Future Economy Scotland
@futureeconscot.bsky.social
A non-partisan think tank that aims to create a new economy that is democratic, sustainable and just.
https://www.futureeconomy.scot
https://www.futureeconomy.scot
A few days ago, our senior economist, @hannawheatley.bsky.social, gave evidence to the @scotparl.bsky.social Rural Affairs and Islands Committee on the Climate Change Plan's proposals on peatland restoration.
🎥 In this clip, Hanna argues that the government doesn’t have a workable funding model.
🎥 In this clip, Hanna argues that the government doesn’t have a workable funding model.
January 12, 2026 at 1:24 PM
A few days ago, our senior economist, @hannawheatley.bsky.social, gave evidence to the @scotparl.bsky.social Rural Affairs and Islands Committee on the Climate Change Plan's proposals on peatland restoration.
🎥 In this clip, Hanna argues that the government doesn’t have a workable funding model.
🎥 In this clip, Hanna argues that the government doesn’t have a workable funding model.
"Maintaining the status quo is not an option."
Ahead of this week's Budget, our co-director Laurie Macfarlane argues that if public services are to be protected, taxes will soon have to rise.
✍️ Read in @scotsman.com: www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...
Ahead of this week's Budget, our co-director Laurie Macfarlane argues that if public services are to be protected, taxes will soon have to rise.
✍️ Read in @scotsman.com: www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...
January 12, 2026 at 10:00 AM
"Maintaining the status quo is not an option."
Ahead of this week's Budget, our co-director Laurie Macfarlane argues that if public services are to be protected, taxes will soon have to rise.
✍️ Read in @scotsman.com: www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...
Ahead of this week's Budget, our co-director Laurie Macfarlane argues that if public services are to be protected, taxes will soon have to rise.
✍️ Read in @scotsman.com: www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...
"Rather than thinking how do we bring private finance in? We're thinking how do we fund peatland restoration?"
@hannawheatley.bsky.social gives evidence to the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee in @scotparl.bsky.social on the Climate Change Plan's proposals on peatland restoration.
🎥 Watch 👇
@hannawheatley.bsky.social gives evidence to the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee in @scotparl.bsky.social on the Climate Change Plan's proposals on peatland restoration.
🎥 Watch 👇
January 8, 2026 at 10:18 AM
"Rather than thinking how do we bring private finance in? We're thinking how do we fund peatland restoration?"
@hannawheatley.bsky.social gives evidence to the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee in @scotparl.bsky.social on the Climate Change Plan's proposals on peatland restoration.
🎥 Watch 👇
@hannawheatley.bsky.social gives evidence to the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee in @scotparl.bsky.social on the Climate Change Plan's proposals on peatland restoration.
🎥 Watch 👇
Scotland is "delaying action now for an uncertain solution in the future."
Today, our senior economist
@hannawheatley.bsky.social gave evidence to the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee on the Climate Change Plan's proposals on peatland restoration.
🎥 Listen to her opening remarks.
Today, our senior economist
@hannawheatley.bsky.social gave evidence to the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee on the Climate Change Plan's proposals on peatland restoration.
🎥 Listen to her opening remarks.
January 7, 2026 at 2:58 PM
Scotland is "delaying action now for an uncertain solution in the future."
Today, our senior economist
@hannawheatley.bsky.social gave evidence to the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee on the Climate Change Plan's proposals on peatland restoration.
🎥 Listen to her opening remarks.
Today, our senior economist
@hannawheatley.bsky.social gave evidence to the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee on the Climate Change Plan's proposals on peatland restoration.
🎥 Listen to her opening remarks.
What next for community wealth building in Scotland?
Our new report asks what it’ll take to turn ambition into action.
By our co-director @miriambrett.bsky.social & @democracycollab.bsky.social's @neilmcinroy.bsky.social.
📘Download www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
🎥 Watch Neil's summary👇
Our new report asks what it’ll take to turn ambition into action.
By our co-director @miriambrett.bsky.social & @democracycollab.bsky.social's @neilmcinroy.bsky.social.
📘Download www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
🎥 Watch Neil's summary👇
January 5, 2026 at 2:30 PM
What next for community wealth building in Scotland?
Our new report asks what it’ll take to turn ambition into action.
By our co-director @miriambrett.bsky.social & @democracycollab.bsky.social's @neilmcinroy.bsky.social.
