Laurie Macfarlane
@lmacfarlane.bsky.social
Co-director @FutureEconScot.bsky.social Fellow UCL IIPP and the Democracy Collaborative. Co-author ‘Rethinking the Economics of Land and Housing’
Scotland squandered its oil and gas wealth — we can’t afford to repeat the same mistakes with renewables.
That’s why we need public ownership stakes in our energy future👇
That’s why we need public ownership stakes in our energy future👇
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 7, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Scotland squandered its oil and gas wealth — we can’t afford to repeat the same mistakes with renewables.
That’s why we need public ownership stakes in our energy future👇
That’s why we need public ownership stakes in our energy future👇
Scotland squandered its oil and gas wealth — we can’t afford to repeat the same mistakes with renewables.
That’s why we need public ownership stakes in our energy future👇
That’s why we need public ownership stakes in our energy future👇
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 7, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Scotland squandered its oil and gas wealth — we can’t afford to repeat the same mistakes with renewables.
That’s why we need public ownership stakes in our energy future👇
That’s why we need public ownership stakes in our energy future👇
Reposted by Laurie Macfarlane
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...
Global emissions soared by 2.3% in 2024. This is more than four times higher than the annual average growth rate in the 2010s.
We’re going backwards, not forwards.
We’re going backwards, not forwards.
November 5, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Global emissions soared by 2.3% in 2024. This is more than four times higher than the annual average growth rate in the 2010s.
We’re going backwards, not forwards.
We’re going backwards, not forwards.
Astonishing how many people are shocked by Mamdani’s victory.
Talk about what people actually care about. Offer genuine solutions. Make sure the messenger is likeable.
It isn’t rocket science. But it’s spectacularly rare these days.
Talk about what people actually care about. Offer genuine solutions. Make sure the messenger is likeable.
It isn’t rocket science. But it’s spectacularly rare these days.
November 5, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Astonishing how many people are shocked by Mamdani’s victory.
Talk about what people actually care about. Offer genuine solutions. Make sure the messenger is likeable.
It isn’t rocket science. But it’s spectacularly rare these days.
Talk about what people actually care about. Offer genuine solutions. Make sure the messenger is likeable.
It isn’t rocket science. But it’s spectacularly rare these days.
Reposted by Laurie Macfarlane
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 Laurie Macfarlane
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 🔊
Reposted by Laurie Macfarlane
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. 🧵
“A pure net zero approach could see us undertake decarbonisation while actually exacerbating the inequalities we face today.”
It was a pleasure speaking to @vickyallan.bsky.social at The Herald about our new report on Scotland’s offshore wind:
It was a pleasure speaking to @vickyallan.bsky.social at The Herald about our new report on Scotland’s offshore wind:
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 2:38 PM
“A pure net zero approach could see us undertake decarbonisation while actually exacerbating the inequalities we face today.”
It was a pleasure speaking to @vickyallan.bsky.social at The Herald about our new report on Scotland’s offshore wind:
It was a pleasure speaking to @vickyallan.bsky.social at The Herald about our new report on Scotland’s offshore wind:
Reposted by Laurie Macfarlane
“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:
NEW: Like it or not, North Sea oil and gas is on its way out. But to date, Scotland hasn’t been creating enough green jobs to offset fossil fuel job losses
Far bolder action is needed to create jobs + deliver a just transition for workers
Our new @futureeconscot.bsky.social report 👇
Far bolder action is needed to create jobs + deliver a just transition for workers
Our new @futureeconscot.bsky.social report 👇
🚨 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 9:51 AM
NEW: Like it or not, North Sea oil and gas is on its way out. But to date, Scotland hasn’t been creating enough green jobs to offset fossil fuel job losses
Far bolder action is needed to create jobs + deliver a just transition for workers
Our new @futureeconscot.bsky.social report 👇
Far bolder action is needed to create jobs + deliver a just transition for workers
Our new @futureeconscot.bsky.social report 👇
Some have hailed BrewDog’s sale of the Kinrara estate to a nature investment firm as example of private finance plugging the ‘nature finance gap’
But the reality is rather different
Excellent new blog by @hannawheatley.bsky.social 👇
But the reality is rather different
Excellent new blog by @hannawheatley.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 12:20 PM
Some have hailed BrewDog’s sale of the Kinrara estate to a nature investment firm as example of private finance plugging the ‘nature finance gap’
But the reality is rather different
Excellent new blog by @hannawheatley.bsky.social 👇
But the reality is rather different
Excellent new blog by @hannawheatley.bsky.social 👇
Great to speak at today’s #TaxJusticeScotland conference
As we approach the Scottish election, tax reform must be at the centre of the debate
Thanks to @oxfamscotland.bsky.social and the wider coalition for pulling together a great event
As we approach the Scottish election, tax reform must be at the centre of the debate
Thanks to @oxfamscotland.bsky.social and the wider coalition for pulling together a great event
October 8, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Great to speak at today’s #TaxJusticeScotland conference
As we approach the Scottish election, tax reform must be at the centre of the debate
Thanks to @oxfamscotland.bsky.social and the wider coalition for pulling together a great event
As we approach the Scottish election, tax reform must be at the centre of the debate
Thanks to @oxfamscotland.bsky.social and the wider coalition for pulling together a great event
Reposted by Laurie Macfarlane
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
Reposted by Laurie Macfarlane
“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...
