Innovation

A consultation has been launched by the Scottish Government into make new laws around the energy efficiency of our homes and buildings and the way we heat those buildings.

The Scottish agriculture sector requires future funding certainty due to the long term nature of investment decisions and long lead-in time for farmers, crofters and land managers, says Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon.

The Natural capital opportunities for farmers survey has been launched and will help to support development of future payment schemes.  

Natural capital is the umbrella term for natural assets that benefit humankind such as woodlands, peatlands and rivers. Ecosystem services are the benefits that flow from these assets, for example carbon storage and clean water.

With National Mentoring Day on the 27th of October, enterprise support organisation GrowBiz is asking those in the rural business community to consider whether they can give something back by volunteering as a mentor.

The Scottish Government and NatureScot, working in partnership with the National Lottery Heritage Fund, with the support of the Green Finance Institute, have announced a second round of a grant scheme to support projects that shape and grow the use of private investment and market-based mechanisms to finance the restoration of Scotland’s nature.

Local food and drink projects are being encouraged to apply for funding from the Scottish Government’s Regional Food Fund.

The latest round of funding of up to £100,000 is now available for businesses and groups who wish to promote regional food products and establish new markets.