Rural and Environment

Climate change cabinet, green infrastructure funding and timber transport

August 9, 2019 by No Comments | Category Climate Change, Environment

Climate change-themed travelling cabinet

During this week’s travelling cabinet, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has officially opened a new £6 million project which uses cutting-edge renewables technology to harness energy from waste water.

Ms Sturgeon launched the Stirling District Heat Network project while visiting the city as part of the 50th Travelling Cabinet.

The project, which received £2 million support through the Scottish Government’s Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme, was developed collaboratively with Stirling Council and Scottish Water Horizons. It is the first of its kind in the UK and will provide affordable and low-carbon heat to the local Stirling community.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney also announced the Scottish Government’s £300,000 investment in Climate Ready Classrooms – a one-day carbon literacy training course, which helps young people aged 14-17 develop their understanding of climate change, its causes and potential impacts.

Read more about the climate change travelling cabinet 

European Green Infrastructure Funding

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham announced £8 million of European Green Infrastructure funding to support sustainability and low carbon projects.

The Scottish Natural Heritages’ new £8 million will support seven major projects in cities and towns across the central belt, aiming to tackle high unemployment and poor health and mitigate the impacts of climate change through creating and improving green spaces in urban communities.

Timber Transport Funding

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing announced £6.7 million of Strategic Timber Transport Funding Awards for 2019.

Whisky and salmon statistics

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing announced the latest whisky and salmon statistics, which showed:

Whisky

  • In the first two quarters (Jan-Jun) of 2019, UK exports of Scotch whisky were valued at £2.2 billion, up 10.8% (£214 million) compared to the same period last year (Q1-Q2 2018)
  • In the second quarter (Apr-Jun) of 2019, UK exports of Scotch whisky were valued at £1.1 billion, up 3.2% (£34 million) compared to the same period last year (Q2 2018)
  • In Q1-Q2, the European Union remained the single largest regional export markets by value (£637 million or 29% of total overseas Scotch whisky exports), and experienced an increase of £36 million or 6.1% compared to Q1-Q2 2018
  • In Q2, North America was the single largest regional export markets at £311 million followed by Asia & Oceania (£287 million) and the European Union (£274 million)
  • By country, the USA remains the biggest market by value.
Salmon
  • In the first six months (Jan-June) of 2019, Atlantic salmon[1] exports from the UK were valued at around £319 million (47,339 tonnes), an increase of 25% (£63 million) compared to the same period last year. This increase is primarily due to rises in exports to the EU and the USA.
  • Over the past 5 years, Q1-Q2 2019 is second only to the same period in 2017- when salmon exports reached £347 million ( 2017 being a record year overall for Salmon exports).
  • The EU remains the largest single regional market, importing almost 49% of the UK’s salmon exports by value in Q1-Q2 2019, or around £156 million worth. This is up by around £38 million, or 32% from Q1-Q2 2018
  • France, United States and China remain the top three export destinations.

[1] Note: all Salmon exports figures here refer to HS code 03021400- Fresh/chilled Atlantic Salmon

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