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’
I’ve launched a new YouTube channel, New World Disorder 🚀
Clip from the first episode, ‘The Tech Time Bomb’ 👇
Full video: youtu.be/v59IonvPUks?...
Clip from the first episode, ‘The Tech Time Bomb’ 👇
Full video: youtu.be/v59IonvPUks?...
December 20, 2025 at 1:52 PM
I’ve launched a new YouTube channel, New World Disorder 🚀
Clip from the first episode, ‘The Tech Time Bomb’ 👇
Full video: youtu.be/v59IonvPUks?...
Clip from the first episode, ‘The Tech Time Bomb’ 👇
Full video: youtu.be/v59IonvPUks?...
Reposted by Laurie Macfarlane
Looking forward to watching more from New World Disorder in 2026. Economist @lmacfarlane.bsky.social promises an exciting and engaging analysis of the political and economic turmoil reshaping our world. He begins with this whistle stop history of the present ⬇️
New World Disorder
New World Disorder breaks down the forces reshaping our world — economics, geopolitics, technology and more. From AI and trade wars to geopolitics and climate change, we help people navigate today's a...
m.youtube.com
December 19, 2025 at 10:06 AM
Looking forward to watching more from New World Disorder in 2026. Economist @lmacfarlane.bsky.social promises an exciting and engaging analysis of the political and economic turmoil reshaping our world. He begins with this whistle stop history of the present ⬇️
Reposted by Laurie Macfarlane
📣 What next for community wealth building in Scotland?
Our new report asks what it’ll take to turn ambition into action.
By our Co-Director @miriambrett.bsky.social, and @neilmcinroy.bsky.social, Global Lead for Community Wealth Building at @democracycollab.bsky.social.
1/13 🧵👇
Our new report asks what it’ll take to turn ambition into action.
By our Co-Director @miriambrett.bsky.social, and @neilmcinroy.bsky.social, Global Lead for Community Wealth Building at @democracycollab.bsky.social.
1/13 🧵👇
December 17, 2025 at 10:48 AM
📣 What next for community wealth building in Scotland?
Our new report asks what it’ll take to turn ambition into action.
By our Co-Director @miriambrett.bsky.social, and @neilmcinroy.bsky.social, Global Lead for Community Wealth Building at @democracycollab.bsky.social.
1/13 🧵👇
Our new report asks what it’ll take to turn ambition into action.
By our Co-Director @miriambrett.bsky.social, and @neilmcinroy.bsky.social, Global Lead for Community Wealth Building at @democracycollab.bsky.social.
1/13 🧵👇
The Trump administration’s new National Security Strategy is crucial reading to understand the US’s economic and geopolitical ambitions.
Some key takeaways 🧵 www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/u...
Some key takeaways 🧵 www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/u...
December 5, 2025 at 1:59 PM
The Trump administration’s new National Security Strategy is crucial reading to understand the US’s economic and geopolitical ambitions.
Some key takeaways 🧵 www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/u...
Some key takeaways 🧵 www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/u...
Reposted by Laurie Macfarlane
“There’s no economic reason why Scotland shouldn’t have more borrowing powers.”
Our co-director @lmacfarlane.bsky.social spoke to The National about the Scottish Government’s plan to issue bonds:
Our co-director @lmacfarlane.bsky.social spoke to The National about the Scottish Government’s plan to issue bonds:
Does the Scottish Government issuing bonds make sense? Expert gives verdict
AN economic expert has claimed the Scottish Government issuing bonds is “more about politics than economics”, questioning claims it would lead…
www.thenational.scot
December 2, 2025 at 9:59 AM
“There’s no economic reason why Scotland shouldn’t have more borrowing powers.”
Our co-director @lmacfarlane.bsky.social spoke to The National about the Scottish Government’s plan to issue bonds:
Our co-director @lmacfarlane.bsky.social spoke to The National about the Scottish Government’s plan to issue bonds:
“What we’re doing is shifting one source of borrowing to another that is potentially more expensive.”
