Adaptation Scotland and Argyll & Bute Climate Action Network (ABCAN) have been collaborating on something exciting: a Gaelic version of our pioneering Community Climate Adaptation Routemap. 

The Routemap was translated by the Mòd committee and launched together with ABCAN at Mòd an Òbain, Scotland’s premiere celebration of Gaelic language, culture and heritage, this autumn.

 The digital version of the Routemap in Gaelic is available on our website here.  If you need printed copies, get in touch with us via [email protected] or ABCAN via the website here. 

An interview with ABCAN’s lead Jamie Joyce and Ross Christie who translated the Routemap was recently shared on Sniffer’s website looking at discussing language, history and climate action. 

We hope this is a beginning of creating more Gaelic language resources to address the pressing climate change issues. 

PSCAN members at their latest in person gathering in autumn 2024

We are delighted to announce that the Adaptation Scotland programme’s Public Sector Climate Adaptation Network (PSCAN) has reached an impressive milestone, now representing 65 member organisations, including 27 local authorities. This means PSCAN now encompasses over one-third of Scotland’s public sector.

The newest members to join this network are: 

New members join a growing community of practitioners who are leading, or closely involved with implementing climate adaptation work within public sector organisations. Members benefit from: 

• Peer-to-peer networking and support. 

• Training and skills development opportunities. 

• Resources and guidance, including the Adaptation Capability Framework – a common approach for public bodies to respond to climate impacts and develop their capabilities to adapt to new risks. 

Since its inception in 2019, PSCAN has become a leading example of how collaboration and learning exchanges can accelerate adaptation ambition and drive meaningful action. 

Nick Blyth, Climate Change Strategy Officer, Orkney Islands Council, who joined the network this month, reflects on the Council’s increased consideration of climate change risks and impacts in future service delivery: 

“Orkney Islands Council are delighted to join Adaptation Scotland’s Public Sector Network. Our infrastructure and service planning, already includes a range of safety and resilience work to support communities.  In planning future services, the Council will increasingly take account of climate related risks and impacts (sea level rise, warmer summers, increased rainfall and weather events).  We are excited to join this important network to build our own capacity and to share leading-edge knowledge and practical action for addressing the impacts of our changing climate.” 

The network’s diverse membership includes local authorities, infrastructure operators, cultural and heritage organisations, health services, land managers, and universities and colleges. 

Heriot-Watt University also join the Network this year, with Deputy Principal for Global Sustainability, Professor Mercedes Maroto-Valer highlighting the importance of adaptation actions alongside the University’s carbon reduction targets.  

“Joining PSCAN reinforces our University’s commitment to sustainability. Our Climate Action Framework outlines our ambitious carbon reduction targets and empowers our communities across our global campuses to greener living through a combination of mitigation and adaptation measures. We recognise PSCAN’s dedication to researching best practices, and membership would provide invaluable access to this expert knowledge, enhancing our adaptation strategies and fostering collaboration with local authorities. We look forward to building valuable partnerships with PSCAN members.”  

With the publication of Scotland’s National Adaptation Plan (SNAP3) in September 2024, there is a clear role for a collaborative public sector to lead on, and support action towards a climate resilient Scotland.  Launching the plan at a visit to the Restoring the River Leven project, First Minister John Swinney said: 

“While we must ensure Scotland continues to play its part in addressing the causes of climate change, we must also be ready to deal with the impacts that are already locked in giving us wetter winters, drier summers and more weather-related disruption. Our new Adaptation Plan is our most comprehensive response to protecting people’s lives and livelihoods against the risks of climate change – with over 200 actions to build climate resilience in our communities, businesses, public services and natural environment.” 

PSCAN members collaborating at the September meeting

PSCAN members gather at Edinburgh Climate Change Institute, September 2024. Photography: Andrew Perry.

The Adaptation Scotland programme’s Public Sector Climate Adaptation Network (PSCAN) met at Edinburgh Climate Change Institute on Wednesday 25^th September, during Scotland’s Climate Week, for the network’s bi-annual meeting.

The PSCAN is a group of adaptation practitioners representing public sector organisations in Scotland. Since 2019, the network has provided opportunity for knowledge exchange and peer-peer support on climate change adaptation. The Network is part of the Adaptation Scotland programme, which is funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by the charity Sniffer.

