Tag: environment

£6 million for Scotland’s environment

Additional funding package announced for nature projects

More than £6 million of additional funding is being invested in nature enhancing projects through the Nature Restoration Fund (NRF).

Established in 2021, the £65 million NRF has funded nearly 800 projects helping Scotland’s species, woodlands, rivers and seas back on the road to recovery, including planting over 300,000 trees and restoring over 1,800 hectares of urban greenspace in towns and cities.

Evaluation of the NRF shows the scheme unlocked at least £7.1 million in match funding and in-kind contributions for organisations, and described the initiative as ‘instrumental’ in accelerating nature restoration and supporting vulnerable species and habitats.

Recipients include the Cairngorms National Park, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, NatureScot and the Green Action Trust.

The Cairngorms National Park will share £1.2 million between five projects aimed at safeguarding some of the most precious species and habitats there including;

  • recovering freshwater pearl mussel populations in the rivers Spey, Dee and South Esk
  • identifying changes to make the River Dee more resilient to flooding
  • helping boost the capercaillie population, which is on the verge of extinction in Scotland
  • improving tree stock for aspen and native montane species

Visiting the Anagach Woods in the Cairngorms National Park, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action Gillian Martin said: “Protecting Scotland’s natural environment is vital to addressing nature loss, climate change and biodiversity.

“The projects receiving this additional funding will of course benefit local areas and wildlife by restoring the environment and supporting green jobs and skills development but they will also help us in the global fight against climate change and biodiversity loss.

“I was extremely impressed by the pioneering work that the Cairngorms National Park are doing to restore ecosystems with their innovative wood ant translocation project, which maintains forest health.

This years’ Programme for Government committed to extending the NRF in 2026-27 to enable funding of a further round of multi-year projects.

NatureScot Chair, Professor Colin Galbraith said: “This further investment is recognition of the fantastic work that is being undertaken through the Nature Restoration Fund.

“We are excited to have a further £3.5 million available to invest in projects across the country that are restoring rivers, woodlands and wildlife back to a healthy and thriving state, whilst tackling the effects of climate change.

“By working with people throughout Scotland this vital work is helping to achieve our ambition to be nature positive by 2030 and to have significantly restored and regenerated our nature by 2045.”

Sandy Bremner, Convener of the Cairngorms National Park Board said: “With 25 per cent of the UK’s most threatened species living in the National Park, it is one of the most significant places for nature conservation.

“Protecting and enhancing these special habitats and species – alongside tackling climate change – are at the heart of the Cairngorms National Park Partnership Plan, and this extra funding will help ensure our conservation work is targeted where it is needed most, boosting our efforts and helping to deliver key actions on the ground.”

NatureScot will receive £3.5 million for distribution to nature projects.

The Green Action Trust will receive £510,000 for onward distribution to a range of nature projects.

Cairngorms National Park will receive £1.2 million.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs will receive £1.025 million.

Autumn activities planned for West Pilton Park

EDINBURGH & LOTHIAN GREENSPACE TRUST

ELGT is delighted to announce the beginning of an exciting engagement programme within West Pilton Park.

Join us in September & October and learn to build a wildlife habitat round the ‘Wee Forest’-no experience necessary.

If you’re keen to get involved, contact emily@elgt.org.uk.

£110,000 boost powers grassroots climate action in Edinburgh

A funding boost of £110,000 has been awarded to Edinburgh Communities Climate Action Network (ECCAN) to support its continued work as a Climate Action Hub – helping communities across the capital tackle climate change and build local resilience.

Mark Dowey, Network Lead, ECCAN, said “Community climate action depends on accessible funding. In Edinburgh,  ECCAN member groups undertake substantive and transformative work in their communities – improving their lives and places through a front-foot, can-do attitude in the face of the climate emergency. As Edinburgh’s Climate Hub, we are delighted to support them to deliver this meaningful change with our Greenlight seedgrant funding. 

“Thank you to Foundation Scotland who have now almost doubled the amount available via Greenlight in 2025-26. This increase in funding will make a real difference across the city – delivering worthwhile climate action projects by the community, for the community.

