Developing and Scaling Climate Resilience Across Scotland
On Tuesday 25th February 2025, the Adaptation Scotland programme, funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by Verture, was proud to host Scotland’s Regional Climate Adaptation Partnerships: From Foundations to Maturity, bringing together experts, policymakers, and local leaders to explore the future of climate adaptation partnerships across the country.
Scotland has been at the forefront of place-based climate action, with regional adaptation partnerships emerging to address unique local climate risks. From Climate Ready Clyde, initiated in 2012, to newer collaborations like Highland Adapts, Climate Ready South East Scotland, and initiatives in Tayside, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, and the Outer Hebrides, these partnerships play a crucial role in strengthening resilience at a regional level.
As climate impacts vary across Scotland, regional partnerships must work collaboratively across sectors and places, navigate governance structures, and ensure inclusive, community-driven responses. At the event, speakers and participants explored key challenges and opportunities, including:
- Developing shared evidence bases for climate risk assessment
- Setting strategic adaptation priorities
- Securing long-term investment and leadership
- Engaging communities in a just transition
A key theme was Scotland’s National Adaptation Plan (SNAP3), which sets an ambitious goal: by 2029, all regions should have mature adaptation partnerships in place. With the Scottish Government now working on a roadmap to achieve this, today’s discussions provided valuable insights into what’s needed to scale and sustain regional collaborations.
The event featured contributions from leading adaptation initiatives, as well as insights from international speakers on place-based climate resilience in Northern Ireland, Ireland, and elsewhere in Europe. Acting Minister for Climate Action, Dr Alasdair Allan MSP, also joined for a short address and Q&A session, reinforcing the Scottish Government’s commitment to adaptation action at all levels.
As Scotland moves toward a climate-resilient future, the role of regional partnerships will be more critical than ever. This event marked an important step in building momentum, strengthening collaboration, and shaping the pathway forward.
What’s next?
The insights from this event will contribute to the Scottish Government’s roadmap for regional adaptation partnerships, due by 2025. The Adaptation Scotland programme will continue supporting, expanding, and refining Scotland’s approach to local-led climate resilience.
Watch the sessions
Missed the event or want to revisit the discussions? Recordings from Scotland’s Regional Climate Adaptation Partnerships: From Foundations to Maturity are now available to watch below. Hear directly from partnerships across Scotland and beyond as they share insights, challenges, and next steps on the journey to a climate-resilient future.
