Hanna Wheatley
@hannawheatley.bsky.social
Senior Economist at Future Economy Scotland
@futureeconscot.bsky.social
@futureeconscot.bsky.social
Reposted by Hanna Wheatley
Shell has exited its ScotWind projects, handing its lease back to Crown Estate Scotland and leaving questions as to what happens next.
It's a stark reminder of the risks in relying on distant investors and fossil fuel giants to deliver Scotland’s renewable energy future.
www.ft.com/content/b9d0...
It's a stark reminder of the risks in relying on distant investors and fossil fuel giants to deliver Scotland’s renewable energy future.
www.ft.com/content/b9d0...
Shell abandons floating North Sea wind farm projects
UK energy group to focus on potentially more lucrative activities such as power trading
www.ft.com
November 12, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Shell has exited its ScotWind projects, handing its lease back to Crown Estate Scotland and leaving questions as to what happens next.
It's a stark reminder of the risks in relying on distant investors and fossil fuel giants to deliver Scotland’s renewable energy future.
www.ft.com/content/b9d0...
It's a stark reminder of the risks in relying on distant investors and fossil fuel giants to deliver Scotland’s renewable energy future.
www.ft.com/content/b9d0...
Reposted by Hanna Wheatley
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. 🧵
Reposted by Hanna Wheatley
“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:
Reposted by Hanna Wheatley
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/...
Reposted by Hanna Wheatley
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
Our recent research has shown that peatland restoration is a poor fit for private finance, unless the Scottish Government bends over backwards to de-risk investment. This ultimately shifts risk onto the public while allowing investors to capture profits. Our work explores a public-led alternative.
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 1:40 PM
Our recent research has shown that peatland restoration is a poor fit for private finance, unless the Scottish Government bends over backwards to de-risk investment. This ultimately shifts risk onto the public while allowing investors to capture profits. Our work explores a public-led alternative.
Reposted by Hanna Wheatley
“The Scottish Government must take public equity stakes in offshore wind to ensure our people share in the benefits of our resources."
Read exclusive coverage of our new ‘Who Owns ScotWind?’ data with @cmmonwealth.bsky.social in the Daily Record:
Read exclusive coverage of our new ‘Who Owns ScotWind?’ data with @cmmonwealth.bsky.social in the Daily Record:
Scotland 'squandering' profits made by wind farms as foreign developers cash-in
EXCLUSIVE: Only four of the 29 parent companies involved in ScotWind are headquartered in the UK.
www.dailyrecord.co.uk
October 5, 2025 at 10:27 AM
“The Scottish Government must take public equity stakes in offshore wind to ensure our people share in the benefits of our resources."
Read exclusive coverage of our new ‘Who Owns ScotWind?’ data with @cmmonwealth.bsky.social in the Daily Record:
Read exclusive coverage of our new ‘Who Owns ScotWind?’ data with @cmmonwealth.bsky.social in the Daily Record:
Reposted by Hanna Wheatley
🏴 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
October 4, 2025 at 9:00 AM
🏴 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
Reposted by Hanna Wheatley
“Models that rely on commercial finance could increase project costs by up to 48% – potentially rendering them loss-making”
Our new report on nature restoration is covered by the @heraldscotland.bsky.social www.heraldscotland.com/news/2550956...
Our new report on nature restoration is covered by the @heraldscotland.bsky.social www.heraldscotland.com/news/2550956...
'Relying on private finance may actively deter nature restoration'
The trend towards relying on private finance for nature restoration projects like tree-planting, risks undermining Scotland’s net zero ambition
www.heraldscotland.com
October 3, 2025 at 9:43 AM
“Models that rely on commercial finance could increase project costs by up to 48% – potentially rendering them loss-making”
Our new report on nature restoration is covered by the @heraldscotland.bsky.social www.heraldscotland.com/news/2550956...
Our new report on nature restoration is covered by the @heraldscotland.bsky.social www.heraldscotland.com/news/2550956...
