Tag: environment

Experts back call to transform Scotland’s economy, protect the planet and provide wellbeing for all

Calls for radical, transformative changes to Scotland’s economy in order to ensure wellbeing for all within our environmental limits have been backed by  almost 40 leading economists and climate change academics.

In advance of the publication by the Scottish Government of its new economic strategy on Tuesday 1 March, these experts have endorsed Ten Points for a Transformative Economic Strategy produced by the ‘Transform Our Economy’ alliance.

These ideas outline a new purpose at the heart of our economy: providing wellbeing for all within environmental limits. They will require the government to set the trajectory for the economy and present a credible plan for delivery using all the powers at their disposal.

The alliance, comprising Scottish Environment LINK, Friends of the Earth Scotland and Wellbeing Economy Alliance Scotland, is also calling for much more extensive public debate about the direction of our economy and believes that participation from workers, affected communities and those who are in greatest need of economic transformation has been lacking.

Matthew Crighton, Sustainable Economy Adviser at Friends of the Earth Scotland said: “”In the midst of climate and nature emergencies, with too many people trapped in poverty and businesses still reeling from the impact of the pandemic, there is no question that economic transformation is needed.

“In the face of these challenges, the Scottish Government must plot a new direction in building a truly sustainable and just economy that can meet people’s needs.

“Recent history has shown us there is a persistent gap between high-level aspirations and the actual performance of the government in effectively intervening the economy in Scotland. The fear is that the new economic strategy won’t redesign the economy, but will instead continue to deliver inequality and environmental destruction.

“New ideas are sorely needed for a transformative economic agenda which can provide sufficient investment to deliver a just transition to zero carbon, integrate the protection of nature into economic decision making and ensure social equity and participation by currently marginalised groups.”

Professor Tim Jackson, Professor of Sustainable Development, University of Surrey and acclaimed author of Prosperity Without Growth backing the plan said: “With the forthcoming 10-year Strategy for Economic Transformation the Scottish Government has a unique opportunity to make Scotland a global example of an economy that is fit to address the challenges of the 21st century, delivering wellbeing for all within environmental limits.

“To do that, the Strategy needs to put at its heart care for people and planet, it needs to build on meaningful participation of those at the sharp end of our economy, and it needs to put in place measures which will give priority to ensuring people’s wellbeing rather than the pursuit of GDP growth for its own sake.”

The ten points proposed by the ‘Transform our Economy’ group offer a robust framework for building such a strategy. The Scottish Government would be well advised to take note.”

Professor Jan Webb, Professor of Sociology of Organisations, University of Edinburgh, and one of the 38 signatories, said: ““Orthodox economic strategy aims to maximise GDP, and then to make some adjustments for fairness and environmental harms.

“A transformative strategy, fit for addressing climate emergency and major inequalities, has to direct all economic action to achieving a fair, and sustainable, society.

“This means all investment prioritises decent work, zero waste, biodiversity and climate protection. I hope the Scottish Government will respond promptly and constructively to the Transform Our Economy alliance.”

The headings of the Ten Key Points are:
1. The goal: wellbeing for all within environmental limits
2. Setting specific economic objectives to care for people and the planet
3. Using all the tools available to government to meet those objectives
4. Policies must show how the objectives can be achieved
5. Combat economic pressures which are helping cause the problems
6. Public priorities must lead the direction of development of the economy
7. Clear tests for all investment programmes
8. Measure performance through metrics which matter
9. An economic strategy for all sectors – economic transformation as a national mission
10. An inclusive and participatory process

The full text of the Key Points can be read below:

Ten-Points-for-a-Transformative-Economic-Strategy-generalDownload

at https://foe-scotland.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b5ad0d61b2a67d22c68bf7d8d&id=67d24d88dd&e=195fc3d780

Scottish Water launches Nature Calls environmental campaign

#BinWipes

#JoinTheWave

Scotland is being urged to bin all wipes – and ban wipes containing plastic – in a major new campaign to help protect the environment.

Scottish Water is asking the public to join forces to avoid sewer blockages, flooding, and pollution by consigning wipes to the bin.

And it is also calling on governments north and south of the border to work together to ban wipes made with plastic.

The new nationwide campaign – Nature Calls – is backed by a range of other organisations, including the Marine Conservation Society, Keep Scotland Beautiful and Zero Waste Scotland.

Join The Wave

Help us reduce the impact of wipes containing plastic by backing our ban.

Find out more

Douglas Millican, Scottish Water Chief Executive, said: “Our message to our customers is clear: please bin the wipes and help us protect the environment.

“And to policymakers we say now is the time to ban all wipes containing plastic and rid our sewers, rivers and beaches of this needless problem. Last year, more than 10,000 tonnes of material – the equivalent of 80 blue whales – was removed from Scotland’s waste water plants.

“Many thousands of tonnes more ended up blocking sewers, causing flooding, or being flushed into rivers during storms and heavy rain. Research by the Marine Conservation Society shows that wipes are now the most common cause of beach pollution.

“Wipes are an understandable convenience item – but many contain plastic, that cause serious problems when disposed of inappropriately by flushing down the toilet – blocked sewers, homes flooded with sewage, and pollution on our beaches and rivers.

“Every year our teams deal with around 36,000 blockages at a cost to customers of £7 million annually and around 80 per cent of the blockages we attend feature wipes. Members of the public, communities, campaigners, manufacturers, retailers and governments must all work together to do the right thing for nature now and for generations to come.”

The Nature Calls campaign was launched at Cramond this morning supported by Scottish Water volunteers taking part in a beach clean.

The campaign will feature adverts on multiple channels through February and March.

More information is available at www.jointhewave.scot

Nature Calls wipes

Wipes at Paisley Water Treatment Works

Environment Minister Mairi McAllan said: “The actions we take at home can help protect Scotland’s world-renowned rivers, lochs, wetlands and seas.

“Flushing inappropriate items contributes to serious blockages in our sewers, unsightly debris in our rivers and can cause great harm to our marine environment; by being aware of this and changing our habits we can all help protect our precious, rivers seas and wildlife.