Who Owns ScotWind?
Our new interactive map with @cmmonwealth.bsky.social reveals who owns Scotland’s offshore wind resources — and who stands to benefit
Spoiler alert: it isn’t the people of Scotland 👇
Our new interactive map with @cmmonwealth.bsky.social reveals who owns Scotland’s offshore wind resources — and who stands to benefit
Spoiler alert: it isn’t the people of Scotland 👇
🏴 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 9:15 AM
Who Owns ScotWind?
Our new interactive map with @cmmonwealth.bsky.social reveals who owns Scotland’s offshore wind resources — and who stands to benefit
Spoiler alert: it isn’t the people of Scotland 👇
Our new interactive map with @cmmonwealth.bsky.social reveals who owns Scotland’s offshore wind resources — and who stands to benefit
Spoiler alert: it isn’t the people of Scotland 👇
“The trend towards relying on private finance for nature restoration projects risks undermining Scotland’s net zero ambitions, a new report has revealed.”
Great write-up of our new nature report in @heraldscotland.bsky.social:
Great write-up of our new nature report in @heraldscotland.bsky.social:
'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 11:03 AM
“The trend towards relying on private finance for nature restoration projects risks undermining Scotland’s net zero ambitions, a new report has revealed.”
Great write-up of our new nature report in @heraldscotland.bsky.social:
Great write-up of our new nature report in @heraldscotland.bsky.social:
“Thinking that commercial investors are going to fix things is foolhardy. We need fresh thinking.”
It was great to speak to @severincarrell.bsky.social about the folly of relying on private finance to fix the nature crisis for @theguardian.com www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
It was great to speak to @severincarrell.bsky.social about the folly of relying on private finance to fix the nature crisis for @theguardian.com www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
NatureScot may raise ‘more than £100m’ in private investment for conservation
Investors in talks about supporting up to 15 government-backed nature restoration projects in Scotland
www.theguardian.com
October 1, 2025 at 6:01 PM
“Thinking that commercial investors are going to fix things is foolhardy. We need fresh thinking.”
It was great to speak to @severincarrell.bsky.social about the folly of relying on private finance to fix the nature crisis for @theguardian.com www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
It was great to speak to @severincarrell.bsky.social about the folly of relying on private finance to fix the nature crisis for @theguardian.com www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Reposted by Laurie Macfarlane
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.
👇
“In a new report, Future Economy Scotland said relying on investors such as banks, pension funds and asset managers was wasteful and counterproductive.”
Our report on why private finance won’t fix the nature crisis is covered in @theguardian.com 👇
Our report on why private finance won’t fix the nature crisis is covered in @theguardian.com 👇
NatureScot may raise ‘more than £100m’ in private investment for conservation
Investors in talks about supporting up to 15 government-backed nature restoration projects in Scotland
www.theguardian.com
October 1, 2025 at 10:11 AM
“In a new report, Future Economy Scotland said relying on investors such as banks, pension funds and asset managers was wasteful and counterproductive.”
Our report on why private finance won’t fix the nature crisis is covered in @theguardian.com 👇
Our report on why private finance won’t fix the nature crisis is covered in @theguardian.com 👇
We’ve long been promised that private finance will fix the nature crisis. But our new report shows why the economics don’t stack up — and why we need a public-led alternative instead
More here 👇
More here 👇
🚨 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 9:00 AM
We’ve long been promised that private finance will fix the nature crisis. But our new report shows why the economics don’t stack up — and why we need a public-led alternative instead
More here 👇
More here 👇
Reposted by Laurie Macfarlane
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...
Reposted by Laurie Macfarlane
Our new report shows that relying on private finance for woodland creation and peatland restoration risks:
⬆️ Driving up costs by up to 48%
💸 Diverting taxpayer money to investor profits
🐌 Slowing Scotland’s path to net zero
⬆️ Driving up costs by up to 48%
💸 Diverting taxpayer money to investor profits
🐌 Slowing Scotland’s path to net zero
October 1, 2025 at 8:13 AM
Our new report shows that relying on private finance for woodland creation and peatland restoration risks:
⬆️ Driving up costs by up to 48%
💸 Diverting taxpayer money to investor profits
🐌 Slowing Scotland’s path to net zero
⬆️ Driving up costs by up to 48%
💸 Diverting taxpayer money to investor profits
🐌 Slowing Scotland’s path to net zero
Reposted by Laurie Macfarlane
🚨 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 8:13 AM
🚨 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...
Reposted by Laurie Macfarlane
As fears mount over the impact of Trump's tariffs on Scottish industries, what does the data tell us?
While UK exports to the US fell by 13% over the past year, Scottish exports actually grew by 8%.
Find out more in our latest blog by @jujupepe.bsky.social www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/322-ho...
While UK exports to the US fell by 13% over the past year, Scottish exports actually grew by 8%.
Find out more in our latest blog by @jujupepe.bsky.social www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/322-ho...
September 18, 2025 at 11:25 AM
As fears mount over the impact of Trump's tariffs on Scottish industries, what does the data tell us?
While UK exports to the US fell by 13% over the past year, Scottish exports actually grew by 8%.
Find out more in our latest blog by @jujupepe.bsky.social www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/322-ho...
While UK exports to the US fell by 13% over the past year, Scottish exports actually grew by 8%.
Find out more in our latest blog by @jujupepe.bsky.social www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/322-ho...