Projects designed to protect homes at risk of flooding, strengthen resilience to extreme heat, and tackle the growing impacts of climate change are being supported through £550,000 of Scottish Government funding.
The investment will help local authorities, health boards, community groups, and businesses work together on practical measures to address key climate risks — including increased flooding, coastal erosion, extreme heat, and water scarcity.
The funding forms part of Scotland’s National Adaptation Plan, and is being delivered through regional partnerships ahead of the upcoming Climate Adaptation Leadership Summit in Edinburgh, led by Scottish Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin and Permanent Secretary Joe Griffin.
Several projects across Scotland will benefit from the funding, including:
- Improving flood resilience in Drumchapel, Glasgow, where 15 homes were evacuated during severe flooding in 2021. Funding will support the removal of drainage constraints that continue to put vulnerable families at risk.
- Ensuring the voices of 1,000 people in South East Scotland affected by extreme weather are heard and integrated into local decision‑making.
- Introducing natural flood management measures in Allanton, North Lanarkshire — including leaky dams to slow floodwater and woodland planting to protect homes while enhancing local biodiversity.
- Research into how climate change will financially affect key Highland economic sectors, including whisky distilleries, energy, salmon, and commercial forestry.
Commenting on the boost, Martin said:
“While we must ensure Scotland continues to play its part in addressing the causes of climate change, we must also be ready to deal with the impacts that are already upon us.
“This year alone, we have witnessed the worst wildfires in living memory in the Cairngorms, high levels of water scarcity across the whole of Scotland, and 18 areas of Scotland recording their highest ever temperatures in the summer. All of these have had significant impacts on industry, farming, wildlife, and our daily routines, placing strain on the complex systems that sit behind simple actions we take for granted like turning on the tap, food shopping and travelling from A to B.
“This funding for Climate Ready Regions, highlights the importance of investing in Scotland’s future and working in partnership - so that the places where we live and work are resilient to the impacts of climate change.
“There will be a huge social and economic payoff for decades to come if we get this right, by ensuring that Scotland keeps running smoothly in the face of climate disruption.”
The funding boost reflects the Scottish Government’s commitment to strengthening climate adaptation, ensuring communities are equipped to withstand more frequent and severe weather events.
The forthcoming Climate Adaptation Leadership Summit will bring together senior public sector leaders to agree how to accelerate action, improve collaboration, and build long‑term resilience across Scotland.
The measures support Scotland’s wider climate goals, helping communities prepare for the unavoidable effects of climate change while advancing national efforts to protect homes, livelihoods, and natural habitats.
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