“Every year, hundreds of millions of pieces of single-use plastic are wasted in this country – they litter our coasts, pollute our oceans and contribute to the climate emergency. Scotland was the first country in the UK to ban plastic-stemmed cotton buds and we have taken action to place market restrictions on plastic microbeads.

“We are pursuing proposals to ban some of the most problematic single-use plastic items, such as straws and plastic cutlery, subject to the impact of the UK Internal Market Act 2020.

“We support the calls to ban wet wipes containing plastic and encourage the UK Government and other administrations to work with us to bring forward bans on unnecessary and environmentally harmful products.”

A wide range of organisations have voiced support for Nature Calls.

Catherine Gemmell, Scotland Conservation Officer for the Marine Conservation Society, said: “A staggering 30,000 wet wipes have been picked up by our volunteers right here on Cramond beach over the last five years. It’s not just a problem here though. At last year’s Great British Beach Clean we found an average of 25 wet wipes for every 100m of Scottish beach surveyed. 

“Our toilets can still sadly be gateways to the ocean which is why incorrectly flushed items like plastic wet wipes can be found on beaches across Scotland. We need to stop plastic items, like wet wipes, getting into the sewer system and out in the ocean.

“That’s why we’re supporting the Nature Calls campaign to ban plastic wet wipes and help reduce the number of wipes mis-flushed. Show your support for wet wipe free beaches and seas by supporting the campaign too!”

Keep Scotland Beautiful Chief Executive Barry Fisher said: “I’m delighted to see Scottish Water highlighting this important issue, encouraging everyone to be more conscious of the environmental impact of plastic wipes.

“We want doing the right thing for our environment to be easy and possible for everyone – including manufacturers finding affordable alternatives to plastic free wipes. This will make sure that industry contributes to the future without wipes that clog up our waterways and oceans, harming wildlife and permanently changing our environment.

“Scotland is facing a climate and litter emergency, so action to find affordable solutions to plastic free wipes is needed to protect the future of our country. This campaign will help industry and individuals to understand that their actions can and do make a difference.”

Zero Waste Scotland Chief Executive Iain Gulland said: “It is great to see campaigns like this become more prominent in tackling the urgent problem of single-use items. At Zero Waste Scotland, we understand just how important it is to ban single-use plastic – and single-use items in general. 

“We champion more sustainable ways of operating, which is why we love to see efforts, like Nature Calls from Scottish Water, grabbing attention and encouraging us all to think about our throw-away culture. Each time we choose to reuse we are one step closer to a more circular economy that will help alleviate Scotland’s contribution to the climate crisis.”

Simon Jones, Director of Environment and Visitor Services at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, said: “Our lochs and rivers are a crucial part of what makes the National Park, and Scotland, such a special place. Not only beautiful to look at and enjoy, but these water bodies are also vital wildlife habitats and keeping them as healthy as possible helps us tackle both the climate and nature crises.

“Sadly, wipes can get into these water bodies causing harm to water quality, wildlife, and their beauty. We consider them a form of pollution and therefore we are supporting the call for wipes containing plastic to be banned and urge everyone to do their bit by never flushing wipes.”

Lang Banks, Director, WWF Scotland, said: “At every step in its lifecycle, even long after it has been discarded, plastic causes harm to wildlife and contributes to the climate crisis we’re facing today.

“If we’re to stop climate change and eliminate plastic pollution from our oceans, we need to rapidly phase out unnecessary single-use plastics and that includes a ban on wipes made with plastic.”

David Field, CEO of the Royal Zoological Society Scotland, said: “At RZSS we’re inspiring and enabling our visitors and communities to do their bit to protect our planet and the wildlife we share it with. We want to make it as easy as possible to be a champion for nature. 

“We’re supporting the Nature Calls campaign because one of the simplest actions we can each take is to stop putting wet wipes and plastic products down our drains and we agree that wipes containing plastic should be banned.

“Not only does flushing these items cause flooding and pollution as they block and break pipes, but they end up littering our beaches and oceans and killing wildlife.”

Scots’ views sought on mandatory digital waste tracking

  • Consultation sets out UK-wide approach to introduce mandatory Digital Waste Tracking (DWT) for the movement of waste.
  • Plans will help track compliance and tackle illegal waste exports and fly-tipping – an issue recently highlighted by the programme BBC Disclosure
  • Powers in Environment Act mean digital waste tracking can support the effective regulation of waste and track waste and resource flows in a circular economy

A consultation setting out plans for a mandatory digital waste tracking service in the UK was launched on 21 January 2022.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Scottish Government have been working with UK partners to develop a four-nation approach to digital tracking of waste movements.

The Environment Act 2021 provides powers for the Scottish Government to develop regulations to introduce a digital waste tracking service in Scotland, which will be implemented by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

The consultation is seeking views on the practical aspects of implementing digital waste tracking across the UK including:

  • What waste activities and information will need to be recorded
  • What current waste reporting will be replaced by the new service
  • How users will be able to enter information onto the service
  • Who will be required to enter information and when
  • Alternative provisions for digitally excluded waste holders
  • Data access controls
  • Cost recoveryCompliance and enforcement
  • How we should go live with the service

SEPA urges Scottish businesses and stakeholders to take part in the consultation and provide their views. The consultation can be found on SEPA’s consultation hub.

A mandatory UK digital waste tracking service will transform the way we track waste and resource flows, tackle waste crime and prioritise regulatory activities. It will help SEPA identify actions to support a shift to the circular economy, facilitate strategic decision making and support users to make informed choices about how their waste is managed.

This means those handling waste will record information from the point waste is produced to the stage it is disposed of, recycled and reused. This will enable regulators to better tackle waste crime, including fly-tipping, illegal waste sites, and illegal waste exports.

It will also help businesses and householders comply with their duty of care with regards to waste and help them make more informed choices about how their waste is managed.

As highlighted in BBC Disclosure’s recent broadcast, Dirty Business, criminal activities including fly-tipping, illegal dumping, and the illegal export of waste abroad can blight communities, harm the environment, and pose a risk to human health.

