Rural and Environment

  • In the news: UK waste strategy

    18th December 2018 by

    You will no doubt have seen that many news outlets are running the a story this morning that the UK Government has published its Resources and Waste Strategy, which places more responsibility on manufacturers and producers to pay recycling and disposal costs.

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  • Weekly round-up: 14/12/18

    14th December 2018 by

    COP 2 The United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP24, took place in Poland this week. Climate Change and Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham attended to underline the measures and future actions the Scottish Government’s is taking in the fight against climate change. Just Transition members announced The first members of Scotland’s Just Transition Commission were announced,...

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  • Winter rural crime: snow joking matter

    14th December 2018 by

    By Catriona Maclean, Head of Rural Economy and Communities Scotland’s rural communities are some of the most rewarding – and safest – places to live and work in. However, by their very nature, rural areas and the way of life that comes with them mean there are unique set of issues and challenges faced by...

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  • “Tariff-free trade only viable option for Scottish seafood” – Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing

    10th December 2018 by

    “As the deadline to Brexit ‘D-day’ approaches, we’re gradually beginning to get a clearer picture on what the various scenarios could mean for Scottish industry. “Some of those arguing the case for leaving the European Union have been keen to reassure UK business that the inevitable downturn or loss in trade to the European market...

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  • Ivan McKee: Steps towards Carbon Neutrality

    10th December 2018 by

    We all know the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to avoid the worst effects of climate change – that has been clear for a while now. What is becoming increasingly apparent is the extent to which this offers an economic opportunity for Scotland. Being at the forefront of the global transition to carbon-neutrality means...

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  • Weekly round-up: 07/12

    7th December 2018 by

    Fisheries and Aquaculture funding Fisheries Secretary  Fergus Ewing announced £4.8 million has been awarded to 29 fishery and aquaculture projects across Scotland, helping coastal communities to diversify their economies and transition to sustainable fishing. Young People’s Food and Drink event The Scottish Government has pledged £7.5 million until 2020 to support the delivery of the...

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  • In the media: staying in the Highlands and Islands

    4th December 2018 by

    This morning Highlands and Islands Enterprise published a report that found efforts to attract and retain young people in the Highlands and Islands may be working. The survey found that increasing numbers of young people want to live and work in the Highlands and Islands, with the proportion of committed stayers increasing to 46%, from 36% in 2015.

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  • St Andrews Day – 12 months as Scotland’s National Chef, by Gary Mclean

    30th November 2018 by

    A year ago I was offered the position of Scotland’s first National Chef. This was a brand new role in Scotland but as soon as I was offered the position I gladly accepted. Why wouldn’t I want to be at the forefront of something I love and am passionate about? Being National Chef to me...

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  • In the news: Marine litter

    29th November 2018 by

    This morning the Marine Conservation Society published its 25th Great British Beach Clean – a mass participation beach clean and survey event – that found there’s more litter on Scottish beaches than last year. The beach clean, which took place in September, saw volunteers remove 2,503kg of litter from Scottish beaches. In total, more than 75,000 items were picked up along the 15,680 meters of surveyed coastline, and found that cotton bud sticks at their highest level for eight years.

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  • In the news: REC Committee report on salmon farming

    27th November 2018 by

    On Tue 27 Nov the Scottish Parliament’s Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee published its report on Salmon Farming in Scotland Here’s what Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing had to say about it: “While we will carefully consider the committee’s recommendations, a number of sustainability issues identified in its report are already being addressed through the...

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