16 Jan 2024

The Scottish Government has published its Marine Science and Innovation Strategy which it says highlights the crucial role of science and innovation in realising the full potential of the marine environment. The Strategy – part of the Scottish Government’s Blue Economy Vision to 2045 – is said to be a blueprint for ministers to utilise the best […]

13 Dec 2022

The Scottish Government has released plans to offer added protection to Scotland’s marine biodiversity. Proposals to develop Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) have been launched. Views are being sought on proposals that would make Scotland the first country in the world to designate at least 10% of its seas as Highly Protected Marine Areas.   […]

13 Dec 2022

The Scottish Government has published their delivery plan for the Blue Economy Vision, which was published in March 2022. The document, ‘Delivering Scotland’s Blue Economy Approach’, was launched at the end of November and sets out the first phase of delivery towards the Vision.     Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, […]

06 Dec 2022

Fishing businesses and marine organisations in Scotland’s coastal communities will benefit from Marine Fund Scotland’s latest round of funding, the Scottish Government has announced. A total of 60 projects which contribute to innovative and sustainable practices, minimise carbon emissions and support coastal communities, will receive grants ranging from £7,000 to £1.2 million.     Projects […]

07 Jun 2022

Defra and the Environment Agency announce new grants: ‘Innovative projects to restore and rewet peatlands, create green urban spaces and improve flood resilience are among 50 schemes to benefit from the final round of a pioneering fund to drive private investment in nature and tackle climate change. The second round of the Natural Environment Investment […]

07 Jun 2022

Scotland has become the first part of the UK to implement a ban on many of the most problematic single-use plastics, as legislation comes into force. The ban means it will be an offence for businesses in Scotland to provide the items – which include plastic cutlery, plates and stirrers. Around 700 million of these […]

17 May 2022

A new round of funding to support fishing businesses and wider marine organisations in coastal communities is open for applications. Now in its second year, the Marine Fund Scotland has an overall budget of up to £14 million. It was introduced by the Scottish Government to replace the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, which UK […]

17 May 2022

Communities, groups and individuals are being invited to share their views in a consultation on the creation of Scotland’s first new National Parks in almost 20 years. The Scottish Government committed to establish at least one new National Park in Scotland by the end of this Parliamentary session in 2026, as part of the Bute […]