Research estimates £53 million is taken from the public purse every year in Scotland removing illegal waste and serious and organised crime is estimated to cost the UK economy at least £600 million a year.

Scotland generates 11.45 million tonnes of waste a year and DWT will help unlock opportunities to do better things with our waste and resources.

Scottish Government Circular Economy Minister, Lorna Slater, said: “A digital waste tracking system will help to tackle the waste crime that causes such harm to our environment, such as flytipping and illegal waste exports. Having access to comprehensive and up to date information on where waste is generated and moved within Scotland is vital if we are to crack down on waste crime.

“By making it easier to identify opportunities to reduce the waste produced and reuse more of the materials we consume, these measures will help create a circular economy, where materials are kept in use for as long as possible and nothing is wasted.

“Developing and implementing a digital waste tracking system will provide a step change in the quality and timeliness of waste data. This will support decision-making and help us to cut emissions and meet our waste reduction and recycling targets.”

DWT will help to deliver SEPA’s Regulatory Strategy by monitoring compliance with the Duty of Care, enabling timely tracking of hazardous waste, facilitate better data analysis to identify waste crime and provide data to support the development and monitoring of sector plans.

It will also enable the identification and tracking of materials and resources to facilitate their more efficient use in the circular economy, supporting the objectives of SEPA’s Waste to Resources Framework and Scottish Government’s circular economy strategy.

Ian Buchanan, Chief Officer of Compliance and Beyond, for SEPA said: “Digital Waste Tracking will improve the way we regulate waste and help waste producers and the waste management industry demonstrate compliance and make important decisions about waste and resources.

“DWT will also strengthen our ability to track compliance, prioritise regulatory activities and help prevent waste crime, including illegal export of waste.

“We are clear in what we expect of businesses of all sizes, from SMEs to specialist companies. Ignorance of the law is no excuse.

“SEPA will continue to invest significant regulatory effort in monitoring waste movement and waste exports to ensure compliance and will use a variety of approaches to successfully detect, disrupt and deter illegal activity in Scotland.

“Waste crime has a real impact on local communities and legitimate business. It can cause serious pollution, puts communities at risk and undermines the efforts of legitimate operators.”

A spokesperson for the Resource Management Association Scotland said: “We welcome the announcement of the Digital Waste Tracking consultation.

“This presents an excellent opportunity to shape the future of waste data and tracking, to help support the Resource and Waste Management Sector in Scotland and the journey to net zero and we will be encouraging our members to respond.”

You can find the consultation which closes on 15 April 2022 on SEPA’s consultation hub.

Incineration contracts stopping Scots from recycling, says FoE Scotland

New research shows that Scotland’s incineration capacity is so high that it is likely to stop councils from recycling waste. Campaigners are calling for a ban on new incinerators so that councils focus on reducing and recycling waste, rather than sending it up in smoke.

The Scottish Government set up an independent review into incineration which is currently taking place. As part of this, the reviewers have researched whether existing and planned incineration capacity matches Scotland’s projected waste levels.

It shows that if Scotland meets its recycling targets, by next year we will already have more incineration capacity than we need. Even if we make no progress towards these targets, there will still be overcapacity by 2026.

The 2025 ban on sending biodegradable municipal waste to landfill means councils have had to find some other way to dispose of waste. Rather than attempting to reduce the waste through recycling and other measures, councils have signed up to expensive and lengthy incineration contracts.

It is now emerging that the amount of waste councils have agreed to supply is greater than the waste available. This means to fulfil their contracts, councils must supply huge amounts of waste to be burnt, instead of focusing on reducing and recycling.

Kim Pratt, circular economy campaigner at Friends of the Earth Scotland, said:
“The Scottish Government has unwittingly created the perfect conditions for waste management companies to make as much money as possible from keeping Scotland’s waste levels high. The ban on biodegradable waste to landfill means councils have sought alternative waste management solutions in a hurry.

“Councils have panicked and signed up to contracts that now create a conflict of interests. They are faced with choosing between helping residents reduce and recycle their waste and fulfilling the incineration contracts. Through a lack of strategic thinking, the Government and councils have ensured Scotland’s recycling targets are now much harder to achieve.

“It’s vital we stop burning our valuable resources if we are to bring down the consumption levels that are wrecking the planet. We need to see an end to new incinerators being built in Scotland, and an immediate ban on burning plastics.”

This overcapacity problem is evident at a local level, as well as a national one. Three councils in the North East of Scotland, Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray Councils, have signed a joint contract to build and supply a privately run incinerator. The NESS Energy Project is due to start operating later this year.

The incinerator has been built to take 150,000 tonnes of waste. The Environmental Statement for the project shows this was based on the amount of residual waste generated from the councils in 2016 when planning permission was granted.

However, data from SEPA shows that, even before the plant has opened, there will not be enough household residual waste to supply the plant. The 20-year contracts mean these councils will be looking for more material to burn, rather than supporting residents to reduce and recycle waste.

Scotland is now burning almost as much of its household waste as it is sending to landfill. Household waste statistics published in December show a 33.6% increase in waste being incinerated between 2019 and 2020 – that’s an extra 152,000 tonnes burnt in one year.

As well as burning valuable resources, incinerators contribute to climate change by emitting greenhouse gases from the waste they burn.

To find out more visit: www.foe.scot/campaign/plastic-pollution/incineration/

Roads, transport and parking tops the agenda for Scots

Science-based technology company 3M urges local authorities to address concerns felt by drivers, cyclists and pedestrians

 

Roads, transport and parking should be the number one agenda item for local authorities in 2022, according to almost half of residents living in Scotland (47%).

The new research from science-based technology company, 3M reveals that within the region, this is the area most in need of attention alongside housing (47%) and followed by jobs, business and investment (41%), and education (35%). 

After more time spent working, travelling and exercising close to home in the past two years, 80% of people in Britain believe the pandemic has highlighted the need for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians to be able to co-exist. However, there are specific factors preventing these groups from doing so in harmony.  

Accessibility for cyclists in Scotland

It is estimated that one in five Brits now cycle in a typical week. However, in Scotland nearly a quarter of those who already cycle (23%) say that despite having access to cycle lanes where they live, they still wouldn’t feel safe enough to travel on a bike during peak times. 

