The consequences of oppressing diversity

By Philip A Loring. Published 4th April 2025, The Ecologist. Featured image shows the ‘wooly devil’, a plant discovered last year, from a previously unknown genus in the daisy family. Credit NPS / D. Manley / Press Release. Communities are working to revive diversity and resilience by re-localising food systems, decentralising governance, and restoring traditional …

Cyberattacks on our food systems

The following blog by Sofi Graham, Energy project manager at Arran Eco Savvy, is based on a conversation with Jess, Eco Savvy’s Sustainable Food Coordinator, in which they discussed the recent cyberattacks affecting the island’s COOP supermarkets. They talked about the fragility of supply chains, the benefits of growing and buying local food, and how …

The Environments of the world need us all to keep pushing for protection

By Sally Campbell. Featured image credit: Greenpeace I don’t know about you but I have been quite depressed by the lack of progress in protecting Environments around the world. Political will is often lacking, “Drill Baby Drill” from the President of the United States, and loud voices on social media denying climate change. These groups are …

Scotland Introduces Landmark Ecocide Bill

29th May 2025  – Scotland is poised to become the first UK nation to criminalise ecocide – severe and reckless harm to nature – under a new Member’s Bill published in Holyrood today. The Ecocide (Scotland) Bill, introduced by MSP Monica Lennon, would make it a criminal offence to cause widespread, long-term or irreversible environmental damage, …

Arran becomes Scotland’s third UNESCO Global Geopark

In case the news hadn’t reached some off island readers – on the 17th of April the Isle of Arran was awarded Global Geopark Status by UNESCO. Here, NatureScot Geologist Dr Colin MacFadyen gives us insight into the geographical heritage that makes the island so special. Featured image shows Kildonan dyke and Pladda island. Image credit: …

Encounter: Unlocking Nature Connection Through Words

Posted on April 17, 2025 by Miles Richardson The app Encounter has launched. It is a guided nature journal that lives on your phone, designed to help you notice what’s around you and deepen your connection to nature. The app offers inspiration and ideas tailored to your area and the time of year so that you can create your own …

Arran screenings of Ocean, featuring COAST

Ocean with David Attenborough which has been making cinematic history across the UK, is coming to Arran next week! Tickets can be booked for screenings on Saturday 7th June at Lamlash High School Theatre, and Sunday 8th June at Lochranza Village Hall. Doors at 7pm, film viewing will begin at 7.30pm For full information about …

Climate watchdog warns Scotland needs to take ‘immediate action’

A report by Danyel Van Reenen, 21st May 2025, STV News. Featured image by Pixa Pexels on Pexels.com The UK’s climate watchdog has warned that Scotland needs to take “immediate action at pace and scale” to cut its emissions after ministers axed a series of policy pledges. The Climate Change Committee (CCC) is calling for …

Words of the Wild nature writing competition

The Scottish Wildlife Trust, in association with the Scottish International Storytelling Festival, has announced the return of the successful Words of the Wild nature writing competition. Featured image by Jean Philippe Delberghe on Unsplash.com This year, we are once again asking you to tell us your stories of Scotland’s wildlife and wild places within the …

The Arran Wildlife Code

Earlier this spring a new Wildlife Code for Arran was launched. Created by Megan Hamil, with input from the island’s nature and wildlife organisations, it’s aim is to ‘promote a balance between human interaction and wildlife protection.’ Coming in time for the busy summer season, this informative and accessible guide highlights the island’s vulnerable species …