LINK Thinks

LINK Thinks is a space for members and others to express their views about Scotland’s environment. If you would like to contribute a blog please contact information@scotlink.org. The opinions expressed in this blog are the author's and not necessarily those of the wider LINK membership.

DSC_17702-scaled-aspect-ratio-540-358

Who is going to pay for nature restoration?

03 Sep 2024

Nature restoration is a primary objective of many LINK members and we are pleased that in general the imperative of restoring Scotland’s biodiversity is increasingly recognised and that the Scottish government has committed to action.  We are of course deeply concerned about the recent announcements regarding short term cuts to the local authority Nature Restoration […]

rhodi-bashing-2-scaled-aspect-ratio-540-358

Cuts to Scotland’s nature restoration fund a misguided step

01 Sep 2024

This article first appeared in The Scotsman. Scotland’s response to lockdown was to fall in love with nature. The more we were limited to our homes, the more we realised how much nature meant to us and how much it helped us feel better when the world felt bleak. Have we forgotten that? The natural world […]

A rocky reef with dead man's fingers and shoaling fish in Loch nam Madadh, North Uist

Marine protected area management – FAQs

26 Aug 2024

What are marine protected areas (MPAs)? Marine protected areas (MPAs) are like nature reserves underwater. They are defined areas of the sea set aside to protect and restore important or vulnerable marine species, habitats or ecosystems (communities of living creatures). Usually certain activities are managed (restricted or changed) within MPAs to reduce or prevent damage […]

Grey seals on a beach in Caithness

Scotland’s MPA network: ten years of delayed ocean conservation

24 Jul 2024

By Esther Brooker, Fanny Royanez (Scottish Environment LINK) and Rebecca Crawford (Scottish Wildlife Trust)  It has been 10 years since a suite of 30 new nature conservation marine protected areas (MPAs) were designated in Scotland’s seas under Scottish and UK law. These were in addition to the MPAs already designated under European law. The purpose […]

Bottle-No-Return-aspect-ratio-540-358

Scotland’s Circular Economy Bill – reflections on a long journey

22 Jul 2024

By Phoebe Cochrane, Sustainable Economy Officer at Scottish Environment LINK It has been a long journey for those of us in the environmental NGO sector who have been campaigning for a circular economy bill.  The 2016 SNP manifesto included a commitment to a circular economy bill and the funding of our Circular Economy for a […]

unnamed-aspect-ratio-540-358

Upskilling the next generation of marine scientists and policy makers

15 Jul 2024

Blog by Fanny Royanez, Marine Policy and Engagement Officer at Scottish Environment LINK. Today, on the 15th of July, we celebrate the 10th World Youth Skills Day, a day dedicated to empowering young people by equipping them with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship as well as for addressing global challenges and advancing sustainable […]

IMG_1670-scaled-aspect-ratio-540-358

Sharing our blue space: Sea Scotland 2024 summary

12 Jun 2024

Deborah Long, Scottish Environment LINK Chief Officer retraces Sea Scotland 2024, which was held on 3rd and 4th June at Stirling Court Hotel. Sea Scotland 2024 kicked off with our morning youth event, Making waves: Sea Scotland Youth Voices. An enthusiastic, knowledgeable and thoughtful group of 15 young people came together to find out more […]

C-Cath-Bain-Grey-Seal-pup-2-aspect-ratio-540-358

Mind the MPA gap: Scotland still has a long way to go to protect its marine treasures

05 Jun 2024

Scotland’s stunning coastline and rich marine biodiversity are celebrated worldwide. To better protect these fragile ecosystems, the Scottish Government has established a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). However, a new research report has recently shed light on the pressing need for greater protection within this network. In this blog post, we’ll delve into this […]

Wildlflowers-Calum-McLennan-scaled-aspect-ratio-540-358

7 things Scotland can do now to help nature – and ourselves

13 May 2024

Scottish Environment LINK’s Chief Officer Deborah Long outlines seven actions Scotland can take now as a country to protect and restore nature, build our resilience to climate change and create a better place to live for current and future generations.  In 2023 average global temperatures rose above 1.5oc. Scotland’s biodiversity intactness is amongst the lowest […]

By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information

The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.

Close