Future Economy Scotland
@futureeconscot.bsky.social
A non-partisan think tank that aims to create a new economy that is democratic, sustainable and just.
https://www.futureeconomy.scot
https://www.futureeconomy.scot
Pinned
🏴 Who owns Scotland's offshore wind assets?
Our new interactive map with @cmmonwealth.bsky.social lets you explore who really owns ScotWind projects – and who stands to benefit
Highlights in 🧵
Explore the map 👉 www.futureeconomy.scot/scotwind
Our new interactive map with @cmmonwealth.bsky.social lets you explore who really owns ScotWind projects – and who stands to benefit
Highlights in 🧵
Explore the map 👉 www.futureeconomy.scot/scotwind
EVENT: Can private finance fix the nature crisis? 🌿
Scotland’s turning to investors to fund peatland & woodland restoration, but can markets really deliver at the speed and scale needed?
🎥 Watch the short video.
Scotland’s turning to investors to fund peatland & woodland restoration, but can markets really deliver at the speed and scale needed?
🎥 Watch the short video.
November 11, 2025 at 10:12 AM
EVENT: Can private finance fix the nature crisis? 🌿
Scotland’s turning to investors to fund peatland & woodland restoration, but can markets really deliver at the speed and scale needed?
🎥 Watch the short video.
Scotland’s turning to investors to fund peatland & woodland restoration, but can markets really deliver at the speed and scale needed?
🎥 Watch the short video.
📬 Latest newsletter out today!
From the upcoming 🗳️ Holyrood election & Scotland’s 🎯 industrial strategy, to 🌱 nature restoration, 💨 ScotWind, & a 👨🏭 just transition for workers & communities.
✉️ Sign up for insight on the choices shaping Scotland’s future: us17.campaign-archive.com/home/?u=910b...
From the upcoming 🗳️ Holyrood election & Scotland’s 🎯 industrial strategy, to 🌱 nature restoration, 💨 ScotWind, & a 👨🏭 just transition for workers & communities.
✉️ Sign up for insight on the choices shaping Scotland’s future: us17.campaign-archive.com/home/?u=910b...
November 10, 2025 at 3:58 PM
📬 Latest newsletter out today!
From the upcoming 🗳️ Holyrood election & Scotland’s 🎯 industrial strategy, to 🌱 nature restoration, 💨 ScotWind, & a 👨🏭 just transition for workers & communities.
✉️ Sign up for insight on the choices shaping Scotland’s future: us17.campaign-archive.com/home/?u=910b...
From the upcoming 🗳️ Holyrood election & Scotland’s 🎯 industrial strategy, to 🌱 nature restoration, 💨 ScotWind, & a 👨🏭 just transition for workers & communities.
✉️ Sign up for insight on the choices shaping Scotland’s future: us17.campaign-archive.com/home/?u=910b...
ScotWind could power a fairer future, if the new government gets ownership right.
But, as our report shows, too much ownership & profit sit overseas.
With the right reforms, offshore wind can create good jobs, public revenue & community benefit in Scotland.
www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
But, as our report shows, too much ownership & profit sit overseas.
With the right reforms, offshore wind can create good jobs, public revenue & community benefit in Scotland.
www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
November 7, 2025 at 8:27 AM
ScotWind could power a fairer future, if the new government gets ownership right.
But, as our report shows, too much ownership & profit sit overseas.
With the right reforms, offshore wind can create good jobs, public revenue & community benefit in Scotland.
www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
But, as our report shows, too much ownership & profit sit overseas.
With the right reforms, offshore wind can create good jobs, public revenue & community benefit in Scotland.
www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
The Scottish Government's new Climate Change Plan is welcome, but must be matched by a laser-like focus on delivery and implementation.
Read our full response: www.futureeconomy.scot/press/216-re...
Read our full response: www.futureeconomy.scot/press/216-re...
November 6, 2025 at 6:02 PM
The Scottish Government's new Climate Change Plan is welcome, but must be matched by a laser-like focus on delivery and implementation.
Read our full response: www.futureeconomy.scot/press/216-re...
Read our full response: www.futureeconomy.scot/press/216-re...
Today marks six months until the next Scottish election
- six months that will shape Scotland’s economy for generations.
Our briefing 'Beyond Business as Usual' sets out a bold agenda for a fairer, greener, more resilient economy.
Take a look 📄
www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
Summary👇
- six months that will shape Scotland’s economy for generations.
Our briefing 'Beyond Business as Usual' sets out a bold agenda for a fairer, greener, more resilient economy.
