dolls and a big soft Bluey. 

Or if you’re looking for gift ideas for new parent and babies, Mamas & Papas has everything you need from Jellycat toys to soft, comforting clothes, blankets and accessories.

Foodie gifts 

This season’s must-buy recipe and food writing books, including Jamie Oliver’s One, Stanley Tucci’s Taste and Nadiya’s Everyday Baking are all available at Waterstones.

Fort Kinnaird is also a great place to find other special gifts for foodie lovers including chocolate boxes and panettone from Marks & Spencer, barista-grade hot chocolate and Velvetiser from Hotel Chocolat and the latest kitchen gadgets from ProCook.   

Locally made gifts

Fort Kinnaird is home to independent stores including Born in Scotland which specialises in Scottish cards, gifts and crafts – perfect for Christmas. For sustainable and thoughtful gifts, The Leith Collective has beautiful clothes, homewares and gifts recycled, remade and repurposed by local crafts people.

Fort Kinnaird is open 9am – 9pm on weekdays and 9am – 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays. For more information about planning a trip to Fort Kinnaird, please visit www.fortkinnaird.com. 

Edinburgh Castle gives the green light this Christmas in support of the NSPCC

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh Ice Rink and Camera Obscura and World of Illusions illuminated green on the longest night of the year on Wednesday, December 21, in support of the child protection charity, the NSPCC and its Childline counselling service.

On the same night, people dusted off their walking boots and took part in the charity’s 5k fundraiser in the city. The NSPCC invited families, friends and colleagues to get together for the sponsored walk to raise money to support it and its Childline service this Christmas.

On average, two children a minute contact Childline. The service’s counsellors receive calls about many concerns and issues, including abuse, neglect, self-harm, and anxiety.

Caroline Renton, Supporter Fundraising Manager for NSPCC Scotland, said: “We’re extremely grateful for the support given by Edinburgh Castle and Camera Obscura in helping raise awareness of the NSPCC and its Childline service. It was fantastic to see them illuminated green on Wednesday evening.

“And thank you to all those who joined in and raised money for our Walk for Children. Every pound raised will make a difference and help Childline to be there for children, this Christmas and beyond.”

For anyone that took part in Walk for Children in Edinburgh, please remember to share any photos on social media using #WalkforChildren.

Gender Recognition Reform Bill passed

Improving the legal recognition system for trans people

The Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill has been passed by the Scottish Parliament.

The legislation improves the system by which transgender people can apply for legal recognition through a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC).

Trans people aged 16 and older applying for a GRC will be required to make a legally binding declaration that they are already living in their acquired gender and intend to do so permanently.

The Bill includes safeguards against misuse of the system. It will be a criminal offence for applicants to make a false application. A new statutory aggravator and a risk‑based approach in relation to sex offences strengthen these protections.  

Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison said: “This is an historic day for equality in Scotland with the Gender Recognition Reform Bill being approved by parliament and by members of all parties.

“It simplifies and improves the process for a trans person to obtain a gender recognition certificate – which many currently find intrusive, medicalised and bureaucratic.

“The legislation makes no change to the reserved Equality Act 2010 and that principle is enshrined in the Bill. As I have made clear, the Scottish Government continues to support the provision of single-sex services and the rights of women.

“The passing of this bill is a significant step forward in creating a more equal Scotland, where trans people feel valued, included and empowered.”

Background

Factsheet and background to the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill

Cancer charity receives donation from Amazon

A cancer charity headquartered in Edinburgh has received a £6,000 donation following nominations of support from employees at Amazon Development Centre Scotland in Edinburgh. 

The donation was made to Maggie Keswick Jencks Cancer Caring Centres Trust, a charity that offers a support service to cancer patients and their families, during any stage of their treatment. 

The charity provides a range of workshops, one-to-one and group support to help people change the way people live with cancer. Maggie Keswick Jencks Cancer Caring Centres Trust is based in Glasgow but has operations across the UK. 

This donation from Amazon will go towards supporting people with cancer along with their friends and family. The donation can help to provide 2 full days of support at Maggie’s. 

Speaking on the donation, Oliver Masting, Director at Amazon Development Centre, Scotland, said: “The Maggie Keswick Cancer Caring Centres Trust provides free support and advice for families across Scotland and around the UK who are living with cancer.