Taking place on the same day as the launch of SNAP3 – Scotland’s National Adaptation Plan – the event reiterated the crucial role of the public sector in responding to climate change impacts, understanding climate risk and vulnerability, and optimising co-benefits of adaptation action.

The agenda included sessions on a range of topics:

• Updates from the Scottish Government
• Developing the business case for adaptation
• Adaptation Capability Framework workshop
• Climate Adaptation and Health
• Accessing climate information

Over 80 participants took part, online and in-person. The Adaptation Scotland programme team at Sniffer would like to extend our gratitude to contributors including; Ian Freeman (The Scottish Government), Kit England (Paul Watkiss Associates), Joanna Teuton, Michelle Gillies and Theresa Glasgow (Public Health Scotland) and Victoria Ramsey (Met Office), as well as member organisations who contributed to discussion through the day. Organisations interested in joining the network are invited to express interest by 25^th October 2024.

PSCAN members gather at Edinburgh Climate Change Institute, September 2024. Photography: Andrew Perry.

The Adaptation Scotland programme is excited to announce the opportunity for public body organisations to join The Public Sector Climate Adaptation Network (PSCAN). PSCAN is comprised of public bodies who work together to share learning and demonstrate leadership to progress action on climate change adaptation.

The group was established in June 2019 and includes 50 major organisations including local authorities, infrastructure operators, universities and national public bodies.

We are now offering the opportunity for a further 10 organisations to join the Network in October 2024.

Who can join the Public Sector Climate Adaptation Network?

The Public Sector Climate Adaptation Network is open to practitioners who are leading, or closely involved with implementing adaptation work within public sector organisations.

What will participants gain from being involved in the group?

Participants benefit from:

• Advice and support on how to use the Adaptation Capability Framework and Benchmarking Tool
• Space to reflect on learning and share experience with others
• Opportunities to network and receive support from peers
• Training and skills development covering topics such as risk assessment, public engagement and project planning

What level of commitment is expected from members?

Members are expected to:

• Commit to benchmarking adaptation progress of their organisation using the Adaptation Capability Framework Benchmarking Tool
• Participate in at least two in-person/hybrid events per year. These events provide training and support to progress adaptation work and are designed in collaboration with the Network.
• Actively contribute to the activities of the Network
• Optional: Take part in monthly one hour Drop-In sessions to share experience and learning, and join Task and Finish groups to progress action on key topics and tools.

How can I get involved?

To apply to join the Public Sector Climate Adaptation Network, please email [email protected] to express your interest by Friday 25th October 2024 with details of:

• Your name, role and organisation
• Confirmation that you are able to meet the commitments asked of Network members
• A couple of sentences setting out how you hope to benefit from and contribute to the Network

Please note that places are limited to 10 new organisations to join the Network at this time. If demand exceeds available places, the Adaptation Scotland programme will prioritise allocations to ensure a wide variety public sector organisations and locations are represented.

New members will be invited to an introductory session to take place online in early November.

If you have any questions, or would like to have an informal chat about the Network, please contact Aoife Hutton, [email protected]

PSCAN members at a recent meeting

The public sector has a crucial role to play in enabling Scotland to adapt to climate change. Taking a strong, collaborative and proactive approach will ensure that vital public assets, infrastructure and services are fit for current and future generations and able to deliver positive outcomes across society in a changing climate.

We are pleased to share that the Adaptation Scotland programme’s Public Sector Climate Adaptation Network has now reached a total of 50 active members, representing a large portion of Scotland’s public sector, including local authorities, infrastructure operators, university and colleges, and land managers.

This Network, formerly known as the Benchmarking Working Group, is made up of practitioners who are leading, or closely involved with implementing adaptation work within public sector organisations. Participants benefit from opportunities to network and receive support from peers, as well as training and skills development.

The Network’s inception was in 2019, spurred into action by the development of the award-winning Adaptation Capability Framework – a common approach for public bodies to respond to climate impacts and develop their capabilities to adapt to new risks. The Network is an example of how learning exchanges can help drive forward adaptation ambition and action.

Roddy Hamilton, Falkirk Council, who has been involved with the group since 2020, reflects on the benefits of the Network:

“The group has been, and continues to be, a fantastic source of information, inspiration, peer-to-peer support, and networking in relation to climate change adaptation and by extension adaptation-adjacent topics including ecology, and climate change mitigation.As the group has grown and developed to reflect the needs of the group, the Adaptation Scotland team and members of the group have maintained a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment and a great sense of camaraderie.”

Members this year new include Angus Council, Argyll and Bute Council, Crown Estate Scotland, Dundee and Angus College, Highlands and Islands Airports, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, SPT, SRUC and the University of Edinburgh.

Arlene Barclay, SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College), who joined the network this month, reflects on aspirations for adaptation:

“SRUC are excited to be announced as one of ten new members of Adaptation Scotland PSCAN Network where we intend to utilise Adaptation Scotland’s digital platform resources, (such as the Benchmarking Tool), establish SRUC’s Adaptation Framework and Risk Register and contribute towards PSCAN’s activities. We very much look forward to the peer-to-peer support and networking with this incredible portfolio of professionals.”

Next year, Scotland will publish a new statutory adaptation programme, and it is expected the role of a collaborative public sector will be vital to support Scotland’s effort to build resilience to climate impacts.

In 2024, the Adaptation Scotland programme, which is funded by the Scottish Government, will update and enhance existing adaptation tools and resources, to continue to support public sector partners to take stronger action to adapt to climate risks, developing and empowering public sector leadership to drive a step change in adaptation action, including in cross-sector collaboration and connecting adaptation to other policy areas.

The Routemap cover page

Adaptation Scotland is encouraging local communities to take practical actions to adapt to the impacts of climate change and help build more thriving communities.

The new routemap resource offers a highly practical and accessible guide on the topic, aimed at allowing local groups such as community gardeners, residents groups and community councils to act now to protect their environments in the future.

The Routemap has been produced in collaboration with Highlands and Islands Climate Hub, the Development Trusts Association Scotland (DTAS), North East Scotland Climate Action Network (NESCAN Hub), and the Scottish Communities Climate Action Network (SCCAN) alongside contributions from ReadyScot, Sustrans, Architecture & Design Scotland and others.

This interactive resource serves as an easy-to-follow guide to cover everything from regenerating nature to greener household actions such as reducing dampness and overheating. It also covers self-sufficiency in local communities, transport options to reduce emissions and how to check areas have sufficient insurance against climate risks.

‘The Community Climate Adaptation Routemap’ features 50+ hyperlinks which signpost users to dozens of other websites and resources by top climate science specialists, organisations and experts from across Scotland and beyond.

Net Zero Secretary Michael Matheson said:

“Our climate is already changing and adapting to ‘locked-in’ climate change impacts is crucial for creating a fairer and greener nation. This Routemap will be a source of inspiration and practical support for communities and local organisations across Scotland, helping them tailor climate resilience initiatives to their needs.

“These tools are crucial in helping us all play our part in securing a net zero future that is fair and just for everyone.”

Iryna Zamuruieva, Climate Resilience Manager at Sniffer, added:

“One of the challenges with working on climate change adaptation is a perception that adaptation is an ‘add-on’ to existing work. That’s why we spent a lot of time with our project partners working out how to link climate adaptation with some of the most pressing issues we face, such as environmental degradation and biodiversity loss, and health and housing quality. This Routemap is designed to link these together with practical climate adaptation actions which start from a place of understanding the causes of the problem.

“As a fully interactive resource, this new tool can be used in multiple ways. It allows people to start with what can just be an idea, then develop it into a workable, effective project that will make a genuine difference to people and environments in Scotland, and help them join the concerted effort to adapt our country to a changing climate.”

Harper Loonsk, Climate Change Adaptation Coordinator at Highland Adapts said:

“The Community Climate Adaptation Routemap is an invaluable tool. It fills a resource gap for practical, easily digestible actions which communities can use to build resilience and adapt while also addressing social issues. It commendably also addresses the fundamental root causes of climate change (colonialism and development) in a way that sets the stage for meaningful, justice-oriented action in the future.

“It’s both dynamic and visually engaging, and approaches knowledge sharing in a new way. Highland Adapts is eager to share this resource with our partners, who we hope will look to it for inspiration and direction on community climate action.”

The community Routemap is split into three distinctive project stages to launch then drive climate resilience in local areas: ‘getting started’, ‘understanding climate change in your community’, and ‘taking action’.

“This Routemap will be a source of inspiration and practical support for communities and local organisations across Scotland, helping them tailor climate resilience initiatives to their needs.”

Net Zero Secretary Michael Matheson