I spoke to The National about the Scottish Government’s plan to issue bonds.
TLDR - I’m not convinced 👇
I spoke to The National about the Scottish Government’s plan to issue bonds.
TLDR - I’m not convinced 👇
Does the Scottish Government issuing bonds make sense? Expert gives verdict
AN economic expert has claimed the Scottish Government issuing bonds is “more about politics than economics”, questioning claims it would lead…
www.thenational.scot
December 2, 2025 at 9:50 AM
“What we’re doing is shifting one source of borrowing to another that is potentially more expensive.”
I spoke to The National about the Scottish Government’s plan to issue bonds.
TLDR - I’m not convinced 👇
I spoke to The National about the Scottish Government’s plan to issue bonds.
TLDR - I’m not convinced 👇
Reposted by Laurie Macfarlane
Thanks to Mercedes Villalba MSP for raising our proposals to take public equity stakes in offshore wind in Parliament this week.
And to @gillianamartin.bsky.social for agreeing it’s “the right thing to do” — we look forward to seeing more on this 👏
And to @gillianamartin.bsky.social for agreeing it’s “the right thing to do” — we look forward to seeing more on this 👏
November 28, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Thanks to Mercedes Villalba MSP for raising our proposals to take public equity stakes in offshore wind in Parliament this week.
And to @gillianamartin.bsky.social for agreeing it’s “the right thing to do” — we look forward to seeing more on this 👏
And to @gillianamartin.bsky.social for agreeing it’s “the right thing to do” — we look forward to seeing more on this 👏
Reposted by Laurie Macfarlane
Missed this week’s webinar on ‘Can private finance fix the nature crisis?’
The full recording is now available to watch on our YouTube channel 🎥
The full recording is now available to watch on our YouTube channel 🎥
Can private finance fix the nature crisis?
YouTube video by Future Economy Scotland
youtu.be
November 28, 2025 at 9:36 AM
Missed this week’s webinar on ‘Can private finance fix the nature crisis?’
The full recording is now available to watch on our YouTube channel 🎥
The full recording is now available to watch on our YouTube channel 🎥
The UK budget increased the rate of tax on property income by 2%. As a devolved area, the Scottish Government needs to decide how to respond.
Scottish landlords already pay different income tax rates to rUK: most pay more, but some pay less.
Scottish landlords already pay different income tax rates to rUK: most pay more, but some pay less.
November 27, 2025 at 4:51 PM
The UK budget increased the rate of tax on property income by 2%. As a devolved area, the Scottish Government needs to decide how to respond.
Scottish landlords already pay different income tax rates to rUK: most pay more, but some pay less.
Scottish landlords already pay different income tax rates to rUK: most pay more, but some pay less.
Reposted by Laurie Macfarlane
After weeks of speculation, Rachel Reeves finally delivered her Budget. But how will it impact Scotland?
Highlights in 🧵
Read our full analysis 👉 www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/358-ho...
Highlights in 🧵
Read our full analysis 👉 www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/358-ho...
November 27, 2025 at 12:41 PM
After weeks of speculation, Rachel Reeves finally delivered her Budget. But how will it impact Scotland?
Highlights in 🧵
Read our full analysis 👉 www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/358-ho...
Highlights in 🧵
Read our full analysis 👉 www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/358-ho...
Our new analysis unpacks what the Budget means for Scotland 👇
Alongside big ticket items, there are quite a few smaller fiddly changes…
Alongside big ticket items, there are quite a few smaller fiddly changes…
After weeks of speculation, Rachel Reeves finally delivered her Budget. But how will it impact Scotland?
Highlights in 🧵
Read our full analysis 👉 www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/358-ho...
Highlights in 🧵
Read our full analysis 👉 www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/358-ho...
November 27, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Our new analysis unpacks what the Budget means for Scotland 👇
Alongside big ticket items, there are quite a few smaller fiddly changes…
Alongside big ticket items, there are quite a few smaller fiddly changes…
Reposted by Laurie Macfarlane
Can private finance fix the nature crisis?
In this clip from yesterday’s webinar, Laurie Macfarlane breaks down the 3 reasons why market-led solutions won’t save Scotland’s woodlands and peatlands.
Watch full recording to learn about what might: www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/355-wa...
In this clip from yesterday’s webinar, Laurie Macfarlane breaks down the 3 reasons why market-led solutions won’t save Scotland’s woodlands and peatlands.
Watch full recording to learn about what might: www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/355-wa...
November 26, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Can private finance fix the nature crisis?
In this clip from yesterday’s webinar, Laurie Macfarlane breaks down the 3 reasons why market-led solutions won’t save Scotland’s woodlands and peatlands.
Watch full recording to learn about what might: www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/355-wa...
In this clip from yesterday’s webinar, Laurie Macfarlane breaks down the 3 reasons why market-led solutions won’t save Scotland’s woodlands and peatlands.
Watch full recording to learn about what might: www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/355-wa...
Reposted by Laurie Macfarlane
While the autumn budget contained some welcome measures, it falls short of what the UK and Scotland need.
Read our full response: www.futureeconomy.scot/press/221-re...
Read our full response: www.futureeconomy.scot/press/221-re...
November 26, 2025 at 2:36 PM
While the autumn budget contained some welcome measures, it falls short of what the UK and Scotland need.
Read our full response: www.futureeconomy.scot/press/221-re...
Read our full response: www.futureeconomy.scot/press/221-re...
Our webinar — ‘Can private finance fix the nature crisis?’ — is starting in an hour
Still time to register below 👇
Still time to register below 👇
Our webinar is TOMORROW & there are only a few tickets remaining!
Join our Co-Director @lmacfarlane.bsky.social and Senior Economist @hannawheatley.bsky.social for a discussion on whether private finance can fix the nature crisis.
🗓️25 Nov 12:30-1:30pm
👇Book now: www.eventbrite.com/e/can-privat...
Join our Co-Director @lmacfarlane.bsky.social and Senior Economist @hannawheatley.bsky.social for a discussion on whether private finance can fix the nature crisis.
🗓️25 Nov 12:30-1:30pm
👇Book now: www.eventbrite.com/e/can-privat...
Can private finance fix the nature crisis?
Join Future Economy Scotland for a webinar exploring how to scale up nature restoration in line with a just transition.
www.eventbrite.com
November 25, 2025 at 11:21 AM
Our webinar — ‘Can private finance fix the nature crisis?’ — is starting in an hour
Still time to register below 👇
Still time to register below 👇
Reposted by Laurie Macfarlane
Our webinar is TOMORROW & there are only a few tickets remaining!
Join our Co-Director @lmacfarlane.bsky.social and Senior Economist @hannawheatley.bsky.social for a discussion on whether private finance can fix the nature crisis.
🗓️25 Nov 12:30-1:30pm
👇Book now: www.eventbrite.com/e/can-privat...
Join our Co-Director @lmacfarlane.bsky.social and Senior Economist @hannawheatley.bsky.social for a discussion on whether private finance can fix the nature crisis.
🗓️25 Nov 12:30-1:30pm
👇Book now: www.eventbrite.com/e/can-privat...
Can private finance fix the nature crisis?
Join Future Economy Scotland for a webinar exploring how to scale up nature restoration in line with a just transition.
www.eventbrite.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Our webinar is TOMORROW & there are only a few tickets remaining!
Join our Co-Director @lmacfarlane.bsky.social and Senior Economist @hannawheatley.bsky.social for a discussion on whether private finance can fix the nature crisis.
🗓️25 Nov 12:30-1:30pm
👇Book now: www.eventbrite.com/e/can-privat...
Join our Co-Director @lmacfarlane.bsky.social and Senior Economist @hannawheatley.bsky.social for a discussion on whether private finance can fix the nature crisis.
🗓️25 Nov 12:30-1:30pm
👇Book now: www.eventbrite.com/e/can-privat...
