Tag: environment

Rising seas and storms put Scotland’s past at risk: Historic Environment Scotland calls for action

  • Scotland’s heritage is under threat: rising seas, heavier storms, and wetter winters are accelerating damage to historic sites and experts warn time is running out
  • From castles to coastal ruins, Scotland’s most iconic landmarks are facing a climate crisis and urgent action is needed to help protect them for future generations
  • Historic Environment Scotland (HES) proposes a long-term approach to adapting and managing Scotland’s historic places, objects and archival records in draft strategy
  • Public invited to share views before consultation closes on 23 January

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is warning that some of Scotland’s most historically significant heritage properties are being affected by accelerating climate change.

Changing weather patterns, including increased rainfall and temperature variability, are creating more water ingress and placing additional stress on historic masonry. Scotland’s average temperature over the last decade was 1°C warmer than the 1961 to1990 baseline, and winters were 25% wetter, intensifying the processes that crack and erode masonry. Future projections from Adaptation Scotland suggest typical winters could be warmer and wetter, while summers become hotter and drier, increasing risks of drought and wildfires.

Sea levels will continue to rise, and long-term projections show coastal flooding and erosion will intensify, threatening sites such as Skara Brae and Blackness Castle. Dynamic Coast research (2021) estimates that coastal erosion could put around £1.2 billion worth of property and infrastructure at risk along Scotland’s shores over the next 25 years.

Climate projections also indicate intense, heavy rainfall events will increase in both winter and summer, raising the risk of flash floods and structural damage.

Changing weather patterns may accelerate decay in masonry buildings, while more variable and extreme weather will bring frequent storms and unpredictable conditions, disrupting access and increasing emergency repairs to buildings.

2025 has seen the highest number of weather-related site closures and access restrictions at HES properties in the past decade, with 281 so far this year.

HES is highlighting the huge challenges posed by the increasing rate and impact of climate change on heritage sites across Scotland as it seeks the public’s views on plans for the long-term management of the places and items it cares for. The organisation is actively identifying solutions for managing these challenges, which are set out in its draft Properties and Collections Strategy.

The organisation is calling on more people across the country to take part in the consultation, which is open until 23 January 2026. People are being asked to express their views on the proposed plans and changes to how HES could operate and manage the 300+ historic places, 43,000 objects, and 5 million archival records in its care.

HES is proposing to strengthen its response in the face of the accelerating impact of climate change, including a combination of management approaches to help mitigate its effects. As well as suggesting testing “innovative solutions,” the organisation has suggested its conservation principles must be more pragmatic, including necessary interventions as appropriate to further build resilience, such as interventions at wall heads, reinstatement of roofs and other water-shedding elements that may provide positive long-term outcomes.

According to Nathalie Lodhi, Head of Climate Change at HES, specialists are already witnessing a shift in the type and scale of challenges facing historic sites: “Unroofed historic sites, like many of our properties in care, are more susceptible to the effects of climate change as they no longer shed water effectively, putting them at higher risk.

“More frequent and intense storms mean more emergency repairs and structural monitoring, while temperature variations lead to higher risk of mould or issues from humidity. It’s not a question of what climate change is doing to our historic environment, but how fast it’s happening.

“We know that we need to use the latest data we have to understand the full extent of current and future climate change impacts on our sites and crucially, use these to inform our long-term decisions.”

Recognising the importance of planning its response to climate change now, HES is currently consulting on its draft Properties and Collections Strategy: Towards Sustainable Stewardship.

In it, HES sets out proposed plans on how it will:

  • Focus care on the places and objects that need it most and have the greatest potential to help people and communities.
  • Make decisions based on evidence, expert advice, including public input.
  • Work with others to protect and use these places in ways that benefit everyone.
  • Respond to climate change and rising costs with practical, long-term planning.
  • Support traditional skills and local jobs.
  • Improve access, learning, and visitor experiences.

HES says the long-term priorities of the strategy are focusing on the cultural assets in its care that have both the greatest conservation need and the greatest potential to make a difference to people and place, ensuring Scotland’s most significant cultural assets in a national context are conserved and sustainably managed for future generations. Public feedback through the consultation will help refine and shape the final version of the Properties and Collections strategy.

Dr David Mitchell, Director of Cultural Assets at HES, stressed the importance of public engagement in shaping the final strategy: “Our historic environment is a huge part of what makes Scotland so special.

