Editing NatureScot

{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2017}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2017}}
{{short description|Scottish government agency for natural heritage conservation}}
{{Infobox government agency
| name            = NatureScot
| native_name     = {{native name|gd|NàdarAlba}}
| type            = Organisation
| logo            = NatureScot logo.PNG
| logo_size       = 300
| logo_caption    = 
| logo_alt        = 
| image           = Great_Glen_House_Inverness.jpg
| image_size      = 
| image_caption   = Great Glen House in [[Inverness]], headquarters of NatureScot
| image_alt       = 
| formed          = {{Start date and age|1992}} (as Scottish Natural Heritage)
| preceding1      = [[Nature Conservancy Council|Nature Conservancy Council for Scotland]]
| preceding2      = [[Countryside Commission for Scotland]]
| dissolved       = 
| superseding1    = 
| superseding2    = <!-- up to |superseding6= -->
| agency_type     = [[Non-departmental public body|Executive non-departmental public body]]
| jurisdiction    = Scotland
| status          = 
| headquarters    = Great Glen House, [[Inverness]]
| coordinates     = <!-- {{coord|LATITUDE|LONGITUDE|type:landmark_region:US|display=inline,title}} -->
| motto           = 
| employees       = 814 (Q4 2024)<ref name=pbsg/>
| budget          = £68.8m (2022–23)<ref name=report2022-23>{{cite web|url=https://www.nature.scot/sites/default/files/2024-02/naturescot-annual-report-january-2023-accessible.pdf|title=SNH Annual Report and Accounts 2022-23|publisher=NatureScot|access-date=25 October 2024}}</ref>
| minister_type   = 
| minister1_name  = 
| minister1_pfo   = 
| minister2_name  = 
| minister2_pfo   = <!-- up to |minister8_name= -->
| deputyminister_type = 
| deputyminister1_name = 
| deputyminister1_pfo = 
| deputyminister2_name = 
| deputyminister2_pfo = <!-- up to |deputyminister8_name= -->
| chief1_name     = Nick Halfhide
| chief1_position = [[Chief executive officer|Chief Executive]]
| chief2_name     = Prof. Colin Galbraith
| chief2_position = [[Chairperson]]
| parent_department = [[Scottish Government]] (Environment and Forestry Directorate)
| parent_agency   = 
| parent_agency_type = <!-- defaults to |type if left blank -->
| child1_agency   = 
| child2_agency   = <!-- up to |child25_agency= -->
| keydocument1    = <!-- up to |keydocument6= -->
| website         = {{Official URL}}
| agency_id       = 
| map             = 
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}}

'''NatureScot''' ({{langx|gd|NàdarAlba}}) is an [[Scottish public bodies#Executive NDPBs|executive non-departmental public body]]<ref name=pbsg>{{cite web|url=https://www.gov.scot/publications/national-public-bodies-directory/pages/executive-non-departmental-public-bodies/|title=National public bodies directory - Executive non-departmental public bodies|access-date=25 October 2024|publisher=Scottish Government|date=19 June 2024}}</ref> of the [[Scottish Government]] responsible for Scotland’s [[natural heritage]], especially its [[nature|natural]], [[genetics|genetic]] and scenic diversity. It advises the [[Scottish Government]] on nature conservation, and acts as a government agent in the delivery of [[conservation designation]]s, i.e. [[national nature reserve (Scotland)|national nature reserve]]s, [[local nature reserve]]s, [[National parks of Scotland|national parks]], [[Site of Special Scientific Interest|Sites of Special Scientific Interest]] (SSSIs), [[Special Area of Conservation|Special Areas of Conservation]], [[Special Protection Area]]s and the [[national scenic area (Scotland)|national scenic areas]]. It receives annual funding from the Scottish Government in the form of Grant in Aid to deliver government priorities for Scotland’s natural heritage.