Reposted by Hanna Wheatley
Instead of private finance, we need public investment for public goods – plus action on systemic barriers:
📈 Reducing financial uncertainty for landowners
💷 Tax reform
🌱 Fairer land ownership
🦌 Tackling deer numbers
👷♀️ Building skills & housing
www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
📈 Reducing financial uncertainty for landowners
💷 Tax reform
🌱 Fairer land ownership
🦌 Tackling deer numbers
👷♀️ Building skills & housing
www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
October 1, 2025 at 8:14 AM
Instead of private finance, we need public investment for public goods – plus action on systemic barriers:
📈 Reducing financial uncertainty for landowners
💷 Tax reform
🌱 Fairer land ownership
🦌 Tackling deer numbers
👷♀️ Building skills & housing
www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
📈 Reducing financial uncertainty for landowners
💷 Tax reform
🌱 Fairer land ownership
🦌 Tackling deer numbers
👷♀️ Building skills & housing
www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
Our new report explores Scotland's attempts to attract private finance to meet net zero targets.
We model funding options for peat restoration + find private finance could increase costs for projects by 48%.
We propose a public-led alternative + policy changes to address non-financial barriers.
👇
We model funding options for peat restoration + find private finance could increase costs for projects by 48%.
We propose a public-led alternative + policy changes to address non-financial barriers.
👇
🚨 NEW: We’ve been told for years that private finance will fix Scotland’s nature crisis. Our new research shows why it won’t – and sets out a bold public-led alternative.
Highlights in 🧵
Read full report 👉 www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
Highlights in 🧵
Read full report 👉 www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
October 1, 2025 at 8:49 AM
Our new report explores Scotland's attempts to attract private finance to meet net zero targets.
We model funding options for peat restoration + find private finance could increase costs for projects by 48%.
We propose a public-led alternative + policy changes to address non-financial barriers.
👇
We model funding options for peat restoration + find private finance could increase costs for projects by 48%.
We propose a public-led alternative + policy changes to address non-financial barriers.
👇
Reposted by Hanna Wheatley
Last week John Swinney flew to the US to lobby Trump to cut tariffs on whisky
But what impacts are tariffs actually having on Scotland’s economy?
Important analysis by our new economist @jujupepe.bsky.social
But what impacts are tariffs actually having on Scotland’s economy?
Important analysis by our new economist @jujupepe.bsky.social
🏴🇺🇸 NEW: How are Trump’s tariffs impacting Scotland’s economy?
In a new blog, our economist @jujupepe.bsky.social explores the latest data, and finds that Scotland's exports are defying expectations – for now. But significant risks lie ahead.
In a new blog, our economist @jujupepe.bsky.social explores the latest data, and finds that Scotland's exports are defying expectations – for now. But significant risks lie ahead.
How are Trump’s tariffs impacting Scotland’s economy?
Scotland's exports are defying expectations – for now. But significant risks lie ahead.
www.futureeconomy.scot
September 17, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Last week John Swinney flew to the US to lobby Trump to cut tariffs on whisky
But what impacts are tariffs actually having on Scotland’s economy?
Important analysis by our new economist @jujupepe.bsky.social
But what impacts are tariffs actually having on Scotland’s economy?
Important analysis by our new economist @jujupepe.bsky.social
Reposted by Hanna Wheatley
📢 NEW: Scotland faces a stark choice: act boldly to shape the economy, or be shaped by global forces.
Read our second report with @mazzucatom.bsky.social and @iipp-ucl.bsky.social on how to rethink the state around a mission-oriented approach: www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
Read our second report with @mazzucatom.bsky.social and @iipp-ucl.bsky.social on how to rethink the state around a mission-oriented approach: www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
September 3, 2025 at 9:34 AM
📢 NEW: Scotland faces a stark choice: act boldly to shape the economy, or be shaped by global forces.
Read our second report with @mazzucatom.bsky.social and @iipp-ucl.bsky.social on how to rethink the state around a mission-oriented approach: www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
Read our second report with @mazzucatom.bsky.social and @iipp-ucl.bsky.social on how to rethink the state around a mission-oriented approach: www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
Reposted by Hanna Wheatley
NEW: The wealthiest 2% of Scottish households have more wealth than the poorest 50% combined.
