~ Some personal news ~

Our beautiful wee one arrived, so I’ll be on parental leave over the coming months. Looking forward to catching up with folk when I’m back.

In the meantime, the very talented Future Economy Scotland team has an exciting pipeline of work so keep an eye out!

All of Scotland has water scarcity, with some areas approaching significant levels, after driest start to the year since 1964.

May Day march in the sunshine 🌞

How can Scotland maximise the benefits of offshore wind?

We’re honoured to host this webinar, joined by expert speakers:

🔈 @ewangibbs.bsky.social, Glasgow University
🔈 Kateryna McKinnon, Crown Estate Scotland
🔈 Emma Harrick, Scottish Renewables

Sign up here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/how-can-sc...

How could anyone see the devastation caused by austerity and conclude that taxing an axe to welfare is a logical step forward?

A low wage, low welfare economy is a recipe for disaster - and a costly one.

@futureeconscot.bsky.social Spring Statement response: www.futureeconomy.scot/press/84-res...

🗣️ We’re hiring an Advocacy and Engagement Lead!

The salary is £36,000, with a 4-day week, 8% employer pension contribution, 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, and a commitment to staff training and development.

Find out more here: www.futureeconomy.scot/vacancies/ad...

We’ve just experienced the hottest year on record and are on track for a catastrophic 2.7C of global heating by the end of the century. The six biggest banks in the US viewed this as opportune moment for a mass retreat on their already flimsy net zero commitments.

The calm after a storm battered its way through Shetland. This was taken at 1330, shortly before sunset at 1459.

Thanks to @povertyalliance.org for organising today’s conference. It’s always a joy to share a panel with @fraserjfstewart.bsky.social, expertly chaired by Jamie Livingstone. We delved into why climate breakdown is fuelled by inequalities and the need to rewire the economy to tackle it #MakingChange

Rent inflation in Scotland since 2015 has outpaced CPI and earnings growth.

Average monthly rent for 2 bedroom properties in Glasgow increased by 86.2% between 2010 and 2023.

Future Economy Scotland polling, carried out by YouGov, demonstrates just how popular rent controls are. 82% of Scots support the introduction of rent controls – including a large majority across all regions of Scotland and voters of all major political parties

It was encouraging to hear the First Minister praising the work of Future Economy Scotland in Parliament.

If you’re interested in learning more about the economics of rent controls, read the blog by @lmacfarlane.bsky.social below

👉 www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/57-can...

Thank you to Emma Roddick MSP for hosting a parliamentary briefing with @futureeconscot.bsky.social where we delved into the economics of rent controls in theory and practise. Thanks to the attendees for the engaging discussion at this critical time ahead of stage two of the Housing (Scotland) Bill.