“Its services are a lifeline for many families in our community and we wanted to support their impactful work with this donation. We hope it helps the staff and volunteers at the charity’s sites around the UK to continue helping those most in need.”

Amy Robertson, Centre Fundraiser from Maggie Keswick Jencks Cancer Centres Trust, added: “Thank you to the team at Amazon Development Centre Scotland for their support and recognition.

“It is donations like this that help us continue to help patients and families in need.”

Kaukab Stewart MSP for Glasgow Kelvin, where the Maggie Keswick Jencks Cancer Centres Trust is located, commented. ‘This is a generous and very welcome donation to a hugely important charity which does such valuable caring work from its base in Glasgow Kelvin.

“Well done to the team at Amazon Development Centre Scotland.’

Community donations are one of several ways in which Amazon supports the communities in and around its operating locations across the UK.

Amazon provides students, teachers and parents with free computer science and STEM education programmes and has teamed up with charity partner Magic Breakfast to deliver more than six million healthy breakfasts to children at risk of hunger in disadvantaged areas of the country.

Dog fosterers providing room at the inn this Christmas

Thanks to dog-loving volunteers in Scotland homeless hounds from Dogs Trust Dundee have found room at the inn this Christmas.   

As well as opening presents on Christmas Day, volunteer foster carers have opened their hearts and homes to dogs in need of a temporary abode whilst they wait to be adopted.   

Dogs Trust’s Home From Home scheme launched in 2015 to find foster homes for dogs that need a little extra care and attention, away from the hustle and bustle of rehoming centre life. This can include young puppies, older dogs and those that have lived their entire life in a home.  

Earlier this year Dogs Trust extended its Home from Home Scheme into Dundee and the surrounding counties of Angus, Tayside, Perthshire and Fife. Two dogs will spend this Christmas in Dogs Trust foster homes in these areas with 34 being rehomed this year through the scheme. 

Volunteer foster carers also help to free up space in Dogs Trust kennels, something that has proved to be essential this year as the charity faces the busiest time in its history.  Since January, Dogs Trust has received a record number of enquiries throughout the UK from owners needing to rehome their dogs, and there are currently around 1,000 dogs on the waiting list to come into Dogs Trust care. 

Foster carers, Malcolm Rae and Judy Butellova, live in Glenrothes and Labrador/cross Seth is the first dog they have fostered through the scheme since October when they became fosterer carers.  

Malcolm said: “Being a foster carer is a new experience for us and we are finding it so rewarding, especially seeing the change in the dog as they settle into a home environment and their personality starts to emerge.

“We love lavishing our attention on them and taking them into our home whilst they wait to be adopted. Having a dog with us at Christmas is particularly special and we are looking forward to celebrating the festivities with Seth and spoiling him with a present or two.”  

Eight-year-old Seth, who came into Dogs Trust care after being found as a stray, is a super sweet boy who loves a snuggle on the sofa. He can be a little shy at first but soon comes round and when he does you have a best friend for life. He loves toys and thoroughly enjoys playing with his favourite ball. He’s housetrained and can live with children aged 16 and over. He enjoys walking with doggy friends and can live with another calm dog. 

Megan Wilkinson, Home from Home Co-ordinator at Dogs Trust Dundee, said: “Our foster scheme means some of the dogs that have found themselves in our care can continue to enjoy the home comforts which come with being part of a loving family.

“Our team of volunteer foster carers are amazing and allow us to look after even more dogs as every dog in foster care, frees up a kennel for another dog in need. 

 “Christmas is often thought of as a time for family so we are so incredibly thankful to our fantastic foster carers taking in our rescue dogs at this special time of year. They are dedicated to providing our dogs with a safe and loving home environment whilst they await a visit from Santa and their new families.  

“For anyone who is a dog lover but can’t commit to having a dog long-term, fostering could be the ideal solution.” 

Volunteer foster carers are provided with everything the dog needs including food, bedding and toys, and the charity will cover the cost of any necessary vet bills. They are also supported by the Dogs Trust team for guidance and advice whenever needed.    