“We already know that we need to take action to protect it for future generations, but we need input from people across Scotland to help us identify what we should prioritise and ensure our strategy reflects the needs of local communities.

“That’s why we’re urging everyone – whether they work in the heritage sector or simply feel an affinity with Scottish culture – to take part in our consultation.

“We have small window of opportunity to find ways to shape a new, positive future for the properties and collections. We want to hear from people about how we face up to the huge challenges we face, but also how we grasp positive opportunities. Your voice matters to us. Now is the time to make it heard.”

The consultation is available now on CitizenSpace and will remain open until 23 January 2026. The final strategy is expected to be published in spring 2026.

Portobello parking opponents warn Council of possible legal action

City council pushes forward with controversial Portobello parking controls

The City of Edinburgh Council is set to decide on introducing year-round parking controls in Portobello, based on surveys conducted during peak tourism months – despite widespread community opposition and the possibility of a legal challenge if the proposals proceed.

The Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) Sub-Committee will meet on 16 December to consider a recently published report recommending that councillors advance the TRO, despite the vast majority of consultation responses opposing the scheme, and with more than 1,900 people having signed a petition calling for its rejection.

Jane Grant, Chair of the local Traders Association, which represents over 50 small businesses, said: “The Council is pushing forward with a plan that will pile yet more financial pressure on already struggling households and lead to fewer people shopping locally.

“If approved, these parking controls will damage a vibrant and welcoming seaside community, make it harder for disabled people and those with caring needs to live fulfilling lives, and force more working class families to leave the area.

“As local residents and business owners we have tried to engage with the Council at every stage and will continue to do so, but if this poorly-designed and unwanted parking plan goes ahead we reserve the right to challenge its legality and process by which the Council has designed this plan.

“We are a strong and united community and will not allow the Council to ignore local people and impose these measures unchallenged.”

A local campaign group, Portobello and Joppa Residents & Businesses Against CPZ claim that the Council’s data used to justify year-round parking restrictions is flawed, inconsistent, and unrepresentative.

In a letter to the committee members (see below), issued ahead of the vote, the group highlighted that the surveys were conducted only in June and September – at the height of seasonal, temporarily heightened traffic levels, and the methodology behind the parking “heat map” remains undisclosed, with no clarity on data sources, weighting, or modelling applied.

The campaigners also highlight that Saturday parking analysis relies on just two survey days, both during peak visitor periods and unusually warm weather conditions. They assert that drawing conclusions about typical Saturday parking from such a small sample is statistically unreliable.

Furthermore, ongoing roadworks during the survey period distorted normal parking patterns, casting further doubt on the data’s reliability.

Local campaigner and resident Nikki Middleton said: “Although the Council report claims sixteen survey events, the actual data covers only seven days, with no surveys in winter, poor weather, or during term-time.

“Summer surveys, conducted during peak tourism months, have been used to justify this scheme, yet no explanation has been provided on how seasonal bias was accounted for.

“Portobello’s year-round parking pressures are very different from the summer months. This is not only unethical but goes against every principle of good governance and objective data validation.”

The proposals suggest implementing parking controls in the western part of the proposed Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ), while the eastern section (Joppa) would be reviewed within the first year.

In practice, this allows council officers to introduce controls in the eastern areas without further legal process if deemed “necessary,” effectively keeping the door open to expand the scheme at any time, but preventing proper scrutiny and input from local people.

Nikki Middleton added: “The Council pretends to reduce the CPZ boundary, but in reality, they are only temporarily shrinking it while leaving the door wide open to extend it back to their original plans within a year – a cynical ploy intended to gather more cash from local people already struggling amid a cost of living crisis.”

The proposals also adjust CPZ operating hours to Monday–Saturday, 08:30–17:30, removing Sunday restrictions – an apparent attempt, the campaigners argue, to soften public perception without addressing core concerns.

The Council received 2,341 consultation responses. While the report acknowledges strong community opposition, it omits the exact percentage of objections.

The most significant concerns cited include the cost of parking – described by about 35% of respondents as “unaffordable, unwanted, excessive, or penalising residents”- and over 15% expressing the belief that the scheme is a money-making exercise for the Council.

Nikki Middleton added: “While the Council insists this isn’t about revenue, the report itself confirms that, after operational costs, the Portobello CPZ is expected to generate an annual surplus of around £500,000.”

Community members, traders, and campaigners continue to call on the public to attend the Sub-Committee meeting next week and urge the Council to halt the CPZ proposals and respect the clear, overwhelming opposition of those who live, work, and spend time in Portobello.

