Boat operators are now sailing to the National Nature Reserve, managed by NatureScot, from Saturday (1st April).

NatureScot staff are looking forward to welcoming visitors back to the island, which closed last year for five weeks to help protect seabirds from a devastating outbreak of avian flu. 

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.

A scheme aimed at boosting trade in town and city centres is going digital.

Scotland Loves Local (SLL) gift cards can be loaded with credit and used in participating shops and businesses within users’ local council area.

Supporting Outdoor Play

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

Seafood businesses and marine organisations in Scotland’s coastal communities are set to benefit from a new year of funding through Marine Fund Scotland.

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

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.

The adder is the only widespread native snake occurring in Scotland. While there is growing evidence of a long-term decline in populations in Britain, especially in England, the situation in Scotland is less clear.