If you can help or would like to find out more, please contact Dogs Trust Dundee on 0303 003 000 or email HFH.Dundee@dogstrust.org.uk 

For more information about Seth or any of the dogs in Dundee patiently waiting to find their special someone check out our website https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming 

Charities share £189,000 national boost from Barratt Developments

— The housebuilder donated more than £80,000 in 2022 to good causes in the east of Scotland, from children’s recreation and sports groups to foodbanks and conservation trusts —

Barratt Developments – which includes Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes and Oregon Timber Frame Ltd – is celebrating a year of giving after its charitable efforts topped more than £189,000 in donations across Scotland.

Each year, the five-star housebuilder supports a wide range of organisations promoting health, employability and care among many other causes. This is done through various charity initiatives, including the Barratt Developments Scotland Community Fund, which donates £1,500 to a deserving local cause in each of its Scottish divisions every month.

Over the last 12 months, Barratt Developments has provided financial support to a diverse mix of charities in the east of Scotland. Totalling a whopping £80,000, donations came at a vital time for many families, individuals and organisations affected by the cost-of-living crisis.

In light of this, the housebuilder made significant donations to a range of organisations which support families in need. St Columba’s Hospice Care, which provides world-leading hospice care to those based in Edinburgh and the Lothians, was Barratt’s main charity in the east for 2022 – securing a £60,000 donation.

Other Lothian donation included a £10,000 donation to Social Bite, a £1,500 donation to Empty Kitchen, Full Hearts in Edinburgh, which rescues surplus food to make meals for those in need, and Edinburgh Food Project which received a £1,000 funding boost. East Lothian Roots and Fruits, which aims to make fruit and vegetables more affordable and therefore more accessible, also received a donation of £1,500.

Other organisations which received donations in the east of Scotland included Dnipro; which supports orphans in Ukraine, disability-focused Capability Scotland, The Water of Leith Conservation Trust and Sporting Start – a group that encourages young people to get active and enjoy sport.

Alison Condie, Barratt Developments’ Managing Director for East Scotland, said: “At Barratt, we’re committed to using our scale for good whenever and wherever we can. As Scotland’s leading housebuilder, it’s important that we give back to the areas in which we build and lead by example.

“There is so much vital work being undertaken by organisations up and down the country, and we’re extremely proud to have been able to support these activities and help them continue during what has been a very challenging year.

“From foodbanks through to environmental projects, we’ve donated to a variety of causes this year and look to continue supporting such a diverse mix in 2023. We would like to thank everyone who suggested charities and supported our fundraising activity, and wish everyone a merry Christmas and happy New Year.”

The full list of 2022’s beneficiaries includes:

•                  Highland Homeless, Inverness

•                  Aberdeen Cyrenians, Aberdeen

•                  Social Bite, Edinburgh

•                  The Coming Home Centre, Glasgow

•                  CATH, Perth

•                  St Columba’s Hospice Care

•                  Link Living

•                  Capability Scotland

•                  Cross Reach

•                  The Water of Leith Conservation Trust

•                  Sporting Start

•                  Edinburgh Food Project

•                  Four Square

•                  Dnipro

•                  Tenovus Scotland

•                  East Lothian Roots and Fruits

•                  Empty Kitchen Full Hearts

•                  Pink Saltire

•                  Edinburgh Cat & Dog Home

•                  Cash for Kids

•                  Mental Health Aberdeen (MHA)

•                  Perth & Kinross Foodbank

•                  Abbie’s Sparkle Foundation

•                  Trees for Life

•                  Hamish Dear Warm Hugs

•                  Ellon Castle Gardens – Bill Bruce Memorial Garden Project

•                  Elgin Sports Community Trust

•                  Cove Woodland Community Trust

•                  Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Scotland

•                  Newburgh & Ythan Community Trust – Seal Beach Project

•                  Dream, Believe, Achieve Highland

•                  The Leanne Fund

•                  Cash for Kids Coat Appeal 2022

•                  The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow

•                  The Lily Foundation

•                  Parklea Branching Out

•                  St Andrew’s Hospice – Thanksgiving Thistle Appeal                   

•                  The Simba Charity                                               

•                  Trust Jack Foundation                                        

•                  Kindness Homeless Street Team Glasgow

•                  Nil by Mouth                                       

•                  CHAP                                                                        

•                  CHAS

•                  Children 1st – Bairns’ Hoose Project                                                         

•                  The Prince’s Trust

•                  Glasgow Spirit of Christmas

•                  Canine Partners

•                  Selkirk Food Bank

•                  Stable Life

•                  Brake Road Safety

•                  The Wave Project

•                  Artbeat Scotland

•                  Earlston Scouts Group

•                  Rowlands, Selkirk

•                  The Difference, Special Baby Care Unit

Scotland’s pioneering rewilding project exceeds 50% of crowdfund target in less than three weeks

