Blogs and Podcasts

Scotland is on the front line of both the climate and nature emergencies. Our seas are home to internationally important populations of seabirds. At the same time, Scotland has huge potential for generating clean, green renewable energy from offshore wind, and taking the opportunity this presents will make a critical contribution to both Scotland's economy and to the UK meeting its climate commitment. The challenge is, however, how to do this while protecting the wildlife that makes our coasts and seas so special.

Our latest trip to Orkney brought together science, community, and discovery — from monitoring seagrass meadows and sharing snorkels with locals, to inspiration carried back home to the Forth.

A high-resolution drone survey, carried out in July 2024, provided a detailed new look at the Bass Rock gannet colony. The results give us a clearer understanding of how the birds are faring in the wake of recent challenges—especially the devastating outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (avian flu) during 2022.

In December 2024, the draft Seabird Action Plan was launched at the Scottish Seabird Centre by Gillian Martin, Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy. The Action Plan could not be more important or urgent given the steep declines in seabird populations in recent decades and the growing pressures from climate change and offshore wind, as well as the impact of avian flu. However, improvements are needed to the Plan if it is to deliver the action we need. You can read our response to the consultation on the draft Seabird Action Plan here.