The next steps in reforming Scotland’s aquaculture regulatory system have been outlined by the Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon. Speaking at an industry sector conference in Aviemore, Ms Gougeon announced the formation of a consenting task group to make rapid progress on streamlining the aquaculture consenting system. This includes making a change to the marine […]

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Climate change has caused a rapid warming of Scottish lochs and reservoirs, according to new research reported by the BBC, the Independent and Scottish Government. A report by Scotland’s Centre of Expertise for Waters (Crew) found that 97% had seen an increase in temperature between 2015 and 2019. The researchers have warned that the changes […]

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Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater has announced the formation of an advisory group that will shape plans for mandatory charges on coffee cups and other single-use disposable beverage containers. Work to tackle single-use cup waste is re-starting, having been paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The charge is expected to come into effect during the […]

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Scotland’s rivers, lochs and wetlands are being restored back to good health, thanks to support from NatureScot’s Biodiversity Challenge Fund. In the past three years, the Scottish Government has invested £3.7m in 27 freshwater and river restoration projects across the country, using innovative, nature-based solutions to help reverse biodiversity loss and mitigate against the effects […]

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Reuters have reported that the successful ScotWind partners, ScottishPower and Shell, are set to invest a total of £75 million to help the supply chain and businesses support the growth of the offshore wind industry in Scotland. ScottishPower and Shell were awarded the seabed rights to develop two new floating wind projects through Crown Estate […]

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TRANSFORMING SCOTLAND’S WATERS The ecological condition of Scotland’s water environment will be further protected and improved for future generations through a comprehensive new action plan, backed by enhanced resources and a multi-million pound package of investment. The River Basin Management Plans, developed and delivered collaboratively, set out a range of priority measures, including working with land managers to reduce diffuse pollution […]

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A Scottish Universities Insight Institute-funded programme that looked into developing an integrated understanding of the role of the ocean, its resources and socio-economic benefits, informing decision-making that addresses the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at multiple governance levels.  Scotland is a global leader in ambitious policy for societal change and implementation of the SDGs, notably through […]

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