Tag: environment

Expanded Just Transition Fund reopens

£17 million to support workers and communities and create more green jobs

Up to £17 million will be available to help create green jobs, support innovation, diversify energy supply chains, and enable workers to transition into low-carbon roles.

In addition, for the first time, community organisations and social enterprises will be amongst a range of organisations eligible to apply for a guaranteed share from the Just Transition Fund (JTF) for the North East and Moray.

The Fund will also include new development grants to help groups strengthen or scale up emerging project ideas and will include:

  • up to £3 million capital and £1 million resource for community and social enterprise projects – including specific funding to give communities the power to directly decide how money should be spent
  • up to £10 million for large‑scale commercial projects focused on jobs, skills and economic transition – with a minimum project size of £500,000
  • up to £3 million to support small and medium enterprises in the oil and gas supply chain diversifying into low‑carbon markets – expanding the provision of the ETZ Supply Chain Challenge Fund

The JTF has invested more than £85 million into 28 projects across the region since 2022 – helping to support hundreds of jobs and companies entering the offshore wind, marine energy and carbon capture sectors. 

Climate Action and Energy Secretary Gillian Martin announced the latest round of JTF funding during a site visit to Verlume LTD, a global leader in subsea batteries and power management systems. The organisation received £2.5 million in the 2025-26 round of the JTF to deliver a fully functional prototype of the world’s first subsea grid-forming battery system.  

Ms Martin said: “Since 2022, the Just Transition Fund has supported hundreds of jobs with more than £85 million investment into 28 projects across the North East and Moray. It is just one of the strands of Scottish Government support for the region.

“This year, we’re making important changes to the funding available based on advice from the Just Transition Commission and the Just Transition Lab. For the first time, community groups and social enterprises will be guaranteed support for larger projects, alongside our continued backing of the Participatory Budgeting Fund which gives communities the power to directly decide how money should be spent in their areas to help address specific local needs.

“We’re also helping communities get ready for future funding by offering development grants. These will support groups who may not otherwise be able to benefit to build the skills and confidence they need to plan and apply for bigger projects in the years ahead.

“We’re also continuing to help the energy sector shift and grow, including funding to support businesses in the supply chain as they adapt. All of this means we can offer wider support to local organisations while creating new jobs and fresh opportunities for people across the North East.

“It’s vital that Scotland’s expertise, innovation, and huge renewable energy potential not only help the planet, but also ensure a fair and inclusive transition for everyone in the North East of Scotland.”

Verlume CEO Richard Knox said: “Support from the Just Transition Fund has been transformational for Verlume, enabling the development of the world’s first grid-forming subsea battery co-located with offshore wind.

“This project addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing renewable energy today, grid stability and wind curtailment, while demonstrating how offshore oil and gas expertise can be redeployed directly into the clean energy system.

“Beyond accelerating innovation, the Fund has helped secure and create high-value jobs while allowing us to extensively utilise Scottish suppliers across fabrication, engineering and specialist services, ensuring that the economic value of this project is distributed across the North East Scotland supply chain, not just concentrated within a single company.”

University of Aberdeen Just Transition Lab, Professor Tavis Potts and Professor John Bone said: “The research from the Just Transition Lab has shown that communities need to be at the centre of the transition to the low carbon economy. In ‘Time to Deliver’ and ‘Regional Planning for a Just Transition’ we called for a more transparent approach and a more generous and consistent funding stream, with more emphasis on capacity building.

“The Scottish Government has listened. The ringfenced funding for community and social enterprise projects, including capital and resource costs, is a major improvement and addresses a key shortcoming in previous rounds. The commitment to capacity building ensures that this can support Northeast communities at all stages, fundamental for sharing the benefits of the transition.”

Applications for this bidding round have opened today (2 March).

Applications to the commercial and public sector funding pot will close on 8th May. Applications to the community and social enterprise funding pot will close on 22nd May. 

Find out more information on how to apply.

Granton Goes Greener: Beach Litter Pick this Saturday

With a bit of sunshine and warmer weather we are ready for our first BEACH LITTER PICKING event at Wardie Bay this Saturday between 11:30 -1pm!

This is a family friendly event supported by R2 project.

Any questions-email: anna@grantongoesgreener.org.uk

Wilding screening at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

TUESDAY 24th FEBRUARY at 6pm

We have a film for you tomorrow night at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre about rewilding. 6pm-8.45. Film starts at 6.30.

There are also two ecology and urban rewilding practitioners coming to speak to us about what we can do to restore nature in our local environments. Wouldn’t it be lovely to keep our birds singing and our local mammals living near us? The deer, badgers and foxes, whether you enjoy seeing them or not are part of our essential environment.