NatureScot is the Scottish Government's adviser on all aspects of nature, wildlife management and landscape in Scotland, and also helps the Scottish Government meet its responsibilities under EU environmental laws, particularly in relation to the [[Habitats Directive]] and the [[Birds Directive]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://jncc.gov.uk/our-work/european-reporting/#habitats-directive-reporting|title=European Reporting|publisher=JNCC|access-date=3 September 2020}}</ref> The agency currently employs in the region of 700 people, but much of NatureScot's work is carried out in partnership with others including local authorities, government bodies, voluntary environmental bodies, community groups, farmers and land managers. The body has offices in most parts of Scotland including the main islands. NatureScot works closely with the [[Joint Nature Conservation Committee]] (JNCC) and the equivalent bodies for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland to ensure a consistent approach to nature conservation throughout the United Kingdom and to fulfilling the United Kingdom’s international obligations.

The agency was established in 1992 as Scottish Natural Heritage.<ref name="Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991" /> In November 2019, it was announced that it would rebrand as NatureScot,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nature.scot/national-nature-agency-become-naturescot|title=National nature agency to become 'NatureScot'|access-date=19 November 2019|date=19 November 2019|publisher=Scottish Natural Heritage|archive-date=19 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200119215847/https://www.nature.scot/national-nature-agency-become-naturescot|url-status=dead}}</ref> a change which took effect on 24 August 2020.<ref name=rebrand/> The body’s statutory name remains Scottish Natural Heritage.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nature.scot/doc/naturescot-framework-directive|title=NatureScot Framework Document|website=NatureScot}}</ref>

==Roles and responsibilities==
The general aims of NatureScot as established in the Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991 are to:<ref name="Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991" /> 
* Secure the conservation and enhancement of Scotland's natural heritage;
* Foster understanding and facilitate the enjoyment of Scotland's natural heritage;
For the purposes of the Act, Scotland's natural heritage is defined as the [[Flora of Scotland|flora]] and [[Fauna of Scotland|fauna]] of Scotland, its [[Geology of Scotland|geological and physiographical features]] and its natural beauty and amenity. Specific responsibilities of NatureScot include:
* Providing advice to the Scottish government on the development and implementation of policies relevant to the natural heritage of Scotland;
* Disseminating information and advice relating to the natural heritage of Scotland to the public;
* Carrying out and commissioning research relating to the natural heritage of Scotland;
* Establishing, maintaining and managing designated [[conservation designation|areas of conservation]] in Scotland;

=== Protected areas ===
[[File:Caerlaverock SNH.jpg|thumb|[[Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve|Caerlaverock]] is a national nature reserve managed by NatureScot.]]
{{Main|Protected areas of Scotland}}NatureScot has responsibility for the delivery of [[conservation designation]]s in Scotland, i.e. [[National nature reserve (Scotland)|national nature reserves]], [[local nature reserve]]s, [[long distance route]]s, [[National parks of Scotland|national parks]], [[Site of Special Scientific Interest|Sites of Special Scientific Interest]] (SSSIs), [[Special Area of Conservation|Special Areas of Conservation]], [[Special Protection Area]]s and the [[National scenic area (Scotland)|national scenic areas]]. The conservation designations overlap considerably with many protected areas covered by multiple designations. In total around 20% of the area of Scotland is covered by some form of protected area designation, with SSSIs alone covering 13%.{{citation needed|date=October 2022}} 

==== National nature reserves ====
{{Main|National nature reserve (Scotland)}}National nature reserves (NNRs) are areas of land or water designated under the [[Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981]] to contain habitats and species of national importance. NNRs can be owned by public, private, community or voluntary organisations but must be managed to conserve their important habitats and species, as well as providing opportunities for the public to enjoy and engage with nature. There are currently 43 NNRs in Scotland, which cover {{convert|154,250|hectare|km2}}.<ref name=nnr-intro>{{cite web|url=https://www.nnr.scot/About|title=About NNRs|publisher=Scottish Natural Heritage|access-date=2018-05-14}}</ref>

NatureScot is responsible for designating NNRs in Scotland and for overseeing their maintenance and management. The majority of NNRs are directly managed by NatureScot; however, some are managed by, or in co-operation with other bodies, including the [[National Trust for Scotland]] (7 NNRs), [[Forestry and Land Scotland]] (5 NNRs), the [[Royal Society for the Protection of Birds|RSPB]] (5 NNRs), the [[Scottish Wildlife Trust]] (1 NNR), [[South Lanarkshire Council]] (1 NNR), and the [[Woodland Trust]] (1 NNR).<ref name="nnr-intro"/>

