Rural and Environment
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Tackling biosecurity in agriculture
6th August 2019 by admin
Policy Officer Ian Murdoch on the importance of biosecurity in agriculture and what can be done to reduce the risk of diseases being spread. You might not think an agricultural show and a hospital have much in common. Everyone will be familiar with the good hygiene rules when walking into a hospital. Not so much...
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In the news: Deposit Return Scheme
2nd August 2019 by admin
You may have seen in the Scotsman an opinion piece from the Scottish Beer and Pub Association regarding our proposal to include glass in our Deposit Return Scheme. A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Last year’s public consultation signalled support for an ambitious deposit return scheme. We believe there is strong public support for including glass in that scheme and the wider benefits are clear, delivering increased recycling rates, reductions in carbon emissions and reductions in glass litter. “We are aware that some businesses have concerns about its inclusion. The Scottish Government is committed to working with them to implement the…
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This week on Greener: Climate Conversations, Nature Conservations and more
2nd August 2019 by admin
Protecting Scotland’s iconic brands Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing has written to the newly appointed UK Secretary of State Theresa Villiers calling on her to ensure that iconic Scottish food and drink products continue to have the necessary protections in place in the EU – deal or no deal. The UK Government has previously indicated...
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In the news: Scottish Agriculture
31st July 2019 by admin
The House of Commons Scottish Affairs Select Committee has published a report into the future of Scottish agriculture, which is running widely in the media today. The Committee argues that Brexit presents an opportunity to address failings in the agriculture funding formula, which has led to Scottish farms and crofts receiving low levels of funding.
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This week: 19/07/19
19th July 2019 by admin
Disposable cups An expert panel in Scotland has issued a report recommending a charge on disposable drinks cups as a method of reducing single cup use. Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “Disposable cups present an obvious littering issue, but there is ever-growing awareness within our society of the impact single-use plastic has on our wider...
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In the news: landing obligations
16th July 2019 by admin
You may have seen in the news and online reports relating to a House of Lords inquiry that found fishermen are continuing to illegally discard dead fish back into the sea.
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In the news: Raptor persecution
16th July 2019 by admin
You may have seen in the news and online, Chris Packham’s piece on Hen Harriers and raptor persecution on Scottish grouse moors.
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This week: 05/07/19
5th July 2019 by admin
Aquaculture innovation funding Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing announced £743,000 for aquaculture innovation projects. Rural support payments Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing announced that the Scottish Government has met the EU payment threshold of at least 95.24% for all 5 CAP Pillar 1 schemes being paid by the deadline of 30th June 2019. More than...
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Challenging advice for fishermen expected
28th June 2019 by Alan Bannon
Fisheries Secretary Fergus Ewing comments on the joint recommendations for landing obligations which will come into effect in 2020. Mr Ewing said: Fishermen across the country will be aware of the imminent publication of advice which could have a major bearing on what species they can catch, and in what quantities in the coming year....
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This week: 14/6/19
14th June 2019 by admin
Rural skills plan A new strategic approach to support the skills needs of rural Scotland has been launched by Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing and Skills Minister Jamie Hepburn. The Skills Action Plan for Rural Scotland aims to address skill shortages, talent retention and attraction, and demographic challenges, through enhancing work-based learning and increasing access...
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