At the base of this food chain are the insects which the birds rely on to feed their chicks.

What can we do to preserve and even increase the natural habitats around us?

Come along and find out Tuesday night and meet some of your neighbours too!

Drop me an email on natalie@drylawnc.org.uk if you’d like to come.

Two-thirds of drivers oppose plans to expand 20mph areas

Plans to extend 20mph speed limits across more UK roads are facing resistance from drivers, new research reveals.

A recent survey by Quotezone.co.uk found that 66% of respondents said they were not in favour of reducing key 30mph roads to 20mph.

The study of 1,000 British adults, showed over two-thirds (67%) think 20mph roads are simply too slow.

The findings come amid ongoing discussions across parts of the UK about expanding 20mph zones, hoping to improve road safety and reduce accidents in urban areas.

Last month, the government launched a new road safety strategy, which aims to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads by 65% by 2035.

The strategy revealed there will be a new edition of the best practice guidance on setting local speed limits, which suggests there may be significant changes to the 30mph default limit on urban roads.

Wales is leading the way in terms of adopting lower speed limits and has already implemented a default 20mph rule on residential and built-up roads.

Scotland and England are also following suit, with many regions already rolling out a 20mph speed limit in urban areas.

London has seen significant progress, with lower speed limits in place on more than half of urban roads, while the North West is close behind, with over 45% now set at 20mph.

While public opinion may be divided on the approach, in the first year of the new 20mph limit, Wales saw approximately 100 fewer people killed or seriously injured, and research shows that even an average speed reduction of just 1mph can cut crash frequency by 5%.

As more roads move to lower limits, drivers are being encouraged to stay alert to changing signage and adjust their driving accordingly.

Sticking to the indicated limits ensures motorists avoid fines, penalty points and potential increases to their insurance premiums.

Greg Wilson, car insurance expert and CEO at Quotezone.co.uk said: “With changes to speed limits continuing to be discussed across the UK, our research suggests many motorists remain unconvinced about reducing key 30mph roads to 20mph, with concerns likely centred around journey times and practicality.

“That being said, evidence from Wales, for example, demonstrates that lower limits can have a positive impact on road safety, with data from the first year of implementation showing fewer people killed or seriously injured.

“Ultimately, decisions around speed limits sit with local authorities, and they must balance public sentiment with safety outcomes, congestion, and the needs of different road users when assessing what’s appropriate for their communities.

“With lower limits appearing on more roads, it’s important drivers watch for signage and adapt their speed to make sure they stay safe and avoid fines.

“From an insurance perspective, any measure that successfully reduces collisions is positive news for premium prices. Fewer accidents could lead to fewer claims, and over time that has the potential to ease the pressure on car insurance costs.”

As a price comparison site, Quotezone helps drivers compare and find savings on all sorts of motoring products, such as van, fleet and car insurance.

Letter: Fair Energy Pricing for Scotland

END THE ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL MARKET

Dear Editor,

Scotland is in the absurd position of producing more electricity than we need, while families and firms here face some of the highest bills in Britain. Fuel poverty is rampant, reaching nearly 50% in the northernmost parts of the country, despite Scotland’s renewable capacity only set to grow, with projects like Berwick Bank expected to generate power for more households than exist in Scotland.​

One practical approach is zonal pricing, setting electricity prices by geographic region so that areas with abundant local generation benefit from lower supply costs and reduced transmission costs.

In plain terms, power produced on and off Scotland’s shores should not cost Scottish households and businesses a premium once it reaches the meter.

Zonal pricing reflects local supply and demand, and recognises that the real expense lies in grid infrastructure, pylons, cabling, and reinforcement, rather than in “sending” electrons down the line.​

Instead, we are currently being forced to accept a vast expansion of pylons across our land because the grid is inadequate for the volume of generation, with “curtailment” running into billions, paying wind operators to switch off while consumers still pay through the nose.

A new pylon network is planned from the north of Scotland down the east and through the Borders to supply demand further south, bringing long-term visual and environmental damage, disruption to arable land and watercourses, and little or no benefit to the communities affected.​

As an ALBA Glasgow List Candidate, I, Dhruva Kumar, am calling for a fair deal, implement zonal pricing so Scots can finally share in the value of the energy we produce, cut fuel poverty in a cold country, and make Scotland competitive again for manufacturing, hospitality and the green supply chain.