Take a look 📄
www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
Summary👇
November 6, 2025 at 11:13 AM
Today marks six months until the next Scottish election
- six months that will shape Scotland’s economy for generations.
Our briefing 'Beyond Business as Usual' sets out a bold agenda for a fairer, greener, more resilient economy.
Take a look 📄
www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
Summary👇
- six months that will shape Scotland’s economy for generations.
Our briefing 'Beyond Business as Usual' sets out a bold agenda for a fairer, greener, more resilient economy.
Take a look 📄
www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
Summary👇
Scotland’s offshore wind should power a fairer future - not just profits for distant shareholders.
The wind belongs to all of us. We should all have a stake in our energy future. 🧵
The wind belongs to all of us. We should all have a stake in our energy future. 🧵
November 5, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Scotland’s offshore wind should power a fairer future - not just profits for distant shareholders.
The wind belongs to all of us. We should all have a stake in our energy future. 🧵
The wind belongs to all of us. We should all have a stake in our energy future. 🧵
It might sound strange, but if Rachel Reeves raises income tax in the UK Budget, it could mean devastating cuts to Scotland’s devolved budget.
Our co-director @lmacfarlane.bsky.social explains the risks on BBC Radio Scotland Drivetime 🔊
Our co-director @lmacfarlane.bsky.social explains the risks on BBC Radio Scotland Drivetime 🔊
November 4, 2025 at 5:54 PM
It might sound strange, but if Rachel Reeves raises income tax in the UK Budget, it could mean devastating cuts to Scotland’s devolved budget.
Our co-director @lmacfarlane.bsky.social explains the risks on BBC Radio Scotland Drivetime 🔊
Our co-director @lmacfarlane.bsky.social explains the risks on BBC Radio Scotland Drivetime 🔊
As the debate on the Land Reform Bill continues, one thing is clear: in its current form the Bill does not meet the scale of the challenges we face.
Here @lmacfarlane.bsky.social gives evidence at the Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee on why it needs significant amendments.
Here @lmacfarlane.bsky.social gives evidence at the Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee on why it needs significant amendments.
November 4, 2025 at 10:58 AM
As the debate on the Land Reform Bill continues, one thing is clear: in its current form the Bill does not meet the scale of the challenges we face.
Here @lmacfarlane.bsky.social gives evidence at the Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee on why it needs significant amendments.
Here @lmacfarlane.bsky.social gives evidence at the Net Zero, Energy & Transport Committee on why it needs significant amendments.
Our Co-Director @lmacfarlane.bsky.social spoke at Scotland’s first Just Transition Summit.
He joined GB Energy, ScottishNational Investment Bank, Just Transition Commission, Transition Finance Scotland & XLCC to discuss how to mobilise investment to deliver a just energy transition.
He joined GB Energy, ScottishNational Investment Bank, Just Transition Commission, Transition Finance Scotland & XLCC to discuss how to mobilise investment to deliver a just energy transition.
November 3, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Our Co-Director @lmacfarlane.bsky.social spoke at Scotland’s first Just Transition Summit.
He joined GB Energy, ScottishNational Investment Bank, Just Transition Commission, Transition Finance Scotland & XLCC to discuss how to mobilise investment to deliver a just energy transition.
He joined GB Energy, ScottishNational Investment Bank, Just Transition Commission, Transition Finance Scotland & XLCC to discuss how to mobilise investment to deliver a just energy transition.
This week we were proud to speak at Scotland’s inaugural Just Transition Summit.
Scotland's oil and gas sector is in long-term decline. Like it or not, Scotland must now prepare for a post-fossil fuel economy. 🧵
Scotland's oil and gas sector is in long-term decline. Like it or not, Scotland must now prepare for a post-fossil fuel economy. 🧵
October 31, 2025 at 9:52 AM
This week we were proud to speak at Scotland’s inaugural Just Transition Summit.
Scotland's oil and gas sector is in long-term decline. Like it or not, Scotland must now prepare for a post-fossil fuel economy. 🧵
Scotland's oil and gas sector is in long-term decline. Like it or not, Scotland must now prepare for a post-fossil fuel economy. 🧵
We were delighted to attend @ipprscotland.bsky.social’s 10th anniversary conference yesterday.
Our co-director @lmacfarlane.bsky.social spoke on a panel discussing Scotland’s net zero challenge. Happy anniversary 🎂
Our co-director @lmacfarlane.bsky.social spoke on a panel discussing Scotland’s net zero challenge. Happy anniversary 🎂
October 30, 2025 at 9:42 AM
We were delighted to attend @ipprscotland.bsky.social’s 10th anniversary conference yesterday.