Letter Cllr Graham 9 Dec 2025Download

Construction begins on first phase of West Edinburgh Link

BALFOUR Beattie started work on the West Edinburgh Link this week (December 3). The West Edinburgh Link (WEL) will transform provision for cycling, walking, and accessibility around one of Scotland’s key business parks, whilst better connecting local communities to places of work, retail, leisure, and education.

WEL will also link up with key active travel routes to the city centre, including Quiet Route 8, the Union Canal and the Water of Leith Path.

Some of the work the city council is undertaking in the first phase includes new segregated cycleways on South Gyle Access and Bankhead Avenue, along with widening, surfacing, and improving lighting on the Torwood Path.

Full details on phase one and the wider project are available on the city council’s website.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “It’s brilliant to see this new work getting underway in the west of the city.

“Properly connecting our communities and encouraging our residents to travel in more sustainable and healthy ways remain key priorities for us. WEL is an important project under our ambitious City Mobility Plan as we keep Edinburgh moving.

“From revitalising active travel provision on the Torwood Path to improving access to Edinburgh College at Sighthill, alongside a host of other improvements, I’ve no doubt that local people will experience real benefits once this transformational project is complete.”

The works are expected to last until Summer 2026.

Nature not a “blocker” to housing delivery, MPs find in new report

Nature is not a “blocker” to delivering new housing, but rather a necessity for building resilient towns and neighbourhoods, MPs argue in a new report.

In its report on ‘Environmental sustainability and housing growth’, Westminster’s cross-party Environmental Audit Committee challenges the “lazy narrative” that nature is a blocker or an inconvenience to delivering housing. 

The Committee finds that the measures contained in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, passing through final stages in Parliament, are not enough to allow the Government to meet its targets on both the environment and housing. 

MPs also find that without further action, severe skills shortages in ecology, planning and construction will make it impossible for the Government to deliver on its housebuilding ambitions. 

A full summary of the Committee’s conclusions and recommendations is included below. 

Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee Toby Perkins MP said: “The Government’s target to build 1.5 million homes by the end of this Parliament is incredibly ambitious.

“Achieving it alongside our existing targets on climate and sustainability – which are set in law – will require effort on a scale not seen before. 

“That certainly will not be achieved by scapegoating nature, claiming that it is a “blocker” to housing delivery. We are clear in our report: a healthy environment is essential to building resilient towns and cities. It must not be sidelined. 

“There are certainly issues standing in the way of meeting both our housebuilding and environmental targets. 

“For instance, the skills we need in construction, planning and ecology simply do not exist at the scale we need right now. The Government has made welcome investments in construction skills, but it may not be enough, and staff at local authorities and regulators are already stretched to their limit.  

“We also need much better incentives for people to construct and live in carbon-friendly homes, or to retrofit existing ones. That’s why this report suggests innovative approaches to boost manufacturing viability of climate friendly construction products and alter the tax burden in favour of climate friendly homes. 

“It is possible to build the homes we need while protecting a resilient and healthy environment and allowing nature to thrive. Some major changes might be needed, but nature is not the enemy.” 

Nature must not be a “scapegoat” for housebuilding issues 

While the Committee acknowledges and welcomes the Government’s amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill (PIB) it says these changes are not enough on their own to ensure the Government can meet its environmental targets alongside housing targets. 

“The Government must not veer down the path of viewing nature as an inconvenience or blocker to housebuilding,” the Committee says. “At worst, this approach could lead to the degradation of the natural world, preventing the achievement of legally binding climate and nature targets, upon which our society and economy depend.” 

Skills shortages put targets in question 

The Committee finds that local planning authorities are severely under-resourced in ecological skills. It heard evidence that staff at Natural England are “stretched to their limits”, that the skills needed to deliver the ecological aspects of planning reforms “simply do not exist at the scale, quality or capacity that is needed”. 

The Committee recommends the Government establish a pilot programme for local ecological resource hubs, available to local authorities facing acute resources challenges, by July 2026. 

It also recommends that the Government set out a realistic analysis of the construction workforce required to deliver housing targets and the skills that will be needed, and to clearly lay out how Natural England will operate amid staffing cuts and the additional responsibilities that will apply when the Planning and Infrastructure Bill is enacted.  

Planning rule changes prioritise growth over the environment 

Throughout its inquiry, the Committee heard repeated concerns that the Government’s changes to the presumption in favour of sustainable development, made in the 2024 review of the National Planning Policy Framework, would lead to the environment being “sidelined”. 