If Westminster will not act, then Scotland’s councils and government should refuse consent for pylons that export our energy while leaving our people paying the price.​

Yours faithfully,

Dhruva Kumar

ALBA Party, Glasgow List Candidate

Depute Convenor, ALBA Glasgow

Wet wipes containing plastic to be banned

Action to protect the environment and marine waters

The sale and supply of wet wipes containing plastic in Scotland will be banned from 11 August 2027 under regulations published today.

Wet wipes containing plastic are a common and persistent source of marine litter and can break down into microplastics over time, harming the natural environment.

The move is part of wider action to protect Scotland’s environment and marine waters and includes a transition period for businesses to help them prepare.

The measures will include exemptions for medical and industrial uses as well as business-to-business sales. Members of the public who require specific wet wipes containing plastic for medical or healthcare reasons will also be able to request these from a pharmacy.

A ban will be introduced in all four nations of the UK following a UK-wide consultation in 2023, which found overwhelming public support for the proposals, with over 93% of respondents agreeing or strongly agreeing to the move.

Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Wet wipes containing plastic are an unnecessary single-use item, for which more environmentally friendly alternatives already exist. 

“As with all single-use items, it is vital they are disposed of correctly, otherwise they become a problematic source of marine litter and a threat to the health of our environment and wildlife.

“This ban delivers on an important commitment made in our Marine Litter Strategy and builds on previous actions to ban unnecessary single-use plastic items such as plastic-stemmed cotton buds, plastic straws, cutlery and single use vapes.

“These policies are all proof of the progress we are making towards protecting our environment and creating a more circular economy. In addition, we will continue to call on the UK Government to address issues such as misleading claims on product packaging which can lead to incorrect disposal of items such as wet wipes.”

Scottish Water Chief Executive, Alex Plant, said: “This ban will help us tackle one of the biggest challenges we face – responding to and clearing around 35,000 blockages every year in our sewers, at a cost of about £10 million, largely due to wet wipes wrongly flushed down toilets.

“Scottish Water’s Nature Calls campaign has led the way in making the case for a ban – and encourages everyone to bin wet wipes and stick to the 3Ps – flushing only pee, poo and toilet paper. 

“We are also calling on the UK Government for mandatory responsible ‘do not flush’ labelling for all bathroom products that risk being wrongly disposed of to sewers, and an end to misleading environmental claims on packaging to reduce customer confusion and reinforce the correct disposal option.

“This issue is reserved and the critical next step to reduce blockages further and prevent environmental harm.”

UK’s first-ever plan to tackle ‘forever chemicals’

New framework will protect public health and the environment from risks posed by PFAS

A new plan to better protect the nation and the environment from harmful ‘forever chemicals’ has been unveiled today (Tuesday 3 February 2026) by the UK Government.

In the first-ever PFAS Plan, a clear framework sets out the co-ordinated action that will be undertaken by governments, businesses and regulators to understand where these chemicals are coming from, how they spread and how to reduce public and environmental exposure. 

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances – commonly known as ‘forever chemicals’ – represent one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. PFAS has played an important role in supporting economic growth by being an essential component in critical manufacturing industries, while also helping the nation to meet climate change targets due to their inclusion in low-carbon technologies.   

However, there is growing evidence that their widespread use has generated risks to both people and the environment, which will likely remain for hundreds of years. 

The UK has one of the highest quality drinking water supplies in the world, and there is currently no evidence of PFAS above permitted levels in England and Wales. Under the Plan, and to protect public health, a consultation will be launched later this year on introducing a statutory limit for PFAS in England’s public supply regulations. Should permitted levels ever be exceeded, this will make it easier for the regulators to enforce against water companies breaking the rules. 

Environment Minister Emma Hardy said: “The persistent nature of ‘forever chemicals’ means they pose a long-term challenge for not only our health, but that of the nation’s vital ecosystems.  

“It’s crucial that we protect both public health and the environment for future generations. Through our PFAS Plan, we will act decisively to reduce their harmful effects while transitioning to safer alternatives.  

“We will work in partnership with regulators, industry and local communities to deliver co-ordinated action to ensure ‘forever chemicals’ are not a forever problem.”  

The full extent of ‘forever chemicals’ in England’s estuaries and coastal waters will be assessed for the first time. Through improved testing and monitoring including of sediment and invertebrates, regulators will be provided with a clearer picture of the risks these habitats face and be equipped with a stronger evidence base in which to consider future regulatory action.  

Safer alternatives to everyday items, like period pads and water-repellent clothing and footwear, could also be developed. Evidence shows their production methods can emit high levels of PFAS to the environment, with the government and businesses to explore how production methods could be modified to deliver new products which are PFAS free and affordable for families.  