74% of this group don’t believe the right infrastructure is in place to allow them to ride safely and 62% say that their local authorities could do more to make the area more accessible to cyclists. 

Drivers vs cyclists – the perception gap

The research has brought prevalent safety concerns and the contrasting opinions of road users to the fore, particularly when it comes to motorists and cyclists. Seven in 10 (70%) cyclists worry that drivers don’t know the correct etiquette when using roads with cycle lanes in their area.

Meanwhile, only 53% of drivers confidently say that they know the latest Highway Code rules in relation to cyclists, which at the time of the study had not been updated since 2015.

Outside of lane usage, overtaking is a bone of contention for motorists and cyclists alike; 93% of drivers say they leave as much room when overtaking a cyclist as they would a car whereas 73% of cyclists say drivers pass too closely. 

In Scotland, one thing both parties do agree on is there not being clear enough road markings on cycle lanes for all road users – only 27% of motorists and 25% of cyclists feel there are clear visible markings in their area.

The lack of visual guidance could be part of the problem when it comes to navigating shared road spaces, easily improved by solutions such as better signage that incorporates retroreflective technology, while also improving education on the Highway Code.

Andy Fish, Technical Specialist for 3M Transportation Safety Division, said: “Its fantastic that investment in new cycle lanes, walkways and other infrastructure is being put to good use.

“This research shows that irrespective of mode of transport, the majority of people want to be able to share spaces with others safely, and they are looking to their local authorities for support. 

“At 3M we are actively encouraging local councils and highway authorities in Scotland to participate in a pilot scheme that would allow their communities to benefit from traffic safety solutions designed to address some of the concerns expressed by drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.” 

Drivers’ admitted lack of understanding of the Highway Code could be to blame for some of the frustrations they have towards cyclists – 86% say seeing two or more ride side-by-side is frustrating and 72% say they become frustrated simply by driving behind one. 

This is in spite of it being legal for two cyclists to ride next to each other unless on narrow or busy roads or cycling round bends, along with recent rule changes including cyclists riding alone being instructed to use the centre of the lane in slower moving traffic.

To find out more about 3M’s leading road marking and signage solutions, such as 3M Diamond Grade DG3 reflective sheeting. and 3M Stamark road marking tape, visit www.3m.co.uk.

WOW! Living Streets launches nationwide badge design competition

Pupils in Aberdeen were joined by special guests on Monday to celebrate the strides they have been making to get more active on the school run and to launch the search for the UK’s best young designers.

Cllr Malik, the Education Convener joined pupils from St Joseph’s Catholic RC Primary School in Aberdeen to hear first-hand the benefits they have experienced from walking to school.

St Joseph’s RC Primary School takes part in WOW – the walk to school challenge from Living Streets Scotland, part of the UK charity for everyday walking.

WOW is a pupil-led initiative where children self-report how they get to school every day using the interactive WOW Travel Tracker. Pupils who walk, wheel, cycle or scoot at least once a week for a month are rewarded with a badge.

Cllr Malik joined Living Streets’ mascot, Strider, to hand out WOW badges to pupils who had travelled actively this month.

Councillor M Tauqeer Malik, Aberdeen City Council’s Education Operational Delivery Convener, said: “It is wonderful to be here today to celebrate the great work that the St Joseph’s pupils and staff are doing in partnership with Living Streets and which really ties in with our priorities as a Council.

“The health and wellbeing of our children and young people is at the heart of everything we do as can be seen from our progress towards becoming a Unicef -recognised Child Friendly City and last year’s unprecedented Summer of Play which saw us provide over 15000 free bookable activity sessions as we celebrated coming out of lockdown.  

“Congratulations to everyone involved in making St Joseph’s an even healthier and happier school”.

The school event also marked the launch of Living Streets’ WOW Badge Design Competition 2022. The charity is on the hunt for the UK’s best young designers and is asking children to design the 11 badges to be awarded to pupils next academic year. This year’s theme is ‘Walk Through Time’.

Chris Thompson, School Manager, Living Streets Scotland said: “From Aberdeen to Aberystwyth, the hunt is on for the UK’s best young designers. Winners will have the pride of seeing their creations worn by pupils across Scotland, England and Wales.

“We’re encouraging pupils to stretch their imaginations and depict something from the past that they find really interesting and inspiring. This is an opportunity for originality and diversity to shine.”

To find out more about the WOW Badge Design Competition and how to enter, visit: livingstreets.org.uk/badgecomp2022

Edinburgh film-makers shortlisted in FilmG Gaelic Short Film Competition

Filmmakers taking part in this year’s prestigious Gaelic short film competition FilmG 2022 have been inspired by nature, environmental issues and the great outdoors – with many of the shortlisted films exploring these topics.

Many films followed this year’s competition theme Lorg, which means search, find or trace, it could even be interpreted as footsteps, with some shortlisted films exploring the outdoors, getting closer to nature and appreciating and protecting the environment.

Nominees have now been confirmed across 17 categories and all the shortlisted films are available to watch on the FilmG website.  

The competition received 91 entries this year, which covered various different stories and current events, and the judges had a tough job whittling down the entries over multiple days.

On the environmental theme, eponymous Uilleam Uaine (Green William) is in Staffin to help the pupils to make the right choices for the environment, in a film of the same name which was written and produced by pupils at Staffin Primary School on the Isle of Skye. It has been shortlisted as the Best Production (Under 12).

And a film by pupils at Sgoil Bhagh a’ Chaisteil on the Isle of Barra called ‘Cosgais A Churaim’, (The Cost of Caring) which looks into the effects of disposable face masks on our environment, has been nominated for Best Documentary. 

Dihaoinean airson Teachd (Fridays of the Future) tells the story of a scientist who wants to save the world with a potion she has invented to create an Eco Superhero. However, the wrong people keep drinking it! 

Made by pupils at Craighill Primary School in Tain, this film has also been shortlisted as the Best Production (Under 12).