The Committee finds that the present form of the presumption could result in unsustainable and speculative development. The Committee recommends that the Government amend the current definition of the presumption, to give greater weight to sustainability. It should also strengthen safeguards against environmentally unsustainable, unplanned and speculative development. 

More incentives for greener homes 

The Committee concludes that the Government must accelerate policies to decrease the carbon emissions of the built environment. MPs recommend the Government should consider steps it could take to incentivise homeowners, housebuilders, landlords and tenants to favour homes with lower levels of embodied carbon.  

The Committee also recommends the Government review tax policies such as Council Tax and Stamp Duty to consider the merit of offering lower bands of taxation for homes with lower levels of embodied carbon.

Biodiversity net gain needs more time to succeed

The Committee offers support for the government’s Biodiversity net gain policy. It says it is too early to assess the overall success of BNG but warns against introducing new wide-ranging exemptions to BNG. Whilst accepting minor alterations to the policy, MPs say the Government should not exempt all small sites to ensure that the effectiveness of the policy is maintained. 

The Committee also recommends that the Government should: 

  • Incentivise the use of sustainable building materials such as timber or hemp, e.g. by introducing eco-labelling to identify materials with lower embodied carbon and offer support to further expansion of manufacturers in these fields.
  • Consult on incentives to develop houses with lower full lifecycle carbon, such as a levy on new build properties containing higher levels of lifecycle carbon.
  • Prioritise retrofitting over demolition by reducing VAT on retrofit projects from 20% and confirm that a property brought back into use would count towards housebuilding targets. 

Draft Climate Change Plan published

Scotland’s net zero pathway mapped out

‘‘Dreadful’ Climate Plan does nothing for households, workers and communities’

Communities will ‘benefit from cleaner air, warmer homes and new job opportunities’ under draft plans to cut emissions published yesterday.

The draft Climate Change Plan to 2040 sets out actions designed to reduce Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions and meet our first three carbon budgets, whilst supporting jobs, growth and community regeneration.

Scotland is already over half way to net zero having reduced emissions by 51.3% since 1990 – the largest reduction in the UK and faster than the EU average, using comparable statistics.

The new plan details over 150 policies and proposals building on this progress, including:

  • setting a target to decarbonise building heat systems by 2045
  • phasing out new diesel and petrol cars by 2030
  • increasing woodland creation so that by 2029/30 18,000 hectares are planted every year, with 21% woodland cover in Scotland by 2032
  • increasing peatland restoration by 10% each year to 2030

The independent Climate Change Committee has emphasised the necessity for shared delivery and collaboration between national governments given between 30-60% of the emissions reduction required in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland will be in areas of policy that are mostly reserved.

A consultation on the Plan will run until 29 January 2026

Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Raising awareness of climate action has never been so important, with communities across Scotland and around the world already being affected – through flooding, heatwaves and wildfires.

“This draft plan includes over 150 actions across sectors such as transport, heat in buildings and agriculture that are key to achieving Scotland’s net zero goal while supporting people to make and adjust to the changes required.

“It also describes how we will seize and fairly distribute the opportunities from the transition to net zero – from new jobs, inclusive growth and better infrastructure to improved public services and healthier people – thanks to cleaner air, warmer homes and wealthier communities.

“The plan does not ask the impossible of people. We will not sacrifice people’s health or wealth. 

“Through this consultation, everyone has a voice in shaping the final plan to inform future decision making and ensure that we reach our net zero in a way that is fair, ambitious and capable of rising to the emergency before us.”

Scotland’s climate coalition has welcomed publication of the Scottish Government’s draft climate routemap. However, it says there are major missed opportunities to reduce emissions in some of the most polluting sectors in ways that deliver meaningful improvements to the lives of people in Scotland.

The Scottish Government’s draft Climate Change Plan (CCP), released today, sets out how it believes the country will reduce emissions in line with national climate targets. The draft will now be scrutinised by MSPs, and the public will have the opportunity to have their say. 

Stop Climate Chaos Scotland (SCCS) says the final plan must have increased focus on tangible and urgent action that is funded fairly, with reduced reliance on unproven technologies.

Ahead of conducting a full assessment of the plan, Dr Mike Robinson, chair of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, said: “Publication of this long-awaited draft plan represents a step forward but if positive intentions are not matched with urgent delivery the plan risks being meaningless. 