Environment Agency Chief Executive Philip Duffy said: “The Environment Agency is playing a vital part in tackling the challenge of PFAS.  

Through our monitoring programmes, risk screening work, regulatory expertise and assessment of evidence, we are helping to inform the public and stakeholders about our work to protect the environment from the risks posed by PFAS. 

“We will play a critical role in delivering the government’s PFAS Plan, building on the work we have undertaken in recent years.” 

The plan sets out a range of further measures and interventions, which includes:  

  • Developing new guidance for regulators and industries to address legacy PFAS pollution on contaminated land to ensure a consistent and practical approach.  
  • Consulting on the introduction of a statutory limit for PFAS in England’s public supply regulations to improve the condition of the water the nation drinks.  
  • Carrying out tests on food packaging, like microwave popcorn bags and pizza boxes, to trace the presence of PFAS and support future regulatory action.  
  • Publishing a new website to raise the public’s awareness and understanding of PFAS while also improving transparency of action being taken across government.  
  • Reducing emissions from industrial sites through new guidance for regulators and site operators on how to improve their handling, monitoring and disposal of PFAS.  
  • Improving the monitoring of PFAS in soils by supporting the British Geological Survey and initiating new sampling at five locations across England.  
  • Completing work to consider restrictions on the use of PFAS in firefighting foams. 

The UK government will work in partnership with regulators, industries and businesses to deliver the Plan, by taking a science-based and proportionate approach to reduce and minimise the risks posed by PFAS on public health and the environment.

Edinburgh Leisure triumphs with National Sustainability Award

Groundbreaking composting project sets new standard for food waste reduction in Sports and Leisure

Edinburgh Leisure is thrilled to announce a remarkable achievement – winning its first National Sustainability Award at the prestigious Green Apple Environment Awards, hosted by The Green Organisation.

Perrotine Orr (Director of Operations) and Jill Johnstone (Energy & Sustainability Officer) proudly accepted the 2026 gold award, which recognises Edinburgh Leisure’s outstanding efforts in food waste reduction within sport and leisure venues.

This accolade marks a major milestone for Edinburgh Leisure, reflecting the success of an innovative composting project funded by the Solar Co-operative Community Benefit Fund. The initiative is already transforming how food waste is managed across venues, setting the bar for sustainable practice in the sector.

By harnessing the collaborative spirit of the Sustainability Team, Café Venue Teams, and Grounds Maintenance Team, the project set out with a clear aim – to drastically reduce food waste by establishing on-site composting facilities.

The project owes its inception to one of Edinburgh Leisure’s passionate Green Champions, Ed Bethune, whose grassroots idea has blossomed into a model of environmental stewardship.

Five HotBin composting units have now been installed at pilot venues; Meadowbank Sports Centre, Royal Commonwealth Pool, Edinburgh International Climbing Arena, and Tumbles at Portobello, ensuring food waste from both customers and staff is collected and composted on-site.

Early results have been nothing short of outstanding. Edinburgh Leisure has already generated high-quality, nutrient-rich compost, which the Grounds Maintenance Team is using to enrich greenspace and planting across multiple sites.

Jill Johnstone said, “By producing our own compost, we are not only reducing waste and carbon emissions, but also making a significant saving on operational costs by replacing commercially purchased compost”.

This award-winning project is a shining example of what can be achieved when teams work together with a shared purpose. It represents an important stride towards Edinburgh Leisure’s net zero plan and environment sustainability strategic aim. The collaborative efforts and targeted funding have enabled meaningful environmental impact, propelling Edinburgh Leisure to the forefront of sustainable practice within the industry.

With this recognition, Edinburgh Leisure reaffirms its commitment to expanding greener operations and building a more sustainable future for all.

Further information on Edinburgh Leisure environmental and Net Zero aims can be found in the most recent Impact Report:

Fit for the Future: Edinburgh Leisure’s Impact in Motion | Edinburgh Leisure

Holyrood passes landmark Nature Restoration Bill

Legal targets to halt biodiversity loss and restore nature

The Scottish Parliament has passed the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill delivering for both nature and people with ambition at its heart and showing respect for nature, for the land and the people who steward and care for it.

For the first time statutory targets will be in place to enhance nature and protect biodiversity in Scotland.

Biodiversity is essential for sustaining the ecosystems that provide food, fuel, health, wealth, and other vital services. 

When set, the targets will ensure Scotland is on a bold and ambitious journey to be ‘nature positive’ by 2030 and has actively and substantially restored nature by 2045 in a way that works for communities the length and breadth of Scotland.

The Bill forms a key part of Scotland’s response to the twin crises of climate change and nature loss, and will give Ministers new powers to develop legislation relating to wildfire management, sustainable forestry management and our internationally important protected sites. 

