Innovation

The Cycling Framework and Delivery Plan for Active Travel in Scotland builds on the progress made through three iterations of the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland (CAPS) between 2010 and 2020. It reflects our aim to progress from CAPS and to develop an ambitious plan for Scotland for the next 5-10 years.

The World That Is Shaping Our COAST

Join Lateral North on the 10th January for a one-day event and exhibition which celebrates projects throughout Scotland that focus on the country's unique, diverse and ever-changing coastline. These projects, ideas and opportunities will look at the stories of the past, the projects of the present and the ideas of the future, with a key element looking at how the coastline is, quite literally, changing due to industry, climate change, biodiversity loss and other challenges.

This week sees the start of construction work on a new village in Skye – the first in over 100 years!  

The Kilbeg Village initiative is being taken forward by project partners Sabhal Mòr Ostaig - The National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, The Highland Council and the Communities Housing Trust.

Protection for Scotland’s nature is set to be urgently scaled up, with 26 priority actions to restore Scotland’s natural environment and halt the loss of biodiversity by 2030.

Today (15 December 2022), the Scottish Government published its 2023-24 budget which sets out proposed spending and tax plans for 2023 to 2024, as presented to the Scottish Parliament.

Chapter 10 covers Rural Affairs and Islands covering allocations for:

ScotHot

ScotHot, Scotland’s leading showcase for food, drink, hospitality, retail and tourism is returning to the SEC Glasgow from 8 - 9 March 2023.

This year the event celebrates its 50th Anniversary and features over 200 exhibitors over two-days, promoting the best of local Scottish produce.

There will be sessions about the latest trends and innovations in the sector and the chance to meet with suppliers and other sector operators.

Responsible Natural Capital and Carbon Management

How can we ensure that Scotland’s net zero targets are met while benefitting communities, landowners and businesses fairly?

As part of their Autumn-Winter training series the Scottish Land Commision (SLC) are running a webinar to explore their Responsible Natural Capital and Carbon Management Protocol.

Homeowners can now apply for a standalone grant of £7,500 from the Home Energy Scotland Scheme to install heat pumps. Previously, applicants were required to sign up for a loan before they qualified for this funding, but can now access the money directly.

The new approach is designed to offer greater flexibility for those looking to make their homes more climate-friendly.

A programme to drive the economic growth of the agritourism sector in Scotland is set to receive more than £442,000. The programme will see the recruitment of four farms across Scotland, with the involvement of a wider circle of eight rural businesses around each farm.

At least 400 further individual rural businesses will also participate via meetings and seminars.

Fishing businesses and marine organisations in Scotland’s coastal communities will benefit from Marine Fund Scotland’s latest round of funding. A total of 60 projects which contribute to innovative and sustainable practices, minimise carbon emissions and support coastal communities, will receive grants totalling more than £13 Million, ranging from £7,000 to £1.2 million.

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