All NNRs in Scotland are also designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Many also form part of the [[Natura 2000]] network, which covers [[Special Protection Area]]s and [[Special Area of Conservation|Special Areas of Conservation]]. Additionally, some of the NNRs are designated as [[Ramsar site]]s.<ref name="nnr-intro"/>

==== National scenic areas ====
{{Main|National Scenic Area (Scotland)}}There are 40 national scenic areas (NSAs) in Scotland, covering 13% of the land area of Scotland. The 40 NSAs were originally identified in 1978 by the Countryside Commission for Scotland in 1978 as areas of "national scenic significance... of unsurpassed attractiveness which must be conserved as part of our national heritage".<ref>{{Cite journal|date=April 1978|title=Scotland's Scenic Heritage|url=http://www.snh.gov.uk/docs/B464646.pdf|journal=Countryside Commission for Scotland|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013133629/http://www.snh.gov.uk/docs/B464646.pdf|archive-date=13 October 2012|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

=== Protected species ===
[[File:Red_deer_stag_2009_denmark.jpg|thumb|NatureScot issues licences to cull [[red deer]] following its merger with the [[Deer Commission for Scotland]].]]
Vulnerable plant and animal species in Scotland are protected under various legislation. In many cases it is an offence to kill or capture members of a protected animal species, or to uproot plants. NatureScot's primary role in regard to protected species is to license activities that would otherwise be an offence.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/species-licensing/|title=Species licensing - Scottish Natural Heritage|website=www.snh.gov.uk|access-date=2016-04-23}}</ref>

=== Enjoying the outdoors ===
NatureScot is responsible for promoting public access and enjoyment of the outdoors. It created and updates the [[Scottish Outdoor Access Code]], which provides detailed guidance on the exercise of the ancient tradition of [[freedom to roam|universal access to land]] in Scotland, which was formally codified by the [[Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot/act-and-access-code/land-reform-act/who-has-duties-and-powers|title=Who has duties and powers|publisher=NatureScot|access-date=30 September 2020}}</ref> It also hosts the National Access Forum, which brings together all bodies with an interest in land access issues.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot/act-and-access-code/national-access-forum|title=National Access Forum|publisher=NatureScot|access-date=30 September 2020}}</ref>

NatureScot also support the management of the three [[Regional parks of Scotland|regional parks]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/protected-areas-and-species/protected-areas/local-designations/regional-parks|title=Regional parks|publisher=NatureScot|access-date=30 September 2020}}</ref> It acts as the "custodian" of [[Scotland's Great Trails]], maintaining the official list and providing some finance and publicity to the trails, although responsibility for creating and maintaining each route lies with the [[Local government in Scotland|local authorities]] through which a route passes.<ref>{{cite web|title=About Scotland's Great Trails|url=http://www.scotlandsgreattrails.com/aboutsgts/|publisher=Scotland's Great Trails|access-date=30 September 2020}}</ref>

== Governance ==
NatureScot is governed by its [[Board of directors|board]]. As of August 2022, the board is made up of twelve members and is chaired by Prof Colin Galbraith. Board members are appointed by Scottish Government ministers for an initial term of four years and normally serve a maximum of two terms. The primary roles of the board are to determine the objectives, strategies and policies of NatureScot in respect to its statutory obligations and guidance from the Scottish Government. Meetings of the NatureScot Board are open to the public to attend as observers.<ref name=board>{{cite web|url=https://www.nature.scot/about-naturescot/board-directors-and-committees/our-board|title=Our Board|access-date=3 September 2020|publisher=NatureScot}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nature.scot/about-naturescot/board-directors-and-committees/our-board/board-members|title=Board Members|access-date=3 September 2020|publisher=NatureScot}}</ref>

Day-to-day operations are led by the Senior Leadership Team, consisting of a chief executive, who is appointed by the board, and a number of directors and deputy directors. {{As of|April 2025}} the Senior Leadership Team comprised:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nature.scot/about-naturescot/board-directors-and-committees/senior-leadership-team|title=Senior Leadership Team|access-date=10 August 2022|publisher=NatureScot}}</ref>

