Global Climate Change Experts To Head To Scotland

Scientists from across the globe are set to help Scotland develop a better understanding of the role peatlands could play in meeting climate change targets.

The experts will be in Scotland for an Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) science review meeting which Scotland will host in January focussing on wetland management, including peatland restoration.

Climate Change Minister, Stewart Stevenson, said the meeting would be an important step towards developing the world's understanding of the role carbon-rich peatlands play in contributing to the nation's climate change ambitions.

Hosting the IPCC is just one of many high level events Scotland has been involved in which Mr Stevenson said reaffirmed Scotland's reputation as an international leader in tackling climate change.

Mr Stevenson said:

"Scotland has iconic, internationally significant peatland resources, and we need to manage them not only to help meet our climate change ambitions, but also as important reservoirs of biodiversity that stretch from the Borders to the outer islands of our country.

"That's why I am delighted that we will welcome this Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) meeting to Scotland in January. We are well placed to host this international event on peatlands, a land-type Scotland is considerably rich in.

"The IPCC is currently finalising a programme of work which will look to allow wetland management - including peatland restoration - to be incorporated into international greenhouse gas reporting - a position the Scottish Government fully supports.

"As we look forward to the main UNFCCC conference in Durban, hosting this meeting once again demonstrates the leadership role which the Scottish Government is taking both at home and internationally on the issue of climate change."

Professor Des Thompson, Principal Adviser for Biodiversity in Scottish Natural Heritage commented:

"In Scotland we have some of the very best examples of peatland restoration in Europe, and we are delighted to share this experience with IPCC experts. By improving the state of peatlands we can make a significant contribution to reducing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere."

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ( http://www.ipcc.ch/) was established by the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to provide the world with a scientific view on the current state of knowledge in climate change.

Peatlands are significant stores of carbon, which if allowed to dry out through drainage or disturbance, will release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. It is possible to restore damaged areas of peat, although the process of restoration is complex and variable in effectiveness.

A change to international rules on reporting of greenhouse gas emissions to include the positive effect of restoration measures on damaged peatlands are currently under consideration by IPCC. As part of that consideration, the IPCC meeting to be held in Scotland 24-26 January will focus on a review of the available science and is the second of a series of five meetings to be held in 2011-2013.

Flood Awareness Raised At Flood Fair

Residents affected by recent flooding in the Highlands told Environment Minister Stewart Stevenson about their experiences when he visited a flood fair today.

The Minister heard about the devastating effects of the floods in Smithton and Culloden which resulted in a fatality when a local resident was swept away as he tried to clear a blocked culvert.

During his tour of the flood fair, Mr Stevenson also met Scottish Flood Forum staff to find out about work being done to raise awareness, promote self help measures and protect the public from flooding.

Mr Stevenson said:

"Floods can cause devastation both in terms of damage to property and tragically, as I have heard today, also through a loss of life.

"However, there are measures which people can take to protect themselves and their property and to minimise any potential impact.

"That's why we have provided £140,000 annually to the Scottish Flood Forum, helping them to support those affected by flooding and raise awareness of the risks posed by flooding and what people can do to protect themselves."

Councillor John Laing, chairman of Highland Council's Transport, Environmental and Community Services committee, said:

"Highland Council has been working hard, in partnership with the Scottish Flood Forum, to try and help residents affected by the recent flooding. This flood fair, and the drop-in sessions which have been taking place, are designed to give local people valuable practical help as well as the support they need.

"The council's flood team have also produced, in conjunction with SEPA and the Scottish Flood Forum, bulletins for local residents to keep them informed about efforts being made to tackle the flooding problem in this area."

Paul Hendy, Director of the Scottish Flood Forum, said:

"The exhibition allows property owners the opportunity to see and handle products, which when fitted, remove much of the fear of flooding.

"The minister's attendance shows just how important it is for home owners to take responsibility for themselves."

Among the residents Mr Stevenson met was Susan Scott who was affected by the recent flooding. The Smithton Burn runs through her garden and the flooding caused significant erosion.

She said:

"I went down to one of the first flood forum meetings and they were really helpful. They came to the house and had a look but said that we were already taking all the right steps.

"I think the flood fair is a good opportunity for people to find out about the help available."

MSP To Officially Open New Boddam Business

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson will officially open a new base in the North-east for Direct Savings on Friday 28 October (tomorrow) at 2.30pm at the Guardhouse, Buchan Braes, Boddam.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson said:

“I’m delighted that Livingston-based Direct Savings have opened up a base to serve the North-east of Scotland here in Buchan.

“This is a positive investment in the Buchan economy and already eight people are employed at the site.

“Energy efficiency is increasingly important with the prospect of escalating energy bills and another harsh winter looming. I therefore wish the Direct Savings team at Boddam every success with their business venture.”

The eight new staff members at the Buchan Braes site, including manager Andy Oglesby, are on hand to help Buchan homeowners eliminate their fuel bill worries this winter and look forward to increasing their customer base even further.

Managing Director, Gerard Smith, is delighted with the firm's new premises, stating:

"We are honoured to have Stewart Stevenson MSP, Minister for Environment and Climate Change officially open our branch at Buchan Braes business centre.

"We have employed eight full-time staff over the past two months and hopefully will be looking to employ more in the foreseeable future."

Further details on the company can be found here: http://www.directsavings.org.uk/