It was great to join the Skotia podcast to talk all things ScotWind with Dave Moxham from the STUC.
Listen here:
Listen here:
Is Scotland squandering its offshore potential?
Almost four years on from the ScotWind leasing round, Dave Moxham (STUC) and Laurie Macfarlane (Future Economy Scotland) offer their perspectives.
Listen to the latest episode of Nest of Fearties now: buff.ly/4bAhXVT
Almost four years on from the ScotWind leasing round, Dave Moxham (STUC) and Laurie Macfarlane (Future Economy Scotland) offer their perspectives.
Listen to the latest episode of Nest of Fearties now: buff.ly/4bAhXVT
November 24, 2025 at 12:02 PM
It was great to join the Skotia podcast to talk all things ScotWind with Dave Moxham from the STUC.
Listen here:
Listen here:
Delighted to get my hands on this new book which features a chapter I co-authored with @mazzucatom.bsky.social on state investment banks.
It’s packed with essays covering every aspect of green economic development, published by Oxford University Press.
It’s packed with essays covering every aspect of green economic development, published by Oxford University Press.
November 21, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Delighted to get my hands on this new book which features a chapter I co-authored with @mazzucatom.bsky.social on state investment banks.
It’s packed with essays covering every aspect of green economic development, published by Oxford University Press.
It’s packed with essays covering every aspect of green economic development, published by Oxford University Press.
Can private finance really fix the nature crisis? Come along to our webinar next week to hear more
🗓️ 25 Nov, 12.30-1.30
More info below 👇
🗓️ 25 Nov, 12.30-1.30
More info below 👇
Can private finance fix Scotland's nature crisis?🌿
Join @lmacfarlane.bsky.social and @hannawheatley.bsky.social to discuss their recent report on restoring nature, and whether private finance can really deliver the investment needed.
Reserve your free place 👇
www.eventbrite.com/e/can-privat...
Join @lmacfarlane.bsky.social and @hannawheatley.bsky.social to discuss their recent report on restoring nature, and whether private finance can really deliver the investment needed.
Reserve your free place 👇
www.eventbrite.com/e/can-privat...
Can private finance fix the nature crisis?
Join Future Economy Scotland for a webinar exploring how to scale up nature restoration in line with a just transition.
www.eventbrite.com
November 21, 2025 at 10:04 AM
Can private finance really fix the nature crisis? Come along to our webinar next week to hear more
🗓️ 25 Nov, 12.30-1.30
More info below 👇
🗓️ 25 Nov, 12.30-1.30
More info below 👇
Reposted by Laurie Macfarlane
And explore our interactive map with @cmmonwealth.bsky.social to see who currently owns ScotWind projects – and who stands to benefit 👇
🏴 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
November 20, 2025 at 1:54 PM
And explore our interactive map with @cmmonwealth.bsky.social to see who currently owns ScotWind projects – and who stands to benefit 👇
Reposted by Laurie Macfarlane
Watch our video on why the people of Scotland need a stake in our energy future 👇
bsky.app/profile/futu...
bsky.app/profile/futu...
Our recent report, Rethinking ScotWind, warned that when control over vital clean energy rests with global corporations and asset managers, Scotland risks losing out on the long-term economic benefits of renewables - from public revenue to jobs.
🎥 Watch our video summary.
🎥 Watch our video summary.
November 20, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Watch our video on why the people of Scotland need a stake in our energy future 👇
bsky.app/profile/futu...
bsky.app/profile/futu...
It’s great to see the NWF, GB Energy and SNIB come together to take ownership stakes in offshore wind
This is the kind of joined up, proactive public investment we need much more of 👇
This is the kind of joined up, proactive public investment we need much more of 👇
We welcome the decision to take public equity stakes in the Pentland offshore wind farm.