New data published today reveals the extent of Scotland’s vast wealth inequality. 🧵
New data published today reveals the extent of Scotland’s vast wealth inequality. 🧵
August 14, 2025 at 11:43 AM
NEW: The wealthiest 2% of Scottish households have more wealth than the poorest 50% combined.
New data published today reveals the extent of Scotland’s vast wealth inequality. 🧵
New data published today reveals the extent of Scotland’s vast wealth inequality. 🧵
Reposted by Hanna Wheatley
NEW: Alexander Dennis’s decision to halt Scottish manufacturing isn’t just a casualty of market forces
It’s a story of how public money has helped to erode Scotland’s industrial base and offshore jobs abroad
New analysis by @lmacfarlane.bsky.social www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/260-mi...
It’s a story of how public money has helped to erode Scotland’s industrial base and offshore jobs abroad
New analysis by @lmacfarlane.bsky.social www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/260-mi...
July 15, 2025 at 12:26 PM
NEW: Alexander Dennis’s decision to halt Scottish manufacturing isn’t just a casualty of market forces
It’s a story of how public money has helped to erode Scotland’s industrial base and offshore jobs abroad
New analysis by @lmacfarlane.bsky.social www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/260-mi...
It’s a story of how public money has helped to erode Scotland’s industrial base and offshore jobs abroad
New analysis by @lmacfarlane.bsky.social www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/260-mi...
Reposted by Hanna Wheatley
🏠 Completions under the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme fell by 22% in 2024/25. The number of homes completed was 7,444, a fall of 2,070 compared to the previous financial year, and the lowest level since 2015/16 (exc. the first year of Covid-19) 🧵
June 24, 2025 at 12:55 PM
🏠 Completions under the Scottish Government’s Affordable Housing Supply Programme fell by 22% in 2024/25. The number of homes completed was 7,444, a fall of 2,070 compared to the previous financial year, and the lowest level since 2015/16 (exc. the first year of Covid-19) 🧵
My latest blog for @futureeconscot.bsky.social on the Scottish private rented sector.
The gap between tenant protections ending and potential future rent controls starting could undermine them from day one.
www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/225-wh...
#HousingScotlandBill
The gap between tenant protections ending and potential future rent controls starting could undermine them from day one.
www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/225-wh...
#HousingScotlandBill
NEW: Our analysis of ONS data shows private rents in Scotland have risen 32% since 2020, an average increase of £245/month. This outpaces inflation and previous rent trends. 🧵
June 19, 2025 at 8:12 AM
My latest blog for @futureeconscot.bsky.social on the Scottish private rented sector.
The gap between tenant protections ending and potential future rent controls starting could undermine them from day one.
www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/225-wh...
#HousingScotlandBill
The gap between tenant protections ending and potential future rent controls starting could undermine them from day one.
www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/225-wh...
#HousingScotlandBill
tl;dr Scotland will need to ramp up action across a much broader range of devolved areas to decarbonise the economy. @miriambrett.bsky.social and I discuss last week's emissions statistics in our latest blog 👇
In our latest blog, we delve into the official statistics showing emissions of greenhouse gases in Scotland. How do the new findings fit into the longer term picture? Transformative action is needed to accelerate decarbonisation.
Is Scotland on track to meet emissions reduction targets?
New emissions statistics show that transformative action is needed to accelerate decarbonisation.
www.futureeconomy.scot
June 16, 2025 at 8:19 AM
tl;dr Scotland will need to ramp up action across a much broader range of devolved areas to decarbonise the economy. @miriambrett.bsky.social and I discuss last week's emissions statistics in our latest blog 👇
Reposted by Hanna Wheatley
“Hard-pressed Scots workers are £15,000 a year worse off than they should be due to flatlining wages.”
Our new earnings analysis is covered by the @dailyrecord.co.uk.web.brid.gy
Our new earnings analysis is covered by the @dailyrecord.co.uk.web.brid.gy
Scots workers suffer £15k wage drop due to flatlining and inflation
Real average weekly earnings in 2024 were just £8 higher than they were in 2008.
www.dailyrecord.co.uk
May 15, 2025 at 11:51 AM
“Hard-pressed Scots workers are £15,000 a year worse off than they should be due to flatlining wages.”