“Please join ECCAN and apply to Greenlight to fund your community climate project”

The award is part of a wider £500,000 investment by Foundation Scotland to five Community Climate Action Hubs across central Scotland, including those in Glasgow, Forth Valley, Dundee and East Dunbartonshire.

Scotland’s 24 Climate Action Hubs, supported by the Scottish Government, aim to empower local communities to lead climate action at a local level – providing tailored support, funding opportunities and access to expertise.

Through growing climate literacy, social confidence and practical life skills such as cooking, repairing, growing and sharing, they help build more capable and sustainable communities.

The Scottish Government has already allocated £5.5 million across 2024-2025 to support this network of regional community climate action hubs. Foundation Scotland’s funding will help hubs like ECCAN further enable a shift from short-term project cycles to building longer-term resilience in central Scotland.

It will support hubs to distribute more grants to grassroots groups, so that communities gain the tools, knowledge, and financial support needed to drive meaningful climate action from the ground up. 

Awards made:

  • Edinburgh: £110,000 to Edinburgh Communities Climate Action Network (ECCAN) 
  • Glasgow: £110,000 to the Glasgow Climate Action Hub partnership
  • Forth Valley: £80,000 to FEL Scotland
  • East Dunbartonshire: £50,000 to Twechar Community Action, for an outreach officer employed until March 2027
  • Dundee: £55,000 to Dundee Changemakers Hub

Foundation Scotland is also providing £95,000 to support the development of a multi-hub climate adaptation initiative to work in more traditionally disadvantaged communities. 

FEL Scotland will act as a lead partner, coordinating spend and learning and sharing this across the national network. This includes working with other Climate Hubs to support the development of a climate adaptation initiative to work in more traditionally disadvantaged communities. £95,000 has been allocated for this work.

Rachel Searle, Head of Communities and Impact at Foundation Scotland said: “We know that in face of the continuing climate emergency we all need to take action to increase resilience and adapt to the impacts of climate change. That’s why Growing Climate Action and Sustainable Natural Environments is one of Foundation Scotland’s impact themes.

“Providing this funding to five of central Scotland’s climate hubs will enhance their ability to respond to increasing demand and interest from communities to take action to tackle climate change locally. We’re looking forward to hearing how this funding helps with that.”  

Clara Walker, Executive Director at FEL Scotland said: “We are grateful to Foundation Scotland for this investment, which complements existing Scottish Government funding and supports a crucial step forward for a number of Climate Action Hubs in central Scotland.

“Importantly, this funding enables us to explore and share learning across the wider network of 24 hubs, helping us understand how community funding can be scaled to create the most positive impact – particularly for the communities that need it most.”

Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin said: “Established by the Scottish Government, Scotland’s Climate Hubs play an influential role in their local communities, and provide valuable support and inspiration for people looking to take climate action.

“This funding from Foundation Scotland will support grassroot activity through five of our hubs – making a huge difference to people who want to make a positive change in their communities.

“It is a fantastic endorsement of the work carried out by Climate Hubs across the country and their ability to support and drive local change.”

Funding confirmed for community climate action in Scotland

Climate engagement programmes to protect our planet

Young people and people with sensory loss are among groups who will be supported by funding for projects aimed at increasing understanding of how climate change is relevant to them and how they can take action.

A total of £273,000 of Climate Engagement funding will be shared among eight organisations in 2025-26 to support activities including climate literacy classes, community workshops and participatory arts sessions.

Since it launched in 2023, more than 15,000 people in Scotland have engaged with the Scottish Government’s world-leading Climate Engagement Fund, with awards totalling more than £1 million to date.

The latest round of funding will support activities including:

  • A roadshow aimed at young people across Scotland demonstrating how sustainable construction can play a role in tackling climate change
  • A community arts programme using the voices of young people to mitigate climate anxiety by showing how others have converted their concerns into action
  • Actions to support people who are blind, partially sighted, deaf or hard of hearing to explore sustainability through their local communities.
  • Climate literacy classes and green skills training to support people experiencing barriers to employment.

Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin said: “To reduce emissions and protect our planet from the threat of climate change and nature loss, it is essential that people understand how they can engage with vital projects within their communities and take their own climate action.

“Scotland is now halfway to our 2045 climate change target. By supporting networks of people coming together to identify local action, the Climate Engagement Fund will help enable individuals and communities to directly contribute to a more sustainable and climate resilient Scotland.

“The projects being supported in this round of funding include a community arts programme using the voices of young people, and green skills training to support people into employment.

“These are vital projects which will build understanding of climate change, enable participation in policy development, and encourage climate action.”

Forth Valley Sensory Centre College Operations Manager Sandy Gillone, said: “I am delighted that our project has been selected for funding as we know we were up against stiff competition.

“It is fantastic to be partnering with FEL Scotland again and we’re looking forward to engaging with the public to find out which points of interest they would like included on our SustainAble for All Trail Maps.

“We’re committed to delivering the maps in engaging and inclusive formats and we believe the consultation and design process itself will lead to increased awareness and understanding of climate change. We’re not just seeking to raise awareness of the problem, we want to empower people to be part of the solution.”

More information on the Climate Engagement Fund: www.gov.scot/publications/climate-engagement-fund/

Details of all the projects receiving funding:

Organisation, Grant amount and Brief project description

Arran Eco Savvy – £29,991.00

To deliver climate-focused events centred on storytelling, practical skills, and community participation tailored for different ages and interests.

Glenkens Community and Arts Trust – £33,100.00

To use local voices to mitigate eco-anxiety in young people aged 18-30 by showing how other people have converted their concerns into action.

Built Environment Smarter Transformation – £46,172.00

To deliver a roadshow programme for young people throughout Scotland demonstrating how sustainable, low-carbon construction can play a crucial role in combating climate change.

Changeworks – £40,250.00

To build understanding among mobile homeowners of the climate emergency, how it relates to their lives and how they can take action while improving their own home environment.

Forth Valley Sensory Centre – £33,000.00

Creating an accessible way for people who are blind, partially sighted, deaf, or hard of hearing, to explore sustainability through their local communities.

RIG Arts – £25,290.00

To improve climate literacy and increase climate positive behaviour change in SIMD communities via arts-based interventions.

Jhankar Beats – £30,000.00

To empower communities to reflect, respond, and act using the emotional and connective power of South Asian dance, music, and participatory arts.

Greener Kirkcaldy- £35,942.00

To provide climate literacy and green skills training tailored for employability organisations and the people with barriers to employment

Total – £273,745.00

“Nae Plastics, Ta”: People in Fife and Edinburgh send message to international negotiators

Around the Firth of Forth, people have come together to spell out messages calling for an end to plastic pollution as Global Plastics Treaty negotiations take place in Geneva. The groups have taken this action to send a message to the UK representatives that they want them to support a strong agreement that protects people and nature.

In Dalgety Bay, Fife, locals created a distinctly Scottish message by lying down on the beach to spell out “Nae plastics, ta” in the sand. Volunteers from the Plastic-Free Scotland Communities networks in South Queensferry and Dunfermline also created messages supporting a strong treaty.

The Firth of Forth is a hotspot for plastic pollution in the form of plastic pellets which have escaped from nearby production processes. In Scotland, efforts to reduce plastic pollution have so far failed to curb its harmful impacts. Single use plastic bans have not been enforced, and efforts to increase recycling have stalled.

Globally, the massive increase in plastic production, use and disposal has created a crisis as people struggle to cope with the health and environmental impacts created. There is growing evidence that microplastics and chemicals within plastic products are harming our health. Plastics also harm marine animals and contribute to climate breakdown as nearly all plastics are made of fossil fuels.

The solution requires an international agreement to change the way plastics are used for good. The final stage of the Global Plastics Treaty is currently taking place in Geneva. These talks are seen by many involved in the UN process as the last opportunity to reach an agreement after three years of negotiations. With unresolved issues, such as whether the treaty should have binding targets to reduce plastic production, it remains unclear if governments will reach an agreement.

