The first cohort of Nature Pioneers has embarked on their journey to mobilise community action for nature as part of the Nextdoor Nature project being led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust.

Twelve people from seven community areas have committed to undertake a skills development course over the next six months that will provide them with the understanding, resources and confidence needed to organise action for nature where they live.

Supporting Outdoor Play

Children and young people will have more opportunities to play outside under new planning reforms.

A community hub in South Uist is set to be extended, providing more education and social opportunities to local residents.

Children will have access to high quality play areas, which will remain free of charge, as a result of new investment.

Small scale producers are set to have access to a range of new support designed to create more localised supply chains and cut food miles.

The Scottish Government’s Small Producers Pilot Fund aims to help individual small producers increase their resilience and enhance their contribution to the rural economy.

As part of a nationally representative sample, the survey by the Woodland Trust found deep concerns about the future among 16-24-year-olds, with almost one in four (24%) saying fears over the climate crisis mean they are willing to consider, or have already decided, to have fewer children than they would otherwise like.

Continuing to build relationships with Arctic neighbours will help Scotland pursue shared ambitions and address common challenges, External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson has said.

A new Emergency Alert mobile phone warning service launched across the UK on Sunday 19 March.

Scotland will take part in a trial of a UK Government system which will use new mobile broadcasting technology to save lives during emergencies.