It will also update the legal framework for National Parks – particularly in light of their leadership role in tackling key environmental and societal challenges, including the nature and climate crises. 

There will be a requirements for swift nest boxes to be placed in all new buildings, supporting urban biodiversity. Swifts are a species under significant pressure as cavity-nesting birds that historically relied on gaps and holes in older buildings for nesting sites. 

Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy Gillian Martin said: “This Bill creates the strongest statutory framework Scotland has ever had for nature recovery and is the result of constructive work across the Parliament – sending a clear message that the Scottish Parliament stands firm in our commitment to protect and restore our precious natural environment.

“Biodiversity is in crisis, both globally and at home, but Parliament’s vote to pass the Bill shows we are determined to chart a different course. This Bill commits us to becoming nature positive by 2030 and restoring our natural environment by 2045. It is vital that future generations do not inherit the consequences of inaction and, instead, inherit a legacy of commitment and hope. 

“By putting nature targets into law, we are ensuring that the government can be held to account for delivering real, measurable change. Scotland’s natural environment underpins our economy, our wellbeing and our quality of life. Protecting it is not optional – it is essential.”

Unsustainable deer populations are one of the biggest barriers to nature restoration and habitat recovery, causing overgrazing and preventing woodland regeneration. Provisions in the Bill will make it easier to control deer where they are impacting environmental work. This will help support the restoration of peatlands, regenerate forests, and protect habitats.

Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity Jim Fairlie said: “This Bill provides better tools to manage our deer populations in a way that benefits both the environment and rural communities and creates business opportunities. 

“If we want healthy communities, sustainable food production and vibrant rural industries in the future, we need thriving ecosystems today.

“We all know now more than ever we must act to protect and restore nature – this Bill will ensure that happens.

“I want to see venison at the heart of our approach to deer management, and the provisions in this Bill will help us maximise the opportunities this can bring for rural Scotland. We will continue working closely with farmers, crofters and land managers to deliver real results on the ground.” 

Record investment for climate action

£5 billion to help tackle the climate and nature emergency

Record funding of over £5 billion will support climate action and further develop Scotland’s renewable energy sector, creating green jobs and bringing benefits to communities, Climate Action and Energy Secretary Gillian Martin has said.

The major investment, unveiled in the draft Scottish budget for 2026-27, will help tackle the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss by funding policies and actions aimed at cutting green-house gas emissions further, enabling communities to become more resilient to the impacts of climate change and protecting and restoring nature.

Gillian Martin reiterated the government’s financial commitment ahead of addressing the Scottish Renewables Offshore Wind Conference where she is expected to confirm further new investment in the sector.

The £5 billion allocation for climate action in the draft Scottish Budget includes a total of £2.9 billion of capital funding– representing 41% of the Scottish Government’s total capital budget proposed for next year – and supports actions to:

  • further develop Scotland’s renewable energy sector to ensure a fair and inclusive transition that creates more jobs and opportunities
  • deliver more energy-efficient affordable homes to tackle fuel poverty and reduce energy bills
  • invest in public and active travel projects, making it safer and easier for people to choose more sustainable ways of travelling for shorter journeys

Ms Martin said: “This draft Budget for the next year demonstrates the Scottish Government’s continued commitment to achieving net zero by 2045 and tackling the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.

“Done correctly, the transition to net zero can help to tackle poverty, restore nature, and improve health and well-being all while offering significant economic opportunities.

“Our record investment of more than £5 billion will help reduce household energy costs, support green jobs, restore nature and build healthy and resilient communities through the efforts set out in our draft Climate Change Plan. 

“Offshore wind will be a major part of delivering on our climate ambitions and represents a huge economic opportunity for all of Scotland, delivering jobs and attracting major investment across the country.”

The draft 2026-27 budget also proposes: 

  • more than £335 million for heat in buildings programmes, supporting households and businesses to transition to low carbon heating systems
  • £316 million in sustainable travel, low carbon and climate positive activities to support the switch to sustainable modes of transport and promote walking, wheeling and cycling for shorter journeys
  • £26 million for nature restoration as well as £37.4 million for woodland creation and £28 million in peatland restoration, to help sequester carbon and protect habitats
  • £22 million for domestic climate change – including £6 million to continue the national network of Community Climate Action Hubs which enable communities to develop local responses to climate change from flood mitigation, repair shops and local energy generation to food growing and tree planting
  • £12 million to support vulnerable communities in the Global South who have done the least to cause the climate crisis but are feeling its effects most acutely – especially women and young people