Similar messages of support for the treaty have been created across the world, from Malaysia to Armenia, South Korea and Canada, showing the international support for a future free from plastic pollution.

Kim Blasco from Plastic-Free Dalgety Bay said: “The communities of the Inner Forth are confronted with plastic pollution on a daily basis, whether it be the nurdles blighting our beaches that have been irresponsibly allowed to escape into the environment by the nearby petrochemical facility, the sewage-related debris swilling around in our waters and carpeting our shores, or the vast numbers of single-use plastic bottles and wrappers carelessly tossed into the environment where they can remain for hundreds of years.

“Our plastic-free communities try to get as much as possible of this pollution off our beaches, but it’s a thankless task – as anyone who has ever tried to clean up the likes of nurdles and cotton bud sticks knows. It’s like trying to mop the bathroom floor when the tub is overflowing because you left the tap running – you’ll never stop mopping if you don’t turn the tap off first.

“We need the Global Plastics Treaty to turn the tap off by agreeing targets to reduce plastic production. The petrochemical industry has profited for far too long from the plastic-isation of the economy, with single-use plastics that we don’t want or need. The treaty can be an important step towards stopping this environmental and public health disaster.”

Janet Thomas, from Plastic-Free Queensferry, said: “In 2024, South Queensferry was named as the most beautiful town in Scotland. However, in common with other beaches around the Forth, we are drowning in plastic – the same tourists who enjoy our wonderful town leaving behind all types of litter.

“We need to stop the litter at source – and that’s where the Global Plastics Treaty comes in. We must end the world’s reliance on single use plastic that pollutes for hundreds of years, breaking down into microplastics and entering our food chain. The time to act is now and we call on the world’s governments to take a principled stand against the tide of plastic that is overwhelming our planet.”

Kim Pratt, senior campaigner at Friends of the Earth Scotland said: “People in Scotland are joining the growing chorus of voices from across the world calling for an end to harmful plastic pollution.

“The plastic crisis has been created by greedy corporations, willing to put profit before people’s health and the protection of nature and the environment. Now governments must listen to their citizens and come together to hold corporations to account.

“A strong treaty is a vital part of tipping the balance away from corporate power and towards people and nature. As well as supporting international efforts to curb plastic pollution, the Scottish Government must act now to reduce the damage done by plastic here, including standing up to big businesses and getting them to pay for the cleanup of the plastic products they sell.”

Made up of 11 communities across Scotland, the Plastics-Free Scotland Communities network is fighting back against plastic pollution from the Clyde to the Northwest Coast, the Outer Hebrides, the Moray Firth and the Firth of Forth.

Tracy Gilbert MP welcomes Tram Consultation and calls for ‘strong community voice’

Tracy Gilbert, Member of Parliament for Edinburgh North and Leith, has welcomed the upcoming public consultation on Edinburgh’s proposed tram expansion, describing it as a “vital opportunity for communities to shape the future of their city.” 

The 12-week consultation, beginning Monday 25 August 2025, will gather views on a new north-south tram line stretching from Granton to the BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary, alongside wider proposals for a city-wide tram network. 

Tracy Gilbert MP said: “This is a much-needed investment in our city’s infrastructure. Expanding the tram network will help deliver a more connected, sustainable Edinburgh. But it’s vital that local people have their say and that their voices shape how this project moves forward.” 

The plans include potential routes through existing walking and cycling corridors such as the Roseburn Path, which has prompted strong feelings from residents and active travel groups.

Tracy Gilbert emphasised the importance of listening carefully to community concerns. She added: “While I support the ambition behind this project, I know there are legitimate concerns, especially around preserving green space and existing active travel routes.

“Those must be properly heard and respected. This can’t be a top-down decision.” 

The consultation will inform the next stage of the project’s development, including the preparation of a Strategic Business Case, expected to go before the Transport & Environment Committee in 2026. 