“Ministers needed to go much further in the most polluting sectors through things like free public transport, meaningful reform to farming support and legislation to drive changes in the way we heat our homes.

“Projections show the financial benefits of following carbon-cutting measures proposed in the draft CCP are almost 10 times the cost of implementing them – that’s a win-win for people and the planet. 

“This plan must now undergo robust scrutiny to test its effectiveness, feasibility and ambition. It needs to be strengthened, with a clearer focus on immediate action that rapidly cuts emissions in ways that address the daily struggles many people are facing and unlock the benefits of fair climate action. 

“Scottish ministers must also prove their commitment to funding the final Plan in a way that’s genuinely fair by making polluters pay for their damage.

“There can be no more climate action delays or mis-steps – nor a continued gamble on as yet unproven technology to bail us out.”

‘Dreadful’ Climate Plan does nothing for households, workers and communities

Environmental campaigners Friends of the Earth Scotland have reacted to the draft Climate Plan from the Scottish Government saying it “will barely scratch the surface” on climate emissions in the coming years.

The “dreadful” plan contains nothing to help oil workers, people struggling to pay energy bills or communities cut off from bus services, campaigners say.  


In 2024, the Scottish Government weakened its climate commitments after years of failure by Ministers to deliver on promises.

Public support for climate action remains high with the overwhelming majority of people in Scotland concerned about climate breakdown.

Climate campaigners along with Palestine solidarity groups, migrant justice organisations and grassroots groups are organising a major climate march through Glasgow on Saturday 15th November. It is part of a Global Day of Action in the middle of the United Nations climate talks in Brazil.  


Friends of the Earth Scotland head of campaigns Caroline Rance commented: “This is a dreadful plan that will barely scratch the surface never mind get us back on track to meet our climate commitments.   
 
“There is nothing here to help people who are struggling to pay their energy bills, communities cut off by unreliable buses, or oil workers worried about their future. 
 
“Government Ministers have made a decision not to implement any available climate solutions that would help people in Scotland to tackle either the cost of living andor climate breakdown.

“Previous plans to get cars off the road have been completely gutted and buses and trains are treated as an afterthought.  
 


“The carbon capture pipe dream is unrealistic as ever, only pushed slightly further into the future. What are we going to do in 2040 when this technology inevitably fails as it has done for the past fifty years?” 

Oxfam Scotland welcomes publication of the Plan, which outlines the policies and actions which the Scottish Government believes will deliver emission cuts consistent with ending Scotland’s net impact on the climate by 2045.

The Scottish Parliament now begins a crucial 120-day scrutiny period.

Oxfam Scotland says that, alongside testing whether the Plan will achieve the emission cuts needed, this scrutiny period must fully stress-test the fairness of the Plan.

With clear evidence that, on average, the richer you are the more you pollute, campaigners say that fairness must be central to the final Plan – including how faster action is paid for.

While recognising that the costs of inaction will be even higher, the Scottish Government estimates the price tag of delivering the Plan, once savings generated are taken into account, to be £4.8 billion, but says little about where the money will come from.

Oxfam Scotland says the upcoming Scottish Budget and multi-year Spending Review must prove that the Scottish Government is serious about funding the Plan fairly

It comes as the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, Gillian Martin MSP, prepares to travel to Belém in Brazil to attend the UN climate talks, COP30.

Responding, Jamie Livingstone, Head of Oxfam Scotland, said: “A liveable planet is priceless so Scotland’s new Climate Plan must make an unwavering investment in all our futures, giving us: cleaner air, healthier lives, stable, green jobs and shielding us from extreme weather.

“However, right now, the roadmap on how Scottish Ministers plan to pay for their policy ambitions is little more than a sketch. To succeed, this Plan must be backed by major new public funding, delivered fairly with the biggest polluters and the better off footing the bill.

“It’s time Ministers were straight about where the pounds behind their promises to stop pumping out pollution will come from: Ministers need to show us the money.”                                                   

The draft Climate Change Plan to 2040.

scotlands-draft-climate-change-plan-20262040Download

A consultation on the Plan will run until 29 January 2026

Scottish pupils lead climate crisis talks in Edinburgh COP30 negotiation

More than 100 pupils from 13 schools transformed into world leaders at the University of Edinburgh last week, engaging in high-stakes climate crisis negotiations to mirror the upcoming UN COP30 conference in Belém, Brazil.

