Highland Heroes: Building Momentum for Climate Action in Scotland's North

Foundation Scotland has recognised this need through its Funder Commitment to Climate Change and has been keen to better understand the work of the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub.

Through a series of informal exchanges between staff since late 2023, it has become clear that the two organisations are pulling in the same direction to ensure that residents across northern Scotland have access to the necessary resources, support, and funding to embark on their climate journeys.

This Summer, we sat down with Joan Lawrie, Manager of the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub to learn more.

Background and Objectives
The Highlands and Islands Climate Hub was established in September 2021, with funding from the Scottish Government. 

This initiative was born out of the realisation that while Scotland had numerous community-led climate projects, there was a gap in the ability to connect these initiatives with each other and with larger stakeholders.

The Hub’s primary objective is to support community-led climate action across the Highlands and Northern Isles. 

This involves facilitating collaboration between voluntary groups, development trusts, and other local organisations, while also linking them to larger stakeholders such as local authorities and the Scottish Government.

Joan said:

Although the Climate Challenge Fund created all these great projects, it was felt that there was something missing in connecting community organisations and communities together who were trying to do the same things. Our main objective is really to support that community-led, grassroots climate action and to provide that link between where there are larger stakeholders and what's happening in communities.

Inspiration and Origin
The inspiration for the Hub stemmed from the success of the Climate Challenge Fund, which had laid the groundwork for numerous successful projects across Scotland over its 12-year tenure. However, there was a growing consensus that a more integrated approach was needed. Joan explained:

Consistently, the feedback that was coming back was we needed something that was between this grassroots action and all of these agencies.

The Highlands and Islands Climate Hub, as one of the Pathfinder hubs, was developed to fill this gap by offering a more holistic approach to climate action. The Hub's roots can be traced back to the Thurso Community Development Trust, where Joan previously served as the Development Manager. The Trust had been engaging in climate action not just for its own sake but as a means of addressing broader social inequalities. It was about what the community needed and how those needs could be solved through climate action.

This philosophy continues to guide the Hub’s work today.

Addressing Regional Challenges
Covering a vast geographical area, the Hub recognises that the climate-related challenges faced by communities in the Highlands and Islands are diverse. However, there are some common themes, particularly in the context of the current cost of living crisis, such as energy and energy efficiency.

The Hub is actively working with communities to explore sustainable, locally-based energy systems that can help alleviate these challenges. In addition to energy, transport is another significant issue, particularly in remote areas. The Hub is supporting initiatives that aim to create more sustainable transport options, recognising that how people get around is a critical component of any climate strategy. 

A Holistic Approach to Climate Action
The Highlands and Islands Climate Hub is distinctive in its holistic approach to climate action. Rather than treating climate initiatives as isolated projects, the Hub integrates these efforts into broader community development strategies.

Reducing inequalities and making life better for people in our communities and climate action are not two separate things. They're one and the same.

This integrated approach not only addresses environmental concerns but also strengthens the social fabric of the communities involved. By ensuring that climate action is rooted in the specific needs and circumstances of each community, the Hub is helping to create more resilient and sustainable communities across northern Scotland.

Future vision
Looking ahead, the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub has ambitious plans to expand its reach and deepen its impact across the region. As the climate crisis intensifies, the Hub is gearing up to support even more communities in their transition to sustainable practices.

Joan says:

We want to see more communities across the Highlands and Islands empowered to take climate action, and to do that, we’re planning to increase our engagement and develop more tailored support for the diverse needs of our region.

One of the key upcoming initiatives is to develop a comprehensive toolkit that will provide communities with practical guidance on a range of climate actions, from improving energy efficiency to developing local food systems. This toolkit is expected to be a valuable resource for communities, helping them to navigate the complexities of climate action with confidence. Additionally, the Hub is focused on fostering stronger networks among the communities it serves.

We're working on creating resources that are easy to understand and accessible to everyone, regardless of where they are in their climate journey. One of our big aspirations is to create a vibrant network of communities that can learn from and support each other. This peer-to-peer learning model is seen as a vital component in scaling up climate action across the Highlands and Islands, ensuring that successful initiatives can be replicated and adapted to suit different local contexts.

When reflecting on the future, Joan expresses a sense of optimism despite the challenges ahead. This hope is not just rooted in the plans and initiatives the Hub is rolling out, but also in the strong sense of community spirit that she witnesses daily.

I’m hopeful for the future. The passion and commitment I see in our communities give me great hope that we can make a real difference. The resilience and creativity of the people here makes me believe that, together, we can overcome the challenges of climate change.

In summary, the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub is not just maintaining momentum; it is actively planning for a future where community-led climate action becomes the norm rather than the exception. With new resources, expanded networks, and a stronger voice in policy discussions, the Hub is well-positioned to lead the way in tackling the climate emergency in one of Scotland's most challenging and diverse regions.

The future for us is about growing, connecting, and making sure that no community is left behind in this journey, reflecting the Hub’s commitment to an inclusive and sustainable future for all.

If you are interested in learning more about The Highlands and Islands Climate Hub, please check out their website.

September is also the month for the Highlands and Islands Climate Festival. Throughout September, the Festival shines a light on communities taking climate action and celebrates their work in tackling the climate emergency. The Festival spans across Highland, Orkney and Shetland.

With the theme of localism, communities are encouraged to get involved by either hosting or attending events which embrace local produces, landscapes and people. The dedicated Festival website features an interactive events map, in which people can see exactly which events are coming up near them soon. Check it out here.

The Festival coincides with the Scottish Government's Climate Week, which runs from 23rd - 29th September showcasing 'Stories for Change'. Get involved here.