Festival venue takes bold step towards greener Fringe

Sustainable souvenir scheme tackles single-use cup waste

FRINGE-GOERS picking up a drink at one of the capital’s busiest venues are being asked to make a small change with a big impact – as part of a bold new drive to reduce waste and support charitable causes.

In a new initiative Surgeons Quarter, the commercial arm of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, has introduced a £2 reusable cup policy, replacing throwaway plastic with souvenir-style cups that support good causes.

Customers pay a one-time £2 charge for a reusable cup, which is theirs to keep. When returning for another drink, they’ll receive a fresh, clean replacement cup at no extra cost.

Surgeons Quarter has a longstanding reputation for leading with innovation through environmental initiatives and investing heavily in the wellbeing of its staff.

Ten Hill Place Hotel, part of the Surgeons Quarter portfolio, was first awarded a Green Tourism Gold Award in 2008 and has proudly retained this accolade for 17 consecutive years.

One of the hotel’s many sustainable efforts has been the removal of single-use plastic bottles from guest bedrooms. It’s a change which has saved over 100,000 bottles to date. In their place, guests are gifted Scottish wildflower seed packets to take home, encouraging biodiversity in their own gardens and extending memories of their stay at the hotel.

Other green initiatives have included a £20,000 investment for installation of EV charging stations at the hotel, as well as a £60,000 investment in new staff members uniforms made from

recycled plastic bottles with each uniform preventing 45 bottles from reaching landfills or oceans.

But sustainability is only part of the picture. Surgeons Quarter also goes above and beyond for its team.

Recognised by the Living Wage Foundation (LWF), it ensures all staff, regardless of age, are paid above the LWF Living Wage. In addition, all employees contribute at least 12% of their salary toward their pension, with 7.5% of that contributed by the employer, more than double the required minimum.

Scott Mitchell, Managing Director at Surgeons Quarter said: “We’re always looking at how we can help improve the planet, improve the guest experience and also improve the working environment for our team.

“That’s why we continually invest in initiatives prioritising long-term sustainability and staff wellbeing. We believe these aspects go hand in hand.”

The reusable cup policy reflects this commitment. Surgeons Quarter invested over £20,000 in the upfront cost of the cups, making the £2 charge fair and necessary, so it can continue running operations that pay staff fairly, reduce environmental impact and maintain the support for its local charity partners.

Scott added: “This step is a part of a wider commitment to doing what’s right, even when it costs more. That’s why we’re asking the public to support the reusable cup chaange as it helps us improve standards across the board.”

Some of the reusable and dishwasher safe cups feature the striking silhouette of the iconic Playfair Hall, while others are branded with the logos of theSpaceUK, which hosts the largest and most diverse programme at the Festival Fringe, and Surgeons Quarter itself.

The variety of designs provides visitors with eye-catching tangible reminders of their Festival experience as well as supporting the drive to reduce single-use waste.

Scott said: “After testing the concept in 2024, we’ve streamlined the system and are excited to launch the full initiative.

“We’re trying to shift the mindset. Rather than something disposable, we want people to see these as souvenirs that do good.

“We know some will be resistant to change but when it’s a minimal cost for an item that supports local and global causes, we hope people will get on board.’’

A portion of proceeds from cup sales will support three key causes: carbon offsetting initiatives through Ecologi; a special Supper Soirée hosted by Surgeons Quarter in support of Cyrenians, the homelessness charity tackling isolation and homelessness; and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh’s global efforts to improve patient outcomes around the world.

Under the new guidelines, festivalgoers are welcome to bring their own clean reusable cups for wine, spirits, bottled beer and soft drinks only — provided the cup is visibly clean.

However, if the cup is not SQ-branded, it is your responsibility to ensure it is hygienic, as staff are unable to wash or handle personal cups. Single-use plastic cups, including supermarket-style cups, will not be accepted.

Scott added: “This isn’t about jumping on a trend. It’s a long-term commitment to reducing our footprint and boosting our social impact.

