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A new framework to strengthen Scotland’s engagement with global connections has been published.

The Scottish Connections Framework seeks to expand links and networks with:

The study, by a sub-group of NatureScot’s Scientific Advisory Committee, analyses the unprecedented avian flu outbreak among wild birds since 2021, providing advice to support the work of Scotland's Avian Flu Task Force.

The Scottish Export Index (formally Scottish Export Awards) is returning for the first time since 2018, in recognition of the continued success of Scotland’s exporters on the world stage, which is believed to account for £87.1bn worth of exports globally

Sheep scab is a contagious disease of sheep which can seriously affect both welfare and production if left untreated.

The Sheep Scab (Scotland) Order 2010 places a legal obligation on any person who has reason to believe that sheep in their possession or care have sheep scab, to notify their local Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) office as soon as possible.

The Scottish Government has released a publication on research which outlines the main findings conducted to inform the development of a leadership programme for women in agriculture, which will be funded by Scottish Government through the Women in Agriculture Development Programme.

The energy transition across the North East will be further boosted by £25 million from the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Fund.

The £500 million, 10-year Just Transition Fund was established to accelerate the energy transition in Aberdeen and the North East, and establish the region as a world-leader in the transition to a net zero economy.

Using remotely-operated underwater drones and snorkeling equipment, a small number of pearl mussels were discovered in two lochs in Sutherland and the Trossachs. The survey was carried out by NatureScot and funded by the Scottish Government’s Central Research Fund.

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.