📘Download www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
🎥 Watch Neil's summary👇
Our new report asks what it’ll take to turn ambition into action.
By our co-director @miriambrett.bsky.social & @democracycollab.bsky.social's @neilmcinroy.bsky.social.
📘Download www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
🎥 Watch Neil's summary👇
We’ve spent the past year setting out how Scotland can build a fairer economy.
Thanks for all of your support along the way!
We've big plans for 2026.
Sign up to stay tuned: mailchi.mp/futureeconom...
Thanks for all of your support along the way!
We've big plans for 2026.
Sign up to stay tuned: mailchi.mp/futureeconom...
December 31, 2025 at 9:22 AM
We’ve spent the past year setting out how Scotland can build a fairer economy.
Thanks for all of your support along the way!
We've big plans for 2026.
Sign up to stay tuned: mailchi.mp/futureeconom...
Thanks for all of your support along the way!
We've big plans for 2026.
Sign up to stay tuned: mailchi.mp/futureeconom...
Our 2025 wrapped 🎁
From mapping who profits from ScotWind, to a just transition for workers, restoring nature and a new industrial strategy - we’ve been setting out how Scotland can build a fairer economy.
Thanks for being part of it.
Join us in 2026!
mailchi.mp/futureeconom...
From mapping who profits from ScotWind, to a just transition for workers, restoring nature and a new industrial strategy - we’ve been setting out how Scotland can build a fairer economy.
Thanks for being part of it.
Join us in 2026!
mailchi.mp/futureeconom...
December 19, 2025 at 9:34 AM
Our 2025 wrapped 🎁
From mapping who profits from ScotWind, to a just transition for workers, restoring nature and a new industrial strategy - we’ve been setting out how Scotland can build a fairer economy.
Thanks for being part of it.
Join us in 2026!
mailchi.mp/futureeconom...
From mapping who profits from ScotWind, to a just transition for workers, restoring nature and a new industrial strategy - we’ve been setting out how Scotland can build a fairer economy.
Thanks for being part of it.
Join us in 2026!
mailchi.mp/futureeconom...
Scotland has committed to community wealth building.
But ambition alone won’t deliver change.
Our new report explores what scaling up CWB really requires.
🎥 Watch @neilmcinroy.bsky.social from @democracycollab.bsky.social explain what comes next👇
⬇️ Report: www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
But ambition alone won’t deliver change.
Our new report explores what scaling up CWB really requires.
🎥 Watch @neilmcinroy.bsky.social from @democracycollab.bsky.social explain what comes next👇
⬇️ Report: www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
December 18, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Scotland has committed to community wealth building.
But ambition alone won’t deliver change.
Our new report explores what scaling up CWB really requires.
🎥 Watch @neilmcinroy.bsky.social from @democracycollab.bsky.social explain what comes next👇
⬇️ Report: www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
But ambition alone won’t deliver change.
Our new report explores what scaling up CWB really requires.
🎥 Watch @neilmcinroy.bsky.social from @democracycollab.bsky.social explain what comes next👇
⬇️ Report: www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
In March, The Scottish Government confronted Scotland’s deepest economic failures with the world’s first Community Wealth Building Bill.
But legislation isn't enough.
In our new blog, @miriambrett.bsky.social & @neilmcinroy.bsky.social set out what's needed.
www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/359-wh...
But legislation isn't enough.
In our new blog, @miriambrett.bsky.social & @neilmcinroy.bsky.social set out what's needed.
www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/359-wh...
December 18, 2025 at 12:03 PM
In March, The Scottish Government confronted Scotland’s deepest economic failures with the world’s first Community Wealth Building Bill.
But legislation isn't enough.
In our new blog, @miriambrett.bsky.social & @neilmcinroy.bsky.social set out what's needed.
www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/359-wh...
But legislation isn't enough.
In our new blog, @miriambrett.bsky.social & @neilmcinroy.bsky.social set out what's needed.
www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/359-wh...
📣 What next for community wealth building in Scotland?
Our new report asks what it’ll take to turn ambition into action.
By our Co-Director @miriambrett.bsky.social, and @neilmcinroy.bsky.social, Global Lead for Community Wealth Building at @democracycollab.bsky.social.
1/13 🧵👇
Our new report asks what it’ll take to turn ambition into action.
By our Co-Director @miriambrett.bsky.social, and @neilmcinroy.bsky.social, