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211 results

  • Wellbeing and Sustainable Development (Scotland) Bill

    The Scottish Government is gathering views to help inform the scope of any legislation for a proposed Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill. The Bill aims to further improve decision making and the implementation of the National Performance Framework to ensure that all policy and delivery is focused on increasing the wellbeing of people living in Scotland, both now and in the future. This consultation also explores scope for further improving accountability and scrutiny of... More
    Closed 14 February 2024
  • Tackling the Nature Emergency: Consultation on Scotland’s Strategic Framework for Biodiversity

    Read the consultation paper This consultation is seeking views on a range of topics and proposals related to biodiversity and tackling the nature emergency in Scotland. It covers three parts of the Biodiversity Strategic Framework: The Scottish Biodiversity Strategy which sets out our vision to halt and reverse biodiversity loss; The first five-year Delivery Plan which contains the actions to deliver the vision; and The proposed Natural Environment Bill which will... More
    Closed 14 December 2023
  • National Islands Plan review: consultation

    Scotland’s first ever National Islands Plan was published in 2019. It is now being reviewed as required by the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018, which may lead to the publication of a new National Islands Plan. The Scottish Government wants to work together with local authorities, island communities and relevant sectors and partners to ensure this process is as thorough and effective as possible, providing us with vital feedback from those most impacted by the National Islands Plan. ... More
    Closed 7 November 2023
  • Energy Performance Certificate reform consultation

    The purpose of this consultation is to set out the Scottish Government’s final proposals for Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) reform and to seek stakeholder views ahead of the introduction of new legislation. We are consulting on reforms to both domestic and non-domestic EPCs. The content, methodology, and policy environment for the two types of EPC are very different. Neither the metrics nor methodology can be compared, as described later in the consultation. However, we... More
    Closed 16 October 2023
  • Proposals to close fishing for sandeel in all Scottish waters: consultation

    Given the importance of sandeel to the wider ecosystem and the subsequent benefit in aiding long-term sustainability and resilience of the marine environment, it remains an overarching Scottish Government position, which is reflected in Scotland’s Fisheries Management Strategy , not to support fishing for sandeel in our waters. For this reason, the UK, supported by the Scottish Government, has not allocated sandeel quota since 2021. There are several measures in place for the... More
    Closed 13 October 2023
  • Review of the Effectiveness of Environmental Governance

    Following the publication of the Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) Strategy on 1 December 2023, the Scottish Government has gathered evidence on the effectiveness of environmental governance. The evidence gathered has helped to inform the Report into the Effectiveness of Governance Arrangements, as required by section 41 of the UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Act 2021 . The content of this consultation is... More
    Closed 13 October 2023
  • Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill: use of snares and powers of Scottish SPCA inspectors: Consultation

    This consultation is seeking views on topics related to wildlife management and the Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Bill ("the Bill"). It is set out in 2 parts. Part 1 relates to the use of snares and cable restraints in Scotland and Part 2 addresses matters relating to the powers of Scottish Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (“Scottish SPCA”) inspectors. You can complete both sections in the consultation or only the section which is of... More
    Closed 3 October 2023
  • Licensing of activities involving animals

    This consultation seeks views on proposals to introduce new licensing regulations in Scotland covering a range of animal-related activities when carried on in the course of a business. The consultation also seeks views on proposals to licence greyhound racing in Scotland, and replace existing legislation covering animal boarding (including day care) and riding establishments, replacing it with updated licensing requirements. Read the consultation paper More
    Closed 26 September 2023
  • Firth of Clyde cod spawning closure for 2024/25

    Since 2001, a specific area in the Firth of Clyde has been closed to fishing each year between 14 February and 30 April, in order to protect spawning cod. The Scottish Government has responsibility for the closure via a Scottish Statutory Instrument (SSI). Prior to 2022 exemptions were provided for Norway lobster trawlers, creels and scallop dredgers due to the low amounts of cod that they catch. However, in 2022, these exemptions were removed due to the disturbance that these fishing methods... More
    Closed 22 September 2023
  • Salmon fishing: proposed river gradings for 2024 season

    We are seeking views on the proposed river gradings for the 2024 salmon fishing season, which have been calculated from the annual assessment of the conservation status of wild Atlantic salmon populations in rivers across Scotland. Read the consultation paper More
    Closed 8 September 2023
  • New National Parks - appraisal framework

    There is increasing global consensus around the urgent need to address the interlinked crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. The natural environment underpins our economy and our society. It affects our jobs, our health, the food we eat and the water we drink. It supports food production and security and provides the blueprint for many modern medicines. Healthy biodiversity prevents soil erosion, purifies water and helps prevent and mitigate flooding. Nature... More
    Closed 4 August 2023
  • Local living and 20 minute neighbourhoods: draft planning guidance

    This consultation is seeking views and comments on the draft local living and 20 minute neighbourhood planning guidance. The guidance is intended to assist and support local authorities, communities, and others with an interest in local living and 20 minute neighbourhoods. It is expected to be of particular relevance in the preparation of Local Development Plans (LDPs), Local Place Plans (LPPs) and to support planning decision making. National Planning Framework (NPF4) ... More
    Closed 20 July 2023
  • Herring in the Firth of Clyde - setting the total allowable catch for 2023

    This consultation relates to the 2023 Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for herring in the Firth of Clyde. Marine Scotland is carrying out this consultation on behalf of the UK Fisheries Administrations, to seek views on the level of the 2023 TAC, to permit the allocation of Clyde herring quota to UK fishermen. Read the consultation paper Stakeholder event We're delighted to hold an open meeting for any stakeholders who wish to discuss the options included in the... More
    Closed 9 June 2023
  • Strategic environmental assessment of draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan

    To realise our climate change ambitions, we need to transform the way Scotland generates, transports and uses energy. We must seize the huge opportunity this presents and deliver maximum benefits to Scotland’s people, workers, communities and economy from our vast renewable energy resource. The draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan was published on 10 January 2023 and was open for consultation until 9 May 2023. As part of the process for developing the Energy Strategy... More
    Closed 22 May 2023
  • Ending the sale of peat in Scotland

    Scotland’s peatlands have a critical role to play in responding to the twin crises of the global climate emergency and loss of biodiversity. In good condition, peatlands are a significant natural carbon store. They hold around 1.8 billion tonnes of carbon, equivalent to around 145 years’ worth of Scotland’s total net carbon emissions. Covering about a third of our country, peatlands support important ecosystems and biodiversity, improve water quality and reduce flood risk. ... More
    Closed 12 May 2023
  • Draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan consultation

    Overview To realise our climate change ambitions, we need to transform the way Scotland generates, transports and uses energy. We must seize the huge opportunity this presents and deliver maximum benefits to Scotland’s people, workers, communities and economy from our vast renewable energy resource. The draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan sets out the scale of that opportunity and provides clarity on how Scotland will prepare for a just energy transition. ... More
    Closed 9 May 2023
  • Scottish Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs)

    The Scottish Government’s vision for the marine environment is for clean, healthy, safe, productive and diverse seas, managed to meet the long term needs of nature and people. Through the Bute House Agreement , Scottish Ministers have committed to designate at least 10% of Scotland’s seas as Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs), by 2026. These sites will provide high levels of protection by placing strict limits on some human activities, such as fishing and... More
    Closed 17 April 2023
  • Skills delivery independent review: call for evidence

    In September 2022, the Minister for Higher Education, Further Education, Youth Employment and Training set out to parliament that he would be initiating an independent review of the skills delivery landscape in Scotland as part of work to ensure that the skills system is fit for purpose for delivering Scotland’s national outcomes and meeting future economic challenges including the transition to net zero. James Withers has been appointed as Advisor to the Review. The Terms of... More
    Closed 23 December 2022
  • Cycling framework for active travel

    This 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 Cycling Framework for Active Travel sets out our strategic priorities and shared actions to maximise cycling’s contribution in realising the Scottish Government’s long term ... More
    Closed 19 December 2022
  • Wildlife management in Scotland

    A Stronger & More Resilient Scotland: The Programme for Government 2022-23 which was published on the 8 September 2022 committed to introducing the following Bill: “Wildlife Management (Grouse) The Bill will implement the recommendations of the “Werritty Review” and introduce licensing for grouse moor management to ensure that the management of driven grouse moors and related activities is undertaken in an environmentally sustainable... More
    Closed 14 December 2022
  • Developing a Scottish tax to replace the UK Aggregates Levy