*Chief Executive and Accountable Officer: Nick Halfhide (interim)
*Director of Business Services and Transformation: Jane Macdonald
*Director of Green Economy: Robbie Kernahan
*Director of Nature and Climate Change: Eileen Stuart (interim)
*Deputy Director of Green Economy: Claudia Rowse
*Deputy Director of Nature and Climate Change: Stuart MacQuarrie
*Head of External Affairs: Jason Ormiston
*Deputy Director of Business Services and Transformation: Marie Hernandez

Supporting the Board are three committee, the Scientific Advisory Committee, the Protected Areas Committee, and the Audit and Risk Committee.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nature.scot/about-naturescot/board-directors-and-committees|title=Board, Directors and Committees|access-date=3 September 2020|publisher=NatureScot}}</ref>

NatureScot programmes and priorities have a strong focus on helping to deliver the Scottish Government's National Outcomes and Targets which comprise the National Performance Framework.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scotland.gov.uk/About/Performance/scotPerforms/outcome|title=National Performance Framework|publisher=Scottish Government}}</ref> NatureScot is also a member of [[SEARS (Scotland's Environmental and Rural Services)]].

==History==
[[File:Scottish Natural Heritage logo.gif|thumb|Former logo of Scottish Natural Heritage|alt=]]
The agency was formed as Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) in 1992 from the amalgamation of the [[Nature Conservancy Council|Nature Conservancy Council for Scotland]] and the [[Countryside Commission for Scotland]] to "secure the conservation and enhancement of, and to foster understanding and facilitate the enjoyment of the natural heritage of Scotland".<ref name="Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991">{{cite web|title=Natural Heritage (Scotland) Act 1991|date=1991|url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1991/28/contents|access-date=17 April 2016}}</ref>

In March 2003, Scottish Ministers announced their decision to transfer SNH's headquarters from Edinburgh to [[Inverness]], with around 270 jobs to be transferred.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/11900038.Scottish_Natural_Heritage_HQ_will_move_to_Inverness/|title=Scottish Natural Heritage HQ will move to Inverness|website=Herald Scotland|date=20 March 2003 |access-date=2016-04-19}}</ref> Prior to the move, relocation costs were variously estimated at between £22 million and £40 million.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/3195708.stm|title=SNH staff move 'could top £40m'|date=2003-10-16|newspaper=BBC|access-date=2016-04-19}}</ref> The decision to transfer SNH's headquarters was heavily criticized by [[Member of the Scottish Parliament|MSPs]], unions, Edinburgh civic leaders and staff.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/inverness-ready-for-scottish-natural-heritage-s-first-fifteen-1-516488|title=Inverness ready for Scottish Natural Heritage's First Fifteen|website=www.scotsman.com|access-date=2016-04-19}}</ref> Criticism focused on the cost of the move, the disruption to staff and the risk of compromising the effectiveness of SNH's work. Up to 75% of headquarters staff were reported to be against the move.<ref name=":0" /> Relocation took place between 2003 and 2006, many staff left at this point as they did not wish to, or were unable to transfer location.

In 2006, SNH headquarters staff moved into Great Glen House, a £15 million purpose-built headquarters building in Inverness. Great Glen House was built by Robertson Property, working with Keppie Design. As part of the tendering process, SNH set seven environmental and sustainability criteria for the design including achieving an 'Excellent' rating under the [[BREEAM]] system. The final design met all criteria and achieved the highest ever BREEAM rating for a public building in the UK.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.snh.org.uk/press/detail.asp?id=1554|title=About SNH - Press Releases|website=www.snh.org.uk|access-date=2016-04-19}}</ref>

On 1 August 2010, the functions of the [[Deer Commission for Scotland]] were transferred to SNH by section 1 of the [[Public Services (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2010]] and the Commission was dissolved.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.statutelaw.gov.uk/content.aspx?LegType=All+Legislation&searchDay=9&searchMonth=8&searchYear=2010&searchEnacted=0&text=%26quot%3bDeer+Commission%26quot%3b&extent=E%2bW%2bS%2bN.I.&extentMatchOnly=0&confersPower=0&blanketAmendment=0&sortAlpha=0&PageNumber=1&NavFrom=0&parentActiveTextDocId=3705410&ActiveTextDocId=3705415&filesize=1471|title=Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010}}</ref><ref>The Public Services (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2010 (Commencement No.1) Order 2010 (SSI 2010/221)</ref>

In 2020 SNH was re-branded as NatureScot.<ref name=rebrand>{{cite web|url=https://www.nature.scot/naturescot-brand|title=NatureScot Brand|access-date=2 September 2020|publisher=NatureScot}}</ref>

==Projects==
In support of its statutory duties, NatureScot undertakes many individual projects across Scotland, often in collaboration with land managers, charities and local communities.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nature.scot/funding-and-projects|title=Funding and Projects|access-date=8 February 2021|publisher=NatureScot}}</ref>

===Stoat eradication project===
The introduction of alien [[stoats]] since 2010 has created serious problems for native species in [[Orkney]]:
{{Quote|The introduction of a ground predator like the stoat to islands such as Orkney, where there are no native ground predators, is very bad news for Orkney’s native species. Stoats are accomplished predators and pose a very serious threat to Orkney’s wildlife, including: the native Orkney vole, hen harrier, short-eared owl and many ground nesting birds|NatureScot<ref name=orcdianstoats>{{cite web|url=https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/land-and-sea-management/managing-wildlife/orkney-native-wildlife-project|title=Orkney Native Wildlife Project|access-date=2 February 2021|publisher=NatureScot}}</ref>}}

In 2018, a stoat eradication project was presented by NatureScot to be applied "across [[Orkney Mainland]], [[South Ronaldsay]], [[Burray]], [[Glimps Holm]], [[Lamb Holm]] and [[Hunda]], and the biosecurity activities delivered on the non-linked islands of the archipelago". The project, which is run by a partnership including NatureScot, [[Royal Society for the Protection of Birds|RSPB Scotland]] and [[Orkney Islands Council]],<ref name=orcdianstoats/> uses "humane DOC150 and DOC200 traps".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nature.scot/sites/default/files/2020-05/Orkney%20Native%20Wildlife%20Project%20-%20SEA%20consultation%20-%20SEA%20Environmental%20report.pdf|title=The Orkney Native Wildlife Project|access-date=2 February 2021|publisher=NatureScot}}</ref> A report issued in October 2020 stated that over 5,000 traps had been deployed. Specifics were provided as to the locations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://community.rspb.org.uk/placestovisit/orkney/b/orkney-blog/posts/stoatsnippet92|title=Orkney Native Wildlife Project|date=20 October 2020 |access-date=8 February 2021|publisher=RSPB}}</ref>

Not all was going well as of 15 January 2021, according to [[The Times]] which stated that the project "has been hit by alleged sabotage after the destruction and theft of traps that have also killed and injured household pets and other animals" but added that the £6 million programme was supported by most islanders.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/stoats-of-orkney-weasel-out-of-cull-thanks-to-saboteurs-6070v3spn|title=Stoats of Orkney weasel out of cull thanks to saboteurs|access-date=8 February 2021|work=The Times|last1=Watson |first1=Jeremy }}</ref> Another news item stated that some of the traps had "caught and killed family pets as well as hundreds of other animals".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/19011526.row-stoat-cull-mass-deaths-animals/|title=Row over stoat cull after mass deaths of animals|date=14 January 2021 |access-date=2 February 2021|publisher=The Herald}}</ref> A subsequent report confirmed that "Police Scotland is investigating a number of incidents involving damage to and the theft of stoat traps in Orkney".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.orcadian.co.uk/police-investigate-stoat-trap-damage/#:~:text=Police%20Scotland%20is%20investigating%20a,Deerness%20and%20Evie%20throughout%202020.|title=Police Investigate Stoat Trap Damage|newspaper=The Orcadian Online |date=11 January 2021|access-date=8 February 2021|publisher=The Orcadian |author1=Newsroom }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Environmental Standards Scotland]]
* [[National nature reserve (Scotland)]]
* [[Scottish Environment Protection Agency]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|https://www.nature.scot/}}

{{Scottish Executive NDPBs}}
{{Sustainable development in Scotland}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:NatureScot| ]]
[[Category:1990 establishments in Scotland]]
[[Category:Scotland's Environmental and Rural Services]]
[[Category:Book publishing companies of Scotland]]
[[Category:Government agencies established in 1990]]
[[Category:Organisations based in Inverness]]