Gaelic Medium pupils at Oban High School have been nominated for ‘GOP 26’, which is about an environmental conference GOP26 taking place in Glasgow with leaders from all over the world making speeches, but one of the speakers mysteriously goes missing. The film was shortlisted for the quality of the spoken Gaelic throughout.

Several films explore the great outdoors including a film about hillwalking and scrambling as a way to get a new perspective on the world from beyond the cold, dark glens and high above the clouds. 

Called ‘Thar Nan Sgòth – Beinn Eighe’ (Above the Clouds – Beinn Eighe) this film, made by Anndra Cuimeanach from Gairloch, has been nominated for Best Documentary and Best Young Filmmaker in the Youth Category (12-17).

Also in the Youth Category a film by Emma Rose Passmore from Harris called ‘Falaichte Ann an Roghdal’ (Hidden in Rodal) which looks at the secret history of Roghdal in Harris, has been nominated for Best Documentary and Best Young Filmmaker.

In the Open category a short documentary called ‘A’ Mhuir’ (The Sea) about wild swimming and the students at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in the Isle of Skye who take part in the sport, has been nominated for Best Film, Film Duthchais, Best Performance (Somhairle MacIain), Best Student Film and Best Director (Anna Garvin).

‘Am Buaile Dubh’ by Eòghan Stiùbhart from Inverness, which takes a look around Am Buaile Dubh on the outskirts of Inverness, has been nominated for Best Film, Film Duthchais (which translates as best heritage or community film), Best Performance (Eòghan Stiùbhart), Best Director and Best Script.

While a spoof of outdoor programmes called ‘Rachamaid’ by Ross Young from Inverurie has been shortlisted for Best Performance (Ross Young) and Best Student Film.

And ‘Eilean Lois’ (Lois’s Island) by Somhairle MacIain from Glasgow, which follows him and his girlfriend, Lois, as they cycled the Hebridean Way in the summer and he teaches her to speak Gaelic on the trip, has been shortlisted for Best Student Film.

This is just a few of an array of fantastic films by talented filmmakers, schools and community groups from across Scotland that have made it to the shortlists for the FilmG 2022 Short Film Competition. 

Karen Elder, a journalist for An Là is a Scottish Gaelic-language news programme broadcast on the Gaelic-language channel, BBC ALBA, was one of the judges this year.She said: “It was a privilege to once again be a part of the judging panel for FilmG. There was a wide variety of films entered, from strong documentaries to comedy. It was no small task.” 

You can watch shortlisted films on the FilmG website. FilmG is the Gaelic short film competition, funded by MG ALBA and delivered by Cànan Graphics Studio on the Isle of Skye.

The winners of this year’s prestigious Gaelic Short Film Competition FilmG will be revealed on BBC ALBA from 9pm on Friday, February 25 via a new, specially created, awards programme broadcast from Stornoway.

The show will be hosted by FilmG and BBC ALBA stalwarts Fiona MacKenzie and Niall Iain MacDonald.

For more information, www.filmg.co.uk 

Shortlists:

Youth (Under 12) Category

FilmmakerLocationFilmCategoryLink to FilmDescription 
Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghleann Dail (Glendale Primary School)GlasgowDeiseil neo aindeiseil?Best Film (Under 12)https://youtu.be/JXLuSzXW0lkThings go wrong when a group of pupils try and play a game of hide and seek instead of learning about it. Where did Penelope go?!
Bun-sgoil Achadh na Creige (Rockfield Primary School)ObanLorden Bino agus NedBest Film (Under 12)https://youtu.be/axhZ-LBu_ywLorden, Bino and Ned have told the dinner ladies at Rockfield Primary School that their food is not good enough and they will make school dinners better.
Sgoil Staffainn (Staffin Primary School)Isle of SkyeTearlach san EileanBest Film (Under 12)https://youtu.be/eWOxlGeXD5EPrince Charles visits Staffin
Bun-sgoil Dun Bheagan (Dunvegan Primary School)Isle of SkyeAir Chall ‘s Air LorgBest Film (Under 12)https://youtu.be/J_eMMxhCzrcWill one young girl’s conscience help her do the right thing?
Bun-sgoil Thaigh A’ Chladaich (Sandbank Primary School)DunoonCoignear Air ChallBest Production (Under 12)https://youtu.be/U2xnw4qEA5UFive Children go to Kilmun on Halloween. Did they get away safely? They met a strange family – the Adams Family!
Sgoil Staffainn (Staffin Primary School)Isle of SkyeUilleam UaineBest Production (Under 12)https://youtu.be/s4wPduOWU04Uilleam Uaine is in Staffin to help the pupils make the right choices for the environment
Bun-sgoil Cnoc na Creige (Craighill Primary School)TainDihaoinean airson TeachdBest Production (Under 12)https://youtu.be/MDHwFPaTmVMA Scientist wants to save the world with a potion she has invented – to create an Eco Superhero. However, the wrong people keep drinking it!
Bun-sgoil Ghlinn Urchadain (Glenurquhart Primary School)DrumnadrochitAn Iuchair DraoidheilBest Production (Under 12)https://youtu.be/iQm8t4qOMGMA student finds a magic key and brings it into class