In a United Nations debate simulation organised by the British Council in partnership with the University of Edinburgh and Learning for Sustainability Scotland, students experienced firsthand the complex challenges of international climate diplomacy.

Using cutting-edge simulation software developed by MIT, the pupils took on roles as delegates from major nations, corporate lobbyists, and international media representatives, all working to tackle the critical goal of keeping global warming below 1.5°C.

During the negotiations, the pupils had to collectively agree on how much to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, how they would help struggling nations, and agree on ways to adapt to climate change to protect their cities and people. 

Leading the negotiations were pupils Siri Isaksson-Galbraith and Alyssa Haston, from West Calder High School who shared the role of the United Nations Secretariat (top).

Speaking in their role as UN Secretary Generals, they had a message for world leaders ahead of COP30 in Brazil: “Today in Edinburgh, we’ve experienced firsthand how difficult climate negotiations can be, but also how essential they are. We’ve learned that every country has different challenges, but we all share the same planet and the same future.

“The decisions being made at COP30 will shape our lives, our communities, and our world. We urge world leaders to listen to youth voices, to act with urgency, and to remember that compromise doesn’t mean giving up on ambition.

“The climate crisis affects us all, but it doesn’t affect us equally. We must ensure that those most vulnerable are heard and supported. From Scotland to Brazil, young people are ready to lead, but we need action now.”

Did they reach a consensus?

The challenge was to negotiate between countries to keep warming under 2°C by the end of the century, and to aim for under 1.5°C. By the end of the debate, pupils collectively agreed to keep global warming at 1.6°C, just over the mark of the Paris Agreement target. This means they were over the target, but made headway with strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support nations, and develop adaptation measures to protect cities and people.

The debate simulation was led by climate expert Professor Pete Higgins, Chair in Outdoor, Environmental and Sustainability Education at the University of Edinburgh.

Speaking at the event, Professor Pete Higgins said: “Today’s debate couldn’t be more timely. We’re living through a period of significant political uncertainty, which makes climate diplomacy more complex than ever.

“What impressed me most was how quickly these young people grasped the competing priorities and difficult trade-offs involved, whilst maintaining their determination to find common ground.

“Young people often feel powerless when it comes to climate change, but events like this show that they have both the understanding and the diplomatic skills to navigate these challenges. My hope is that the negotiators at COP30 will show the same wisdom and commitment to meaningful action that these young citizens have demonstrated today.”

Claire de Braekeleer, Director British Council Scotland added: “This UN debate simulation puts young people in Scotland at the heart of the global climate debate.

“As COP30 starts in Belém next week, these pupils are gaining crucial insights into how these climate negotiations work. They are also building the diplomatic skills and understanding that will be vital for the international cooperation we desperately need.

“We believe that young people are the key to driving positive climate action, and today demonstrates how collaborating globally with empathy and understanding is the way forward.”

The simulation was part of the British Council’s Schools Connect programme, which aims to bring international perspectives into the curriculum. Students engaged in realistic debates, negotiated complex agreements, and balanced competing interests of nations.

Through the Climate Connection programme, the British Council is also supporting people globally to find creative solutions to climate change in support of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil.

The British Council is supporting the summit by engaging with networks of education professionals, students, academics, researchers, artists, civil society leaders and policymakers to participate in meaningful dialogue and bring about real change for our planet.

This initiative continues the work of the British Council’s Schools Connect programme for schools in the UK and around the world, building connection, understanding and trust between people in the UK and overseas through arts, education and English language teaching.

For more information about the British Council’s work in Scotland, visit:

https://www.britishcouncil.org/ or follow on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

Climate Action Secretary at COP30

SCOTLAND’s Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin will continue to push for more ambitious climate action when she attends the COP30 UN Climate Summit in Brazil this month.

In recognition of Scotland’s leadership positions as Regions4 President and European co-chair of the Under2 Coalition, Ms Martin’s schedule will include engagements with member representatives from both organisations  – to help strengthen the influence of devolved, state and regional governments within international climate discussions.

Ms Martin will also:  

  • Share learning from Climate Justice Fund programmes, including the often-overlooked non-economic impacts of climate change, such as loss of biodiversity and indigenous knowledge
  • Take part in panel sessions on climate justice and human mobility with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the Brazilian Ministry of Environment and Climate Change
  • Meet with youth activists and civil society partners from the global south, including participants in Climate Just Communities Programmes, to hear first-hand how they are being impacted by climate change

Ms Martin said: “We have a unique opportunity as Under2 European co-chair and Regions4 president, to champion the essential work taking place across the globe to support vulnerable communities who are at most risk from the impacts of climate change.