Our new earnings analysis is covered by the @dailyrecord.co.uk.web.brid.gy
Our new earnings analysis is covered by the @dailyrecord.co.uk.web.brid.gy
Reposted by Hanna Wheatley
Shetland secured community wealth from oil, and now the isles face rapid renewables growth.
Our briefing examines how Shetland presents an early test case example for a just energy transition, providing insights for other communities:
Our briefing examines how Shetland presents an early test case example for a just energy transition, providing insights for other communities:
Building or Extracting Community Wealth? Shetland as a Test for a Just Energy Transition
This briefing is adapted from the ‘Shetland, community benefit and energy transition’ report
www.futureeconomy.scot
May 9, 2025 at 10:51 AM
Shetland secured community wealth from oil, and now the isles face rapid renewables growth.
Our briefing examines how Shetland presents an early test case example for a just energy transition, providing insights for other communities:
Our briefing examines how Shetland presents an early test case example for a just energy transition, providing insights for other communities:
Our rural land market analysis is cited in this @nytimes.com article on the Land Reform Bill: "Between 2020 and 2022, the value of rural land jumped by as much as 58 percent in some areas." Our latest report is here: shorturl.at/wB9VK www.nytimes.com/2025/02/26/r... @scottishlandcom.bsky.social
Who Gets to Own Scotland?
A new land-reform bill aims to unwind a long history of inequality. But centuries of feudalism are difficult to shake.
www.nytimes.com
February 27, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Our rural land market analysis is cited in this @nytimes.com article on the Land Reform Bill: "Between 2020 and 2022, the value of rural land jumped by as much as 58 percent in some areas." Our latest report is here: shorturl.at/wB9VK www.nytimes.com/2025/02/26/r... @scottishlandcom.bsky.social
Reposted by Hanna Wheatley
Good to talk rural housing with @scottishhousingnews.com podcast, along with @ailsaraeburn.bsky.social
Our report published this week urges more active use of public land acquisition to support housing delivery.
Our report published this week urges more active use of public land acquisition to support housing delivery.
🏡 Rural housing is vital for economic sustainability, maintaining populations, and community development, but bringing land forward remains a major challenge.
@hamishtrench.bsky.social joined Ailsa Raeburn @communitylandsc.bsky.social on the @scottishhousingnews.com Podcast to discuss the issues 🎙
@hamishtrench.bsky.social joined Ailsa Raeburn @communitylandsc.bsky.social on the @scottishhousingnews.com Podcast to discuss the issues 🎙
February 12, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Good to talk rural housing with @scottishhousingnews.com podcast, along with @ailsaraeburn.bsky.social
Our report published this week urges more active use of public land acquisition to support housing delivery.
Our report published this week urges more active use of public land acquisition to support housing delivery.
Reposted by Hanna Wheatley
Land for Rural Housing report from @scottishlandcom.bsky.social hits the front page of @heraldscotland.bsky.social today. See the report at www.landcommission.gov.scot/news-events/...
February 12, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Land for Rural Housing report from @scottishlandcom.bsky.social hits the front page of @heraldscotland.bsky.social today. See the report at www.landcommission.gov.scot/news-events/...
Reposted by Hanna Wheatley
Pleased to say @scottishlandcom.bsky.social is also now here...
🔔 Last call to sign up to tonight's Land Links webinar 👇
Up for discussion this evening, where you can find info on who owns and makes decisions about land, what is ownerless land and what can be done about it, and how to find out community priorities for land.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/where-can-...
Up for discussion this evening, where you can find info on who owns and makes decisions about land, what is ownerless land and what can be done about it, and how to find out community priorities for land.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/where-can-...
Where can you find information about land?
Join us to find out more about where to look and who to ask if you would like to get more involved in how the land around you is used.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
November 19, 2024 at 6:53 PM
Pleased to say @scottishlandcom.bsky.social is also now here...