Youth (12-17) Category

FilmmakerLocationFilmCategoryLink to filmDescription
Parker DawesArdnamurchanSpies-R-UsBest Film (Fluent), Best Production, Best Young Filmmaker, Best Performance (Parker Dawes)https://youtu.be/yRN6I9rNduoSeumas McGuffin, the best spy in the world and friend Iain stole a secret file from the most secure facility in Scotland. Here’s what happened.
Àrd-sgoil an Òbain (Oban High School)ObanGOP 26Best Film (Fluent)https://youtu.be/CtVGNy2PsSgGOP26 is taking place in Glasgow and world leaders are making speeches. But one of the speakers has gone missing!
Àrd-sgoil Ghearrloch (Gairloch High School)GairlochAn Sithiche Mu DheireadhBest Film (Fluent)https://youtu.be/zt9k4zzFTfgThe Gille Dubh, has lived in the Gairloch area for centuries.But after the laird had hunted him, he was not seen again … until he appeared in our own day
Finlay agus Calum MorrisonGlasgowAn Taigh-ÒstaBest Film (Fluent), Best Performance (Finlay Morrison)https://youtu.be/ziIP9d-EUg4Iain and Donald McRamsay explore the goings-on in the fictional village of “Ochanish”. There are some interesting characters staying there!
Àrd-sgoil Ile (Islay High School)IslayEasga Bhuidhe na FeidhBest Film (Learners)https://youtu.be/oARMiRNVzyQIs Easga Bhuidhe na Feidh as fearful as legend suggests? A group of Islay teenagers try to find out.
Acadamaidh Pheairt (Perth Academy)PerthAn Amaladh a ChèileBest Film (Learners)https://youtu.be/2QHIWzyBXOQA small group of pupils leaves a classroom and see a poster offering a reward for the capture of an escaped llama.
Àrd-sgoil Tobar Mhoire (Tobermory High School)MullSeumas SnasailBest Film (Learners)https://youtu.be/3gS9zxAlx7IA young girl goes to extreme lengths to meet her idol. Is meeting your heroes ever a good idea?
Acadamaidh Allt a’ Mhuilinn (Millburn Academy)InvernessFlòraidhBest Film (Learners)https://youtu.be/h12m98PjC54Can you ever be sure who you’re talking to when you meet someone online?
Àrd-sgoil Phort Rìgh (Portree High School)Isle of SkyeCuidhteasBest Production, Best Performance (Iseabail MacRae)https://youtu.be/rcEFfex-0v4Three respectable wives in the Victorian Era plan a way to find independence from their husbands
Àrd-sgoil Loch Abar (Lochaber High School)Fort WilliamGàidsear ChreutaireanBest Production, Best Performance (Calum Stewart)https://youtu.be/nZmPTyQF8IYWhen there’s something strange in your school, who will you phone? Gàidsear Chrutairean (Creature Catcher)!
Àrd-sgoil Aird nam Murchan (Ardnamurchan High School)ArdnamurchanBeatha Iain LomBest Productionhttps://youtu.be/Rfq93GwOv_sFrom birth to death- scenes from the life of one of Scotland’s best known poets.
Anndra CuimeanachGairlochThar Nan Sgòth – Beinn EigheBest Documentary, Best Young Filmmakerhttps://youtu.be/RScxxJ-3WGESometimes we have to leave the cold, dark glens and climb high above each cloud. There we get a new perspective on the world.
Emma Rose PassmoreHarrisFalaichte Ann an RoghdalBest Documentary, Best Young Filmmakerhttps://youtu.be/ejf_w648ZVYA look around the secret history of Roghdal in Harris
Keri NicIainInvernessLatha na DeuchainnBest Young Filmmakerhttps://youtu.be/bnzta6WQjLIIt’s exam day for the Gaelic pupils. This film picks up on the different types of student (and teachers) that you encounter during exams!
Sgoil Bhagh a’ ChaisteilIsle of BarraCosgais A ChuraimBest Documentaryhttps://youtu.be/_0MUTOpstAQA look into the effects of disposable face masks on our environment.
Àrd-sgoil MhicNeacail (Nicolson Institute)Isle of LewisCeannaircBest Documentaryhttps://youtu.be/hzLk-AyZRJQTwenty years after the 9/11 attacks, Nicolson Institute S3 students take a look back at history.
Sgoil Ghàidhlig GhlaschuGlagsowFo BhruidBest Performance (Shreya Saul)https://youtu.be/J99RYIxIQlYA group of friends have to follow a number of clues to find out what has happened to their missing friend.
Sgoil Ghàidhlig GhlaschuGlasgowMurt MatamataigBest Performance (Eylana McCormack)https://youtu.be/GB_UQI3E7PEWhen the maths teacher is murdered, it is up to the class to figure out who amongst them is the murderer.

Open Category

FilmmakerLocationFilmShortlisted for  
Alina BrustEdinburghAn Taigh SolaisBest Film, Best Student Film, Best Director (Alina Brust)https://youtu.be/EYN7y0ih9vYA shepherd and her sheep are trapped in a strange lighthouse.
Innes MacLeodIsle of LewisCudaigBest Film, Film Duthchais, Best Director (Innes MacLeod)https://youtu.be/BNe8wEbmbIsCudaig’s life as a Coastguard volunteer.
Cursa TBh Sabhal Mòr OstaigIsle of SkyeA’ MhuirBest Film, Film Duthchais, Best Performance (Somhairle MacIain), Best Student Film, Best Director (Anna Garvin)https://youtu.be/0VAitEe_uVEA short documentary about wild swimming and the students at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig who take part in the sport.
Eòghan StiùbhartInvernessAm Buaile DubhBest Film, Film Duthchais, Best Performance (Eòghan Stiùbhart), Best Director, Best Scripthttps://youtu.be/yeKqd4ak_0kA look around Am Buaile Dubh on the outskirts of Inverness
Ross YoungInverurieRachamaidBest Performance (Ross Young), Best Student Filmhttps://youtu.be/oxjOk9mSy6IA spoof of outdoor programmes.
Somhairle MacIainGlasgowEilean LoisBest Student Filmhttps://youtu.be/JLQZtS7A9QUIn the summer me and my girlfriend, Lois, cycled the Hebridean Way. Lois does not speak Gaelic but I try to teach her some on our trip
Comunn na GaidhligNationwideLorgan Caluim CilleFilm Duthchaishttps://youtu.be/aJkvxxkSOlAIt is the 1,500th anniversary of the birth of St Columba. The Comunn na Gàidhlig team works throughout Scotland and seven of our Iomairtean Cànain (language initiatives) looked for local links with Colmcille
Marcas Mac An TuairneirEdinburghCrò-naomhBest Performance (Marcas Mac An Tuairneir)https://youtu.be/bfDLBEPTG3IA film-poem by Marcas Mac an Tuairneir with the poem’Crò-naomh’ (‘Sacred Heart’)
Robbie MacLeodEdinburghLorganBest Performance (Robbie MacLeod), Best Scripthttps://youtu.be/iqY422knVegA film poem examining the things that go out of view, and the traces they leave behind them.
Clas Gàidhlig ChamelonFalkirkLàrach eucoir anns a’ GhearasdanBest Performance (Julia Gull), Best Scripthttps://youtu.be/R8xJpTJtuxoA crime was committed in Fort William and the neighbours are shocked. A police officer narrows down the suspects to four people and interviews them.
Cheryl Heggie School of Dance + Sìne na ScreenInvernessThòisich e le Sreothart!Best Scripthttps://youtu.be/IQ4yRWtaqbYIt started with a sneeze! The entries for the Highland dancers scatter everywhere and they end up in the wrong competitions at the Highland games