Our co-director @lmacfarlane.bsky.social spoke on a panel discussing Scotland’s net zero challenge. Happy anniversary 🎂
Our co-director @lmacfarlane.bsky.social spoke on a panel discussing Scotland’s net zero challenge. Happy anniversary 🎂
“Who is benefitting? How are rewards shared? Are we tackling inequalities rather than exacerbating them?”
Our co-director @lmacfarlane.bsky.social spoke to @vickyallan.bsky.social about our recent report on ScotWind for the @heraldscotland.bsky.social:
Our co-director @lmacfarlane.bsky.social spoke to @vickyallan.bsky.social about our recent report on ScotWind for the @heraldscotland.bsky.social:
Who's benefiting fom ScotWind? 'Most of the profits are going out of the country'
The Herald investigates how Scotland’s ScotWind leasing deal echoes past mistakes — selling off the nation’s energy wealth to overseas…
www.heraldscotland.com
October 28, 2025 at 2:17 PM
“Who is benefitting? How are rewards shared? Are we tackling inequalities rather than exacerbating them?”
Our co-director @lmacfarlane.bsky.social spoke to @vickyallan.bsky.social about our recent report on ScotWind for the @heraldscotland.bsky.social:
Our co-director @lmacfarlane.bsky.social spoke to @vickyallan.bsky.social about our recent report on ScotWind for the @heraldscotland.bsky.social:
From the upcoming Holyrood election and Scotland’s industrial strategy, to nature restoration and a just transition for Scotland’s workers and communities...
Receive analysis and updates straight to your inbox.
✉️ Sign up to our mailing list: mailchi.mp/futureeconom...
Receive analysis and updates straight to your inbox.
✉️ Sign up to our mailing list: mailchi.mp/futureeconom...
October 24, 2025 at 10:12 AM
From the upcoming Holyrood election and Scotland’s industrial strategy, to nature restoration and a just transition for Scotland’s workers and communities...
Receive analysis and updates straight to your inbox.
✉️ Sign up to our mailing list: mailchi.mp/futureeconom...
Receive analysis and updates straight to your inbox.
✉️ Sign up to our mailing list: mailchi.mp/futureeconom...
Orkney Council has confirmed all profits from its new wind farm will go into local services - wealth will circulate locally, not flow to distant shareholders.
It's a glimpse of what community benefit from renewables can look like. But how typical is this?
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
It's a glimpse of what community benefit from renewables can look like. But how typical is this?
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
‘Much fairer’: all profits from new Orkney windfarm to benefit locals
Construction due to begin in 2027 on what is expected to become UK’s largest publicly owned windfarm
www.theguardian.com
October 23, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Orkney Council has confirmed all profits from its new wind farm will go into local services - wealth will circulate locally, not flow to distant shareholders.
It's a glimpse of what community benefit from renewables can look like. But how typical is this?
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
It's a glimpse of what community benefit from renewables can look like. But how typical is this?
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Greater community ownership needs to be central to Scotland’s renewable energy resources says @ariane-burgess.bsky.social MSP citing our new report “Rethinking ScotWind”.
Read what she has to say: argyllbute24.co.uk/msp-calls-fo...
Read what she has to say: argyllbute24.co.uk/msp-calls-fo...
MSP calls for community ownership to be central to future ScotWind deals - DNG Online Limited
Ariane Burgess, Scottish Green MSP for the Highlands & Islands, has reiterated her call for greater community ownership of Scotland’s renewable energy resources following the publication of a new repo...
argyllbute24.co.uk
October 22, 2025 at 9:21 AM
Greater community ownership needs to be central to Scotland’s renewable energy resources says @ariane-burgess.bsky.social MSP citing our new report “Rethinking ScotWind”.
Read what she has to say: argyllbute24.co.uk/msp-calls-fo...
Read what she has to say: argyllbute24.co.uk/msp-calls-fo...
UK and Scottish governments have pledged £20m to transition North Sea workers into clean energy jobs - a vital step towards a fairer, cleaner economy.
But as oil and gas decline accelerates, far more must be done to support workers and communities most affected.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
But as oil and gas decline accelerates, far more must be done to support workers and communities most affected.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Government aims to create 400,000 jobs through UK national green energy plan
Scheme will offer training for plumbers, welders and carpenters as well as promoting trade union recognition
www.theguardian.com
October 21, 2025 at 10:27 AM
UK and Scottish governments have pledged £20m to transition North Sea workers into clean energy jobs - a vital step towards a fairer, cleaner economy.