“I will continue to use these leadership positions at COP30 to advocate for accelerated action to tackle the devastating impacts of our warming planet, and for greater inclusion in international climate discussions.  

“Scotland’s commitment to ending our contribution to global emissions by 2045 at the latest is ambitious, but it is achievable. We will shortly be publishing our draft Climate Change Plan setting out the policies needed to meet our first three carbon budget targets, while supporting people to adjust to the changes required.”

Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF) Advocacy and Communications Manager Line K. Christensen said: “It is vital that Scotland has a strong voice at COP30.

“The challenges we face are global, and Scotland’s presence ensures that our values of innovation and climate justice are part of the international conversation.

“The Cabinet Secretary’s participation will allow Scotland to continue its leadership on Loss and Damage, and to demonstrate that we are a nation standing shoulder to shoulder with countries around the world on the frontline of the climate crisis.” 

New opportunity for local groups to lease windfarm sites

Sharing the gains of clean energy

Local communities are to get new opportunities to benefit from renewable energy developments under a pilot scheme announced by the Scottish Government.

Community groups, from South Lanarkshire to the Highlands, will be given the chance to lease one of 10 publicly-owned Forestry Land and Scotland (FLS) sites with windfarms as they approach repowering.

The pilot, which makes changes to the Community Asset Transfer Scheme (CATS), will provide a protected window for local groups to make an asset transfer request to lease FLS sites to extend the operational life of the windfarms.

The new approach, developed with FLS, will help strengthen the community asset transfer process which enables communities to request to buy or lease publicly owned land they feel they could make better use of.

Other changes to CATS will see community groups given: 

  • advance notification of upcoming lease opportunities, so they have time to prepare asset transfer requests before sites go to market 
  • dedicated guidance for repowering projects, including support on financing projects, evaluation and governance  
  • targeted support through the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES), including help to develop proposals

Energy Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Ownership and control of land is a powerful tool for communities to drive change and can help to develop local economies, provide activities and services, and boost community identity.  

“These new measures will make it easier for groups across Scotland to reap the rewards from renewable energy projects on Forestry Land Scotland sites with the potential to deliver real benefits to a local area.  

“It is yet another way that we are ensuring that communities can benefit from Scotland’s transition to renewable energy and that we are helping provide a just transition to net zero for people across the country.” 

Community Energy Scotland CEO Zoe Holliday said: “We have seen time and time again the transformation impact of land ownership and ownership of energy assets on communities across Scotland. 

“Right now, repowering of private developments represents one of the biggest opportunities to upscale the community energy sector at pace and meet the Scottish Government’s community energy targets; community energy groups are increasingly ambitious but gaining grid access continues to be a challenge, which is why taking on existing sites has so much potential. 

“Today’s announcement is a promising first step by the Scottish Government in starting to open up the public estate for large community energy projects and we look forward to working with them to continue to unlock opportunities for the community energy sector going forward.”

Updates to the Community Asset Transfer Scheme will be implemented by the end of the year, following further engagement with stakeholders, including Community Energy Scotland, community groups and developers. 

These measures will apply to projects with a maximum generation capacity of 50MW, reflecting the current scale of community energy initiatives.

The ten sites approaching the need for repowering are:

Scheme NameIndicative Repowering yearLA
Black Law2032South Lanarkshire
An Suidhe2033Argyll & Bute
Camster2035Highland
Myres Hill2036East Renfrewshire
Stroupster2038Highland
Burn of Whilk2038Highland
Clashindarroch2041Aberdeenshire
A’ Chruach2043Argyll & Bute
Beinn An Tuirc 32047Argyll & Bute
West Benhar2048North Lanarkshire

The shocking scale of Halloween-related waste

As Halloween fast approaches, many are preparing for the spooky season, with a 5,000% increase in UK searches over the past month for “Halloween costumes” and a 400% increase in searches for “pumpkin carving ideas”.

However, councils across the UK are warning of levels of waste caused by discarded pumpkins, plastic costumes, and decorations.

The experts at Rainbow Rubbish Removals therefore urge households to think green this Halloween, revealing exactly how much food and plastic waste occurs during this season and tips on how to to reduce waste this year.

The True Cost of Halloween: Equivalent of 83 million plastic bottles

An estimated 42% of UK consumers buy a pumpkin for carving, equivalent to roughly 30 million pumpkins purchased.