​

Significant waste crime sites targeted by SEPA as BBC Disclosure focuses on serious and organised crime

Scottish Environment Protection Agency staff and their work tackling waste crime will be featured as part of investigative journalism programme BBC Disclosure tonight (Monday 31 January) at 7pm.

The programme titled ‘Dirty Business’ will delve into criminal waste activities – ranging from ‘man with a van’ flytipping and waste being burnt in a drum to large scale illegal activities with links to serious organised crime such as abandoned lorry trailers bursting with up to 41 tonnes of waste and illegal landfills.

The documentary sees BBC presenter Sam Poling shadowing staff on complex investigations including a site visit to an unidentified location, where a criminal gang has buried large amounts of waste underground resulting in environmental impact from the release of harmful gases and liquids as the illegal deposit degrades.

Sam also accompanies SEPA staff to a non-compliant site and on a site visit to a legitimate waste operator to see how businesses should be operating to stay within the law and discovers how criminals undercutting these types of businesses can impact on the industry.

Waste crime has a serious and detrimental impact on the environment, communities and compliant businesses, costing Scottish taxpayers tens of millions a year in clean-up costs, avoided tax and lost revenue.

Dedicated enforcement

As part of its ongoing commitment to tackle environmental crime and as an environment protection agency ready to tackle the challenges of the 21st Century, SEPA launched a dedicated intelligence and enforcement function in October 2019 to deal with those types of growing activities.

SEPA’S investigative waste enforcement work includes the monitoring of over 234 active cases including 31 high priority sites, some linked to serious and organised crime activities.

We work closely with partners such as Police Scotland, the Joint Unit for Waste Crime, Serious Organised Crime Task Force and cross border agencies to share information and work together to use powers that partners have to tackle this behaviour, using the latest technologies to help ensure we detect criminal activity and have the most accurate picture possible.

Working together in this way means that we can make it harder for criminals to get a foot in legitimate waste businesses, and where these sites have appeared it will become easier to require those responsible to clean them up.

Waste crime stifles legitimate businesses’ opportunities to innovate and improve our environment and there is a need to continue attracting the right businesses to Scotland that will contribute to our economic growth while protecting and enhancing our environment.

Members of the public and businesses must start thinking of ways to do things differently to limit opportunities for criminals to operate and gain a greater awareness of what happens to their waste.

SEPA works with businesses to help them achieve compliance and understand their obligations and Digital Waste Tracking is one of the innovations which could help make compliance easier and help individuals and businesses to track what happens to their waste.

Jennifer Shearer, Head of Enforcement at SEPA, said: “We are warning criminals – your activities are firmly in the spotlight and compliance with Scotland’s environmental laws is non-negotiable. Our dedicated enforcement unit is focussing our efforts on tackling the most serious non-compliance and illegal activity.

“Waste crime is best tackled on a preventative level and this involves a ‘Team Scotland’ partner led approach. By taking part in this programme we aim to highlight the extensive work that SEPA does and make everyone aware of duties they have in assisting in the disruption of these types of activity.

“For us deterring waste crime will take more than issuing fines and taking prosecutions where possible. It requires Scotland to realise the potential in developing vacant and derelict land for better use, engage in multi-agency partnerships and nurture urban and rural communities.

“In Scotland, businesses committed to doing the right thing by our environment will find a regulator that supports innovation and excellence. For those who do the wrong thing they’ll find a regulator that won’t hesitate to act. It is vital that businesses and individuals realise their duty of care, as the best way to stop waste criminals is to cut off their routes to make money.

“Criminals are resourceful, inventive and will find new ways to break the law – especially when money is involved, but Scotland’s enforcement agencies are working together to make sure we find them and stop them.”

Cabinet Secretary for Justice Keith Brown said: “The Scottish Government and partners on the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce are fully committed to disrupting those who see waste disposal as a money-making enterprise that sits alongside other crime types such as violence, drugs, weapons and money laundering.

“These criminals will do anything to increase their wealth through undermining legitimate waste businesses and tricking unsuspecting customers. Partners on the taskforce will use every means at their disposal to ensure these illegal practices stop and that those who dump waste illegally are held accountable.”

Phil Davies, Joint Unit for Waste Crime Manager, said: “The Joint Unit for Waste Crime works to disrupt serious and organised waste crime to reduce the impact on the economy, the environment and local communities.

“Our strength lies in bringing together agencies from across the UK, including the Environment Agency; Natural Resources Wales; the Scottish Environment Protection Agency; the Northern Ireland EA; the police; HMRC; the National Fire Chiefs Council; the British Transport Police and the National Crime Agency.

“Working together as the Joint Unit, we share intelligence and enforcement to more quickly identify, disrupt and deter criminals and make them pay for the damage they inflict on communities and the environment.”

Executive Director of the Environmental Services Association, Jacob Hayler, said: “Waste crime threatens the natural environment, costs the public purse millions of pounds a year and severely undermines investment in responsible, legitimate, recycling and waste treatment operations.

“The Environmental Services Association is highly supportive of robust enforcement action, greater deterrents and tougher penalties on these criminals, who unfortunately all too often view our sector as a soft target.”

Allan MacGregor a member of the Resource Management Association Scotland (RMAS) Management Committee and Chief Executive of the Binn Group, said: “Unscrupulous operators undermine legitimate businesses, stifle investment, and create an uneven playing field.

