Water scarcity has already proven to be a significant impact in eastern parts of Scotland this year as the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) reveals the extent of extreme, dry conditions experienced. This summer in the east was the tenth driest in 100 years. Eight out of the last 12 months saw below […]
The Marine Litter Strategy for Scotland was first published in 2014 and serves to co-ordinate action on marine litter throughout the whole of Scotland. The updated Strategy will build on this positive work, with action planned on sewage-related debris, plastic pellets, and fishing and aquaculture gear. The Scottish Government has published the refreshed […]
Work at Dumbreck Local Nature Reserve has seen the re-naturalisation of 600m of the Garrell Burn with two new fish passes created, improvements to the wetland habitat, new paths created, two bridges replaced and a new one installed, and two boardwalks upgraded. Monitoring by Clyde River Foundation has identified salmon fry upstream from the fish passes […]
Scottish Water is set to invest up to £100m in technology to monitor its sewage pipes following successful trials. It said that investment in systems including remote sensors is set to improve its service to customers, protect the environment, reduce costs and assist in its journey towards net zero carbon emissions. The systems are designed […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]