Environment

VisitScotland has launched a responsible tourism campaign to raise awareness of the importance of exploring the outdoors responsibly.

The focus is on asking people to leave no trace of their visit and protect Scotland’s stunning countryside. Visitors are asked to think about the impact of their visit - for now and for future generations.

The critically endangered flapper skate is to gain further protection following the urgent designation of a new Marine Protected Area (MPA) within the Inner Sound of Skye.

The site will protect a nationally important flapper skate egg nursery area, which is the largest of its kind to be identified in Scotland.

COP26 is the international community’s best, perhaps only, chance to address the threat of climate change, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said.

Speaking to a virtual gathering of Scottish business and investment leaders today, the First Minister said that welcoming the international climate change conference to Scotland was a huge honour, carrying major responsibility.

The winners of Lantra Scotland’s ALBAS (Awards for Land-based and Aquaculture Skills) were announced on Thursday 4^th March at a special virtual ceremony.

Legislation which will help cut emissions, reduce fuel poverty and create green jobs by accelerating the deployment of heat networks has been passed unanimously by the Scottish Parliament.

Bird keepers in Scotland are reminded to maximise biosecurity and keep their flocks housed after avian influenza (H5N1) was confirmed in a flock of approximately 14,000 mixed gamebirds on a gamebird rearing premises in Leven, Glenrothes.

Laboratory results of samples taken from the flock have identified the strain as highly pathogenic in poultry. In order to limit the further spread of disease, appropriate restrictions have been imposed on the premises.

Grant funding provided by the Scottish Government and European Regional Development Fund will empower shops, from 12 Scottish islands, to take the next steps in the war on waste by introducing shoppers with more reusable options.

A new partnership between Alyth Development Trust (ADT) and the Cateran Ecomuseum has secured major funding for a project to inspire the local communities of eastern Perthshire and western Angus to act quickly on climate change.

The partnership plans to use the natural and cultural heritage of the area to help communities switch to more regenerative ways of living.