“We therefore fully support any efforts to crack down on illegal waste dumping activities and stop waste criminals from operating within our industry.”

How you can help

Everyone can help tackle waste crime by refusing to engage waste service providers who are not licenced by, or registered with SEPA, and by checking that the person offering to pick up their waste is a registered waste carrier. You should ask for evidence of this and then ask where they will dispose of the waste and ensure this is a legitimate licensed site. Failing to make these checks is illegal.

Services that sound too good to be true often are – and could lead to waste being illegally fly-tipped or disposed of by other illegitimate means. For criminals carrying out these activities, illegal waste disposal and fly tipping is a serious offence with significant consequences and those caught risk a criminal conviction and a fine and/or imprisonment. SEPA can also issue Variable Monetary Penalties of up to £40,000 as an enforcement tool.

Everyone can assist by being vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity such as:

  • Trailers left by the roadside or in isolated areas
  • Increased activity at previously unused sites
  • Movements of vehicles late at night or very early in the morning
  • Unusual odours or increased fly activity
  • SEPA also advises that landowners must be alert to the risk of their land or premises being used for illegal waste deposits and trailer or vehicle owners should also be aware of the risk of theft for use in illegal waste disposal activities.

Members of the public can report suspicious sites and behaviours to SEPA 24 hours a day, seven days a week through our pollution hotline online, sepa.org.uk/report, or call 0800 80 70 60. 

Ratty Mondays: Why bin men dread the first day of the working week

Do you hate going to work on a Monday? Spare a thought for refuse collectors who dread Monday mornings as their rounds bring them in direct contact with Britain’s surging rat population.

That’s because they’re coming up against overfilled commercial and domestic bins that rats have had a chance to ransack for food, says a national waste and recycling company.

And with the British rat population increasing by 25% over the Covid pandemic, there’s some truth in the old urban myth that you’re never more than six feet away from a rat, says waste collection company BusinessWaste.co.uk 

BusinessWaste.co.uk spokesperson Mark Hall said: “Our operators come up against rats on a daily basis,” “but Mondays are especially bad and our teams are genuinely worried about getting bitten.”

What’s the problem?

Binmen (and women) have struggled with vermin since time immemorial, but the Covid pandemic and milder winters have allowed an explosion in the rat population. 

Estimates put the number of rats in the UK at around 150 million, and they’re attracted to wherever humans leave them a steady supply of food. And that means bins. 

And, according to refuse collectors, the worst day of the week is always a Monday, because the hungry rodents have had the chance to settle down relatively undisturbed over the weekend in overfilled bins.

“When we go to empty a bin on a Monday, there’s a stream of rats running to safety,” Mark Taylor 44 refuse collector from Addingham told us. 

“It’s really bad if it’s a food store or a restaurant, and they haven’t secured the lid. We’re clubbing the bins with a big stick, then giving them a couple of minutes to run away. It’s terrifying.”

We’ve seen videos of rats fleeing commercial bins as if it’s a sinking ship, and it’s not a pleasant experience for anybody involved.

There’s also the chance of a bin man getting bitten.

“Once disturbed, the vermin are in a state of panic and run in all directions,” says Waste collection company Divert.co.uk’s Operations Director Adam Bailey, “Our teams now go into action with trousers tucked into boots and sleeve cuffs done up tight. But that’s still no guarantee.”

Another veteran operator tells BusinessWaste.co.uk that the problem is worse than ever. “We’re seeing more rats and other vermin than ever before, hundreds of them. And they’re bolder, too.”

Ratty Monday to Fear-filled Furry Fridays – there’s no escape for Britain’s bin men.

Is there a solution?

While it may be difficult to put an end to Ratty Mondays and Terrifying Tuesdays (if Ratty Monday is a Bank Holiday*), Business Waste’s Mark Hall says that there are plenty of things that people can do to deter vermin.

“The number one thing owners can do is secure the lids on their bins,” he says, “And the number two thing is not to overfill them”.

Bin operators approach open and overflowing bins with a sense of dread, knowing that it’s inevitable that there’ll be a fury explosion of angry and frightened rats the moment they move the bin.

For most domestic bins, it’s not really a problem. But for commercial bin owners, the sheer volume of food waste means that bin management is essential to deter vermin. 

“That means people who run restaurants, food shops, pubs – anywhere that produces tasty, tasty food waste – needs to lock down their bins every time they use them,” says Hall.

It’s a basic safety measure for which there should be no exceptions, and something local authorities should clamp down on with local byelaws, he says. 

“They say that if you’re in a big city, you’re never more than six feet away from a rat,” says Mark Hall of BusinessWaste.co.uk 

“While that’s been an urban myth for years, it’s coming more and more of a reality, and it’s a problem of our own making.”

*Other days of the week are available, but they’re ratty too!

Waste crew presents wee George with special gift

Well, how could he ‘refuse’?

A city council waste crew has presented four year old South Queensferry boy George Wallace with his very own dumper truck.

During the pandemic George’s mum Rosalind asked the team to give him a wave at the window and they they have continued to do this every week.

Wee George always waves back and the refuse collectors enjoyed this heart-warming little interaction so much they clubbed together and bought him his very own dumper truck toy for Christmas.

Rosalind Wallace, George’s mum, said: “It’s been so lovely to see George’s smile every week as he waves to the guys collecting our waste.

“I know it’s been a difficult time for them and think they brightened each other’s day. George helps with our local litter picking group, Cleanferry, and so is very inspired by them.”

Driver Craig Grand said: “It was so lovely to meet George today. His wee smile has been keeping us going in the last wee while and so we just had to buy him a present and the dumper truck seemed perfect.

“We’re all delighted he’s so pleased with it and it was great to see George in his litter picking uniform. He’ll be working for us soon!

Cllr Lesley Macinnes, Environment Convener, said: “Our waste crews have been working round the clock in some very challenging circumstances since the start of pandemic and I’d like to thank everyone who has showed them their appreciation leaving out cards and gifts and clapping for them every Thursday during lockdown.

“It’s really lovely to see in this case the little boy brightened their day so much the crew showed their gratitude by buying him the dumper truck.”