Public ownership can help deliver better outcomes for:
✊ Workers
💷The taxpayer
🏭 Supply chains
Public ownership can help deliver better outcomes for:
✊ Workers
💷The taxpayer
🏭 Supply chains
UK and Scottish Governments announce major investment in offshore wind farm
National Wealth Fund, Great British Energy and the Scottish National Investment Bank will each put up to £50m towards th...
www.holyrood.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:04 PM
It’s great to see the NWF, GB Energy and SNIB come together to take ownership stakes in offshore wind
This is the kind of joined up, proactive public investment we need much more of 👇
This is the kind of joined up, proactive public investment we need much more of 👇
Reposted by Laurie Macfarlane
We need the Scottish Government to double the Just Transition Fund - backing re-skilling, Fair Work and real labour planning.
Our new report shows how.
📗 Read it here: www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
Our new report shows how.
📗 Read it here: www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
Delivering a Just Transition for Scotland’s Fossil Fuel Workers
A plan for proactively transitioning the labour market for life beyond fossil fuels.
www.futureeconomy.scot
November 19, 2025 at 9:18 AM
We need the Scottish Government to double the Just Transition Fund - backing re-skilling, Fair Work and real labour planning.
Our new report shows how.
📗 Read it here: www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
Our new report shows how.
📗 Read it here: www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
Reposted by Laurie Macfarlane
Let’s be clear: Scotland is not on track for a just transition.
For every 3 oil & gas jobs lost, only 2 green jobs have appeared - People are being left behind.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. With proper planning and investment, Scotland could create 40,000 more energy jobs than we’ll lose.
For every 3 oil & gas jobs lost, only 2 green jobs have appeared - People are being left behind.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. With proper planning and investment, Scotland could create 40,000 more energy jobs than we’ll lose.
November 19, 2025 at 9:18 AM
Let’s be clear: Scotland is not on track for a just transition.
For every 3 oil & gas jobs lost, only 2 green jobs have appeared - People are being left behind.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. With proper planning and investment, Scotland could create 40,000 more energy jobs than we’ll lose.
For every 3 oil & gas jobs lost, only 2 green jobs have appeared - People are being left behind.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. With proper planning and investment, Scotland could create 40,000 more energy jobs than we’ll lose.
Reposted by Laurie Macfarlane
Can private finance fix Scotland's nature crisis?🌿
Join @lmacfarlane.bsky.social and @hannawheatley.bsky.social to discuss their recent report on restoring nature, and whether private finance can really deliver the investment needed.
Reserve your free place 👇
www.eventbrite.com/e/can-privat...
Join @lmacfarlane.bsky.social and @hannawheatley.bsky.social to discuss their recent report on restoring nature, and whether private finance can really deliver the investment needed.
Reserve your free place 👇
www.eventbrite.com/e/can-privat...
Can private finance fix the nature crisis?
Join Future Economy Scotland for a webinar exploring how to scale up nature restoration in line with a just transition.
www.eventbrite.com
November 18, 2025 at 10:18 AM
Can private finance fix Scotland's nature crisis?🌿
Join @lmacfarlane.bsky.social and @hannawheatley.bsky.social to discuss their recent report on restoring nature, and whether private finance can really deliver the investment needed.
Reserve your free place 👇
www.eventbrite.com/e/can-privat...
Join @lmacfarlane.bsky.social and @hannawheatley.bsky.social to discuss their recent report on restoring nature, and whether private finance can really deliver the investment needed.
Reserve your free place 👇
www.eventbrite.com/e/can-privat...
This news is devastating. It follows more than 400 jobs lost at Grangemouth refinery earlier this year — yet the UK and Scottish Governments have clearly failed to learn from these mistakes 🧵
Exxon Mobil to close part of plant at Mossmorran - BBC News
Hundreds of staff have been told their jobs are at risk with the Fife Ethylene Plant in Mossmorran due to close in February.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 18, 2025 at 4:04 PM
This news is devastating. It follows more than 400 jobs lost at Grangemouth refinery earlier this year — yet the UK and Scottish Governments have clearly failed to learn from these mistakes 🧵