“A single-use plastic cup has an impact of 0.07kg CO2e, and a reusable equivalent has an impact of 0.0084kg CO2e per use. Every cup that isn’t thrown away is a small win for the environment and every cup that helps someone in need makes that win even sweeter.”

Surgeons Quarter promotes, sells, and manages all commercial activities held within the RCSEd campus.

These include facilities for conferences, meetings, private events, parties, and weddings, as well as its own four-star hotel, Ten Hill Place, Café 1505, and SQ Travel.

To find out more about Surgeons Quarter, visit: 

https://www.surgeonsquarter.com/festival-fringe-2025/

ECCAN: Free Ticket giveaway for A Citizen’s Assembly

Ready to explore what people power means in the face of nature breakdown? We’re giving away tickets to a powerful and FREE Fringe show, “A Citizen’s Assembly“!

This ECCAN outing is an opportunity to:

➡ Engage with a unique theatrical experience that puts you at the heart of the climate conversation.

➡Meet new people

➡ Discover what’s possible when we come together.

“A Citizen’s Assembly” is an immersive experience where we are the citizens, grappling with the climate emergency: What are we doing? What are we not doing?

What more could and should we be doing? Be prepared to join the debate and be part of the story!

How to claim your free ticket:

➡ Be a member of ECCAN (it’s free to join!).

➡ Email edinburgh@eccan.scot

Tickets will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so get in touch soon!

🧷 Check link in our bio for more info

#giveaway

#edinburghfringe

#freeticket

#edinburghcommunity

Scotland’s Water: Calls for apology following ‘inaccurate comments’

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT WANTS WESTMINSTER RETRACTION

Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin has written to Steve Reed calling for a retraction of comments regarding the quality of water in Scotland.

The text of Ms Martin’s letter in full:

To: Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed MP

From: Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy, Gillian Martin

Dear Steve,

Independent Water Commission

I am writing following the publication of the final report from the Independent Water Commission led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, and to request that you retract inaccurate and misleading comments regarding the quality of water in Scotland.

The Commission’s report notes that 66% of Scotland’s water bodies are of good ecological status as compared with 16.1% in England and 29.9% in Wales. Whilst we of course need to be careful how these figures are used, as they are not calculated on the same basis, it is clear that Scotland has a higher performance.

The report correctly points out that this is, in part, due to population density. However, it is also worth reflecting that much of the improvement is due to significant investment in the water industry to reduce pollution driven by Scottish Water and SEPA and efforts made by SEPA to address pollution from other sources such as agriculture.

I was therefore extremely disappointed to hear you make inaccurate and misleading comments regarding performance in Scotland and to dismiss out of hand the value of public ownership of a key asset like water.

During a Channel 4 News interview last night, when asked about public ownership, you stated:

“In any case, it is not guaranteed to work…and we know that from looking north of the border where, in Scotland, they have a nationalised water company but pollution levels in Scotland are worse than they are in England.”

Leaving aside my slight confusion at a Minister in the United Kingdom government referring to Scotland as ‘they’, I cannot understand how you could make such an inaccurate comment when the very report that you were on the programme to discuss clearly states the opposite.

Your comments sought also to undermine the idea of public ownership in the minds of voters, yet this is clearly what the people of Scotland continue to want. Indeed, it is the very fact of that public ownership and control which has allowed us to keep water bills lower for people, compared to what people with privatised water supplies in England have to pay.

While there is clearly more to do, 87% of Scotland’s entire water environment is assessed by SEPA as having a ‘high’ or ‘good’ classification for water quality – up from 82% in 2014. That is also, in part, due to water being a publicly owned asset, allowing for investment without shareholder returns or the pressure to make profits.

I am therefore asking that you acknowledge that your comments were inaccurate, that you apologise publicly for making them and seek to correct them.

The Commission’s report makes a number of recommendations which may have cross-UK impacts or opportunities which I would welcome further engagement across the four Nations.

I hope this can be done in an attitude of mutual understanding about the collective challenges we face – but also with a clear understanding of what delivers the best outcomes for the public.

Gillian Martin