    Aggregates make an important contribution to Scotland’s economy, providing materials for housing, construction, road-building and other uses, and supporting employment, including in rural and remote areas of the country. Aggregates are also required as construction materials to support the ambitions for the environment, including for diversification of the energy mix. They are used both in and of themselves and mixed with other materials to produce new products used in construction such... More
    Closed 5 December 2022
  • Land Reform in a Net Zero Nation

    Scotland has a proud history of land reform going back to the early days of devolution. We are committed to bringing forward a new Land Reform Bill in this parliamentary session. Over the summer, we are undertaking a wide-ranging consultation on our proposals for the measures it should contain. The Bill will be ambitious. It will address long-standing concerns about the highly concentrated pattern of land ownership in rural areas of Scotland. At the same time, we want... More
    Closed 30 October 2022
  • Devolved aspects of the review of the Scheme that provides relief to energy-intensive industries for a proportion of the costs of funding renewable energy generation, that includes the Renewables Obligation (Scotland)

    This consultation enables the Scottish Government to fulfil its obligation, in parallel with the UK Government which is seeking views on the exemption scheme that provides relief to energy-intensive industries (EII) for a proportion of the indirect costs of funding renewable electricity policies. This includes Contracts for Difference (CfD), Renewables Obligation (RO) and small-scale Feed-in Tariffs (FIT) schemes (collectively defined as the “Exemption Scheme” or “Scheme”). ... More
    Closed 23 September 2022
  • Dialogue challenge: Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan

    The way we use and generate energy will continue to transform in the coming years, affecting our jobs, the way we live and the way we do business. This transformation can be an opportunity to build a wealthier, healthier and fairer Scotland, as well as helping us to meet our ambitious commitments to tackle climate change. Later this year, a refreshed Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan will be published in draft. This will provide a whole-system vision and route map for... More
    Closed 12 September 2022
  • Salmon fishing: proposed river gradings for 2023 season

    We are seeking views on the proposed river gradings for the 2023 fishing season, which have been calculated from the annual assessment of the conservation status of wild Atlantic salmon populations in rivers across Scotland. Additionally, we are seeking views on proposals for achieving higher rates of catch and release and post-catch survivability. These include encouraging voluntary measures and the potential of mandatory measures through legislation change in future which... More
    Closed 9 September 2022
  • Call for evidence: Single-use food containers and other single-use items

    Material consumption and waste are the primary drivers of nearly every environmental problem we currently face, from water scarcity to habitat and species loss. Around 75% of Scotland’s carbon footprint is caused by the production, consumption, and all too often waste, of goods, and services. In Scotland we use on average 18.4 tonnes of resources per person, well above the 6-8 tonnes per person considered to be sustainable. Cutting our material consumption is therefore one of the most... More
    Closed 30 June 2022
  • Enhancing sustainable fisheries management - Remote Electronic Monitoring

    This consultation sets out our overview of Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) and its application across the fishing fleet. The consultation seeks views on the rollout of REM to the scallop and pelagic fleet segments, and initial views on REM applied across other sections of the fleet. Read the consultation paper . More
    Closed 7 June 2022
  • Scotland's Future Catching Policy consultation

    This consultation seeks the views of stakeholders on Scotland’s Future Catching Policy (FCP), which will establish a new approach to managing sea fishing activities within Scottish waters and will ensure that the right management measures are in place to support reasonable and pragmatic decision making. Read the consultation paper . More
    Closed 7 June 2022
  • The Future for National Parks in Scotland

    It is almost 20 years since Scotland’s first National Parks in Loch Lomond and Trossachs and Cairngorms were established. Both National Parks are home to some of Scotland’s most outstanding scenery, are internationally important areas for nature and receive millions of visitors each year. The Parks work closely with their communities, land managers, local businesses, third sector and individuals to tackle the biodiversity and climate crisis, to help manage facilities for visitors, to... More
    Closed 6 June 2022
  • Proposal to designate Red Rocks and Longay as a Marine Protected Area

    The Scottish Government's vision is for a marine environment that is clean, healthy, safe, productive and diverse seas; managed to meet the long term needs of nature and people. Scotland’s Marine Protected Area (MPA) network is being developed to help safeguard our most important natural and cultural heritage features on the principle of sustainable use. By doing so we are protecting the natural goods and services they provide for current and future generations to enjoy. ... More
    Closed 26 April 2022
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