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
Our report with @mazzucatom.bsky.social and @iipp-ucl.bsky.social warns Scotland’s economy stands at a critical juncture.
To close the gap between ambition and delivery, it must move beyond minor tweaks, and embrace an investment-led, mission-oriented industrial strategy.
🧵 Recommendations 👇
To close the gap between ambition and delivery, it must move beyond minor tweaks, and embrace an investment-led, mission-oriented industrial strategy.
🧵 Recommendations 👇
November 13, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Our report with @mazzucatom.bsky.social and @iipp-ucl.bsky.social warns Scotland’s economy stands at a critical juncture.
To close the gap between ambition and delivery, it must move beyond minor tweaks, and embrace an investment-led, mission-oriented industrial strategy.
🧵 Recommendations 👇
To close the gap between ambition and delivery, it must move beyond minor tweaks, and embrace an investment-led, mission-oriented industrial strategy.
🧵 Recommendations 👇
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 12, 2025 at 1:33 PM
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.
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 🎂
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...
Our new interactive map, 'Who Owns ScotWind?', created with @cmmonwealth.bsky.social shows who really controls Scotland’s offshore wind, and how much of the benefit stays in Scotland.
Take a look: futureeconomy.scot/scotwind
Take a look: futureeconomy.scot/scotwind
October 23, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Our new interactive map, 'Who Owns ScotWind?', created with @cmmonwealth.bsky.social shows who really controls Scotland’s offshore wind, and how much of the benefit stays in Scotland.
Take a look: futureeconomy.scot/scotwind
Take a look: futureeconomy.scot/scotwind
Our new report sets out how Scotland can deliver a just transition: protecting jobs, skills and livelihoods while building a resilient green economy.
📗Read it here: futureeconomy.scot/publications...
🎥Or check out the key findings below.👇
📗Read it here: futureeconomy.scot/publications...
🎥Or check out the key findings below.👇
October 21, 2025 at 10:27 AM
Our new report sets out how Scotland can deliver a just transition: protecting jobs, skills and livelihoods while building a resilient green economy.
📗Read it here: futureeconomy.scot/publications...
🎥Or check out the key findings below.👇
📗Read it here: futureeconomy.scot/publications...
🎥Or check out the key findings below.👇
In 2018, the Scottish Government set out to restore 250,000 hectares of peatlands by 2030.
Between 2018–23, progress averaged just 5,776 ha. a year.
Even 2024–25’s record 14,860 ha. would need to double every year to stay on track.
Between 2018–23, progress averaged just 5,776 ha. a year.
Even 2024–25’s record 14,860 ha. would need to double every year to stay on track.
October 16, 2025 at 9:53 AM
In 2018, the Scottish Government set out to restore 250,000 hectares of peatlands by 2030.
Between 2018–23, progress averaged just 5,776 ha. a year.
Even 2024–25’s record 14,860 ha. would need to double every year to stay on track.
Between 2018–23, progress averaged just 5,776 ha. a year.
Even 2024–25’s record 14,860 ha. would need to double every year to stay on track.
🌿 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...
Scotland has some of Europe’s best renewable energy resources, but so far green job creation hasn’t kept pace.
For every one clean energy job created since 2014, three oil and gas jobs have been lost.
For every one clean energy job created since 2014, three oil and gas jobs have been lost.
October 11, 2025 at 8:42 AM
Scotland has some of Europe’s best renewable energy resources, but so far green job creation hasn’t kept pace.
For every one clean energy job created since 2014, three oil and gas jobs have been lost.
For every one clean energy job created since 2014, three oil and gas jobs have been lost.
Scotland has some of Europe’s best renewable energy resources, but so far green job creation hasn’t kept pace.
For every one clean energy job created since 2014, three oil and gas jobs have been lost.
For every one clean energy job created since 2014, three oil and gas jobs have been lost.
October 11, 2025 at 8:42 AM
Scotland has some of Europe’s best renewable energy resources, but so far green job creation hasn’t kept pace.
For every one clean energy job created since 2014, three oil and gas jobs have been lost.
For every one clean energy job created since 2014, three oil and gas jobs have been lost.
Our new report finds that oil and gas employment in Scotland has fallen by a third since 2014 — around 34,000 job losses. This is despite new oil and gas licenses.
Forecasts predict a further 20-50% decline by 2030.
Forecasts predict a further 20-50% decline by 2030.
October 11, 2025 at 8:42 AM
Our new report finds that oil and gas employment in Scotland has fallen by a third since 2014 — around 34,000 job losses. This is despite new oil and gas licenses.
Forecasts predict a further 20-50% decline by 2030.
Forecasts predict a further 20-50% decline by 2030.
🚨 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