But as oil and gas decline accelerates, far more must be done to support workers and communities most affected.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
But as oil and gas decline accelerates, far more must be done to support workers and communities most affected.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
🌱 Peat, profit, and the myth of the “nature finance fix”
Find out why private finance won’t deliver Scotland’s peatland targets, and what a fairer, faster solution could look like.
Read our latest blog by @hannawheatley.bsky.social👇
www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/324-pe...
Find out why private finance won’t deliver Scotland’s peatland targets, and what a fairer, faster solution could look like.
Read our latest blog by @hannawheatley.bsky.social👇
www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/324-pe...
Peat, Profit and the Myth of the Nature Finance Fix
BrewDog's sale of the Kinrara estate shows why private finance is unlikely to fix the nature crisis
www.futureeconomy.scot
October 17, 2025 at 10:50 AM
🌱 Peat, profit, and the myth of the “nature finance fix”
Find out why private finance won’t deliver Scotland’s peatland targets, and what a fairer, faster solution could look like.
Read our latest blog by @hannawheatley.bsky.social👇
www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/324-pe...
Find out why private finance won’t deliver Scotland’s peatland targets, and what a fairer, faster solution could look like.
Read our latest blog by @hannawheatley.bsky.social👇
www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/324-pe...
🌿 Scotland’s peatlands pledge is falling short, but there’s a fairer way forward.🧵
October 16, 2025 at 9:53 AM
🌿 Scotland’s peatlands pledge is falling short, but there’s a fairer way forward.🧵
Packed house for our event at this year’s SNP conference on funding the future
With @shonarobison.bsky.social MSP, David Phillips @theifs.bsky.social, Sara Cowan @swbg.bsky.social and @lmacfarlane.bsky.social
Thanks to the speakers and everyone who came along!
With @shonarobison.bsky.social MSP, David Phillips @theifs.bsky.social, Sara Cowan @swbg.bsky.social and @lmacfarlane.bsky.social
Thanks to the speakers and everyone who came along!
October 12, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Packed house for our event at this year’s SNP conference on funding the future
With @shonarobison.bsky.social MSP, David Phillips @theifs.bsky.social, Sara Cowan @swbg.bsky.social and @lmacfarlane.bsky.social
Thanks to the speakers and everyone who came along!
With @shonarobison.bsky.social MSP, David Phillips @theifs.bsky.social, Sara Cowan @swbg.bsky.social and @lmacfarlane.bsky.social
Thanks to the speakers and everyone who came along!
“The net zero transition can create more energy jobs than will be lost. But to make that happen, we need far more pro-active policies.”
Our new report on transitioning fossil fuel workers on the front page of today’s @scotsman.com
Read the story: www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Our new report on transitioning fossil fuel workers on the front page of today’s @scotsman.com
Read the story: www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
October 11, 2025 at 9:02 AM
“The net zero transition can create more energy jobs than will be lost. But to make that happen, we need far more pro-active policies.”
Our new report on transitioning fossil fuel workers on the front page of today’s @scotsman.com
Read the story: www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
Our new report on transitioning fossil fuel workers on the front page of today’s @scotsman.com
Read the story: www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
🚨 NEW REPORT 🚨
Since the 1960s, the fossil fuel industry has shaped Scotland’s economy and identity.
After decades powering growth and jobs, this era is drawing to a close 🧵 www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
Since the 1960s, the fossil fuel industry has shaped Scotland’s economy and identity.
After decades powering growth and jobs, this era is drawing to a close 🧵 www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
October 11, 2025 at 8:41 AM
🚨 NEW REPORT 🚨
Since the 1960s, the fossil fuel industry has shaped Scotland’s economy and identity.
After decades powering growth and jobs, this era is drawing to a close 🧵 www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
Since the 1960s, the fossil fuel industry has shaped Scotland’s economy and identity.
After decades powering growth and jobs, this era is drawing to a close 🧵 www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
Join us at SNP Conference this weekend!
Funding Scotland’s Future: Where Next for the Public Finances?
🗓️ Sunday 12th October
🕘 9:15-10:15am
☕️ Food & refreshments!
With:
@shonarobison.bsky.social MSP
David Phillips @theifs.bsky.social
Sara Cowan @swbg.bsky.social
Chair: @lmacfarlane.bsky.social
Funding Scotland’s Future: Where Next for the Public Finances?