  • £271,320 of £500k target raised, so far from 239 (98 Scots) investors, with 10 weeks still to go
  • Halfway point comes as COP15 30×30 agreement reached to safeguard world’s ecosystems

Highlands Rewilding, Scotland’s 2,000-acre project focused on combating biodiversity collapse and climate meltdown, has raised over 50% of its £500,000 target in less than three weeks.

The crowdfund for mass ownership of the company Launched on 1st December and runs until the end of February. Exactly £271,320 (54.26%) has been raised from 239 investors, 98 of which are Scottish, so far.

The crowdfund’s milestone comes as the historic 30×30 deal at COP15 has been agreed, with 196 countries agreeing to the deal which aims to conserve 30% of the land, freshwater and ocean globally by 2030.

The Highlands Rewilding project intends to serve as an example of how citizen projects can help support the Scottish government reach their ambitious climate and biodiversity targets which are set on reversing nature loss by 2030 and substantially restoring and regenerating biodiversity by 2045.

Highlands Rewilding’s crowdfund encourages ‘citizen rewilders’ – those with a passion in the fight against climate meltdown and biodiversity collapse – to invest as little as £50 and anything up to £200,000.

Dr Jeremy Leggett, Founder and CEO of Highlands Rewilding, said: “We have been blown away and so encouraged by the support we have received from the nation’s citizen rewilders so far and thank every single investor for their support. Every pound really does count in enabling us to grow and expand the Highlands Rewilding model. We hope many more Scots will choose to join us in our quest.

“There has never been a more pivotal time for the nation to consider how nature recovery can support our world’s future, especially as the thirty-by-thirty deal has been reached at COP15 which makes a giant leap in conserving our land, freshwater and ocean globally. It acts as a hopeful exemplar of how grassroots projects, like Highlands Rewilding, can help governments meet their targets to safeguard vital ecosystems by the end of the decade.”

The ambitious Highlands Rewilding project, which stretches over 2,000 acres across two estates in the Scottish Highlands – Bunloit Estate in Inverness and Beldorney Estate in Aberdeenshire, – is pursuing a business model to scale nature recovery like no other.

As the project’s crowdfund and fundraising efforts continue, the Highlands Rewilding science team have released their second Natural Capital Report which uses cutting-edge methods, from satellites, to drone-based and ground-based sensors, eDNA analysis, and detailed observational work by ecologists, to assess biodiversity habitats and carbon stocks.

The results give an unprecedented insight into the Bunloit and Beldorney estates, and the methods that can be used to maximise benefits for the environment and the planet’s future prosperity.

Dr Jeremy Leggett added “Our Natural Capital Report provides us with a rich source of natural capital data which covers a variety of habitats so that we can better understand where efforts should be concentrated to harness and maximise carbon sources.

“In our continued efforts of producing high-quality, evidence-based data on natural capital quantification, our hope is that our work will begin to feed into the ongoing policymaking process in government to generate the best possible outcomes to support our nation’s long-term climate goals.

“After two and a half years of operations in our start phase, we have a strong and growing team, deep roots in our local communities, and a rapidly expanding core of cutting-edge science. Our intention is to become a world-class open laboratory for natural-capital verification science and demonstrate that natural capital can be grown verifiably for planet, people, and profit, both in wildland and actively managed land.”

It is hoped that £500,000 will be raised through the crowdfund by ‘citizen rewilders’. Investments are also expected from equity investors and financial institutions. No funding limit has been set for the entirety of the Highlands Rewilding fundraiser, but the organisation is aiming to raise at least eight million plus.

As with any investment, we encourage those interested in our project to make sure they fully understand the process, what their investment means and the potential risks of investing.

Find out more about the Highlands Rewilding and the crowdfund here:  

https://www.highlandsrewilding.co.uk/crowdfund 

You can download a copy of the Natural Capital Report here: 

https://www.highlandsrewilding.co.uk/research