This results in more than 18,000 tonnes of edible pumpkins ending up in the bin. Since it can take up to 20 years for a pumpkin to break down in a landfill, the environmental impact is far greater than what most people realise.

As they decompose, pumpkins release methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. 

Every year, around seven million Halloween costumes are thrown away in the UK, which is an estimated  2,000 tonnes of plastic waste. About 83% of these outfits are made from polyester, a material that can take anywhere from 20 to 200 years to decompose. When these synthetic fabrics break down, they release microplastics and greenhouse gases, polluting the environment and harming wildlife. 

Miroslav Radov, waste expert at Rainbow Rubbish Removals commented: “Much of Halloween waste can easily be avoided. Most carved pumpkins are perfectly edible, yet millions are discarded instead of being cooked or composted.

“The popularity of single-use costumes and decorations also means tonnes of plastic end up in landfill after just one night’s use.

“With Halloween celebrations growing every year, the environmental impact is increasing, creating what councils are calling a ‘frightening trend’ of seasonal waste that puts further strain on local recycling and collection services.”

Councils calling for increased Halloween recycling

Local councils across the UK are urging residents to think twice before throwing away pumpkins, costumes, and decorations this Halloween.

Many are running pumpkin collection and composting schemes, while others are hosting costume swap events or providing dedicated recycling drop-offs for decorations. Before purchasing a brand new costume this year, check if your city offers a ‘swap shop’, as it’s a great initiative aimed at encouraging sustainable living, reducing single-use waste and helping families save money.

Emma Stokes, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment, warns: “People might think leaving pumpkins out for wildlife is a good idea, but rotting pumpkins can actually harm animals, especially hedgehogs.

“We encourage everyone to enjoy their pumpkins to the fullest so try out some new recipes, or dispose of pumpkins responsibly by composting or repurposing.”

Giles Hughes, Chief Executive at West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “Switching from new shop bought costumes to making something from old clothing or buying second-hand is another way to be more sustainable.

“Charity shops, apps such as Vinted, and Facebook Marketplace will all have lots of options in the weeks leading up to Halloween.” 

How to make a difference at home:

Reducing Halloween waste doesn’t have to be difficult, as just a few simple swaps can make a far less damaging impact on the environment:

  • Compost your pumpkins – Cook the edible parts for soup or alternative recipes such as pumpkin pie, and compost the leftovers instead of binning them.
  • Reuse or swap costumes – Trade with friends or shop second-hand to cut down on single-use plastics.
  • Choose sustainable decorations – Opt for recyclable, reusable, or biodegradable materials instead of plastic-heavy decor.
  • Recycle right – Separate recyclable items like cardboard and bottles, and check your local council’s Halloween recycling guidance.
  • Plan your purchases – Buy only what you need and avoid excessive packaging or disposable partyware.
  • Get creative – Upcycle old clothes and household materials into unique DIY costumes and decorations.

Circular Economy Strategy consultation

Draft plan to increase reuse and recycling whilst growing the economy

Proposals aimed at creating new jobs and driving economic growth by keeping materials and goods in use for as long as possible have been published for consultation.

The draft Circular Economy Strategy sets out plans to increasing reuse, repair and recycling rates, for example by:

  • increasing the reuse of construction materials
  • supporting sustainable alternatives to fast-fashion
  • increasing EV battery re-purposing, recycling and material reprocessing
  • exploring ways to cut food waste

The draft Strategy will develop sector specific road-maps for four of the five sectors with the greatest potential for increasing reuse, repair and recycling rates in Scotland – the built environment, net zero energy infrastructure, textiles and food. Actions for the fifth sector, transport, will be included in the forthcoming draft Climate Change Plan.

Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Reducing, reusing and recycling materials has a huge role to play in Scotland’s response to tackling the climate crisis.

“It also brings huge benefits to households and communities – from lowering the costs of items and creating new jobs to cutting the amount of litter on our streets, helping to improve our local environment and protect wildlife.  

“By supporting Scotland to move towards a culture where keeping materials and goods in use for as long as possible is the norm, we will also be able to drive economic growth by increasing the resilience of our supply-chains and encouraging innovation.

“This consultation outlines priority sectors key to cutting waste and capitalising on the economic opportunities that a circular economy presents to businesses. I urge everyone to take part.”

Take part in the consultation: A Draft Circular Economy Strategy for Scotland – gov.scot