🗓️ Sunday 12th October
🕘 9:15-10:15am
☕️ Food & refreshments!
With:
@shonarobison.bsky.social MSP
David Phillips @theifs.bsky.social
Sara Cowan @swbg.bsky.social
Chair: @lmacfarlane.bsky.social
October 9, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Join us at SNP Conference this weekend!
Funding Scotland’s Future: Where Next for the Public Finances?
🗓️ Sunday 12th October
🕘 9:15-10:15am
☕️ Food & refreshments!
With:
@shonarobison.bsky.social MSP
David Phillips @theifs.bsky.social
Sara Cowan @swbg.bsky.social
Chair: @lmacfarlane.bsky.social
Funding Scotland’s Future: Where Next for the Public Finances?
🗓️ Sunday 12th October
🕘 9:15-10:15am
☕️ Food & refreshments!
With:
@shonarobison.bsky.social MSP
David Phillips @theifs.bsky.social
Sara Cowan @swbg.bsky.social
Chair: @lmacfarlane.bsky.social
Last week, BrewDog sold its Kinrara estate to a natural capital investor
Some say the deal proves private investors can fund nature restoration. But in reality, it shows why private finance can’t fix the nature crisis
New blog by @hannawheatley.bsky.social:
Some say the deal proves private investors can fund nature restoration. But in reality, it shows why private finance can’t fix the nature crisis
New blog by @hannawheatley.bsky.social:
Peat, Profit and the Myth of the Nature Finance Fix
BrewDog's sale of the Kinrara estate shows why private finance is unlikely to fix the nature crisis
www.futureeconomy.scot
October 9, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Last week, BrewDog sold its Kinrara estate to a natural capital investor
Some say the deal proves private investors can fund nature restoration. But in reality, it shows why private finance can’t fix the nature crisis
New blog by @hannawheatley.bsky.social:
Some say the deal proves private investors can fund nature restoration. But in reality, it shows why private finance can’t fix the nature crisis
New blog by @hannawheatley.bsky.social:
We were delighted to join today’s #TaxJusticeScotland conference
Tax reform is central to creating a fairer and greener Scotland. As the election approaches, it’s critical we don’t shy away from bold reforms
Tax reform is central to creating a fairer and greener Scotland. As the election approaches, it’s critical we don’t shy away from bold reforms
'We cannot sit back and hope that the UK Government lines Scotland's pockets with cash' Laurie from @futureeconscot.bsky.social tells the #TaxJusticeScotland conference as he lays out some of the tax levers within the Scottish Government's gift.
October 8, 2025 at 3:20 PM
We were delighted to join today’s #TaxJusticeScotland conference
Tax reform is central to creating a fairer and greener Scotland. As the election approaches, it’s critical we don’t shy away from bold reforms
Tax reform is central to creating a fairer and greener Scotland. As the election approaches, it’s critical we don’t shy away from bold reforms
Join us at SNP Conference!
Funding Scotland’s Future: Where Next for the Public Finances?
🗓️ Sunday 12th October
🕘 9:15-10:15am
☕️ Food & refreshments!
With:
@shonarobison.bsky.social MSP
David Phillips @theifs.bsky.social
Sara Cowan @swbg.bsky.social
Chair: FES Co-Director @lmacfarlane.bsky.social
Funding Scotland’s Future: Where Next for the Public Finances?
🗓️ Sunday 12th October
🕘 9:15-10:15am
☕️ Food & refreshments!
With:
@shonarobison.bsky.social MSP
David Phillips @theifs.bsky.social
Sara Cowan @swbg.bsky.social
Chair: FES Co-Director @lmacfarlane.bsky.social
October 7, 2025 at 8:02 AM
Join us at SNP Conference!
Funding Scotland’s Future: Where Next for the Public Finances?
🗓️ Sunday 12th October
🕘 9:15-10:15am
☕️ Food & refreshments!
With:
@shonarobison.bsky.social MSP
David Phillips @theifs.bsky.social
Sara Cowan @swbg.bsky.social
Chair: FES Co-Director @lmacfarlane.bsky.social
Funding Scotland’s Future: Where Next for the Public Finances?
🗓️ Sunday 12th October
🕘 9:15-10:15am
☕️ Food & refreshments!
With:
@shonarobison.bsky.social MSP
David Phillips @theifs.bsky.social
Sara Cowan @swbg.bsky.social
Chair: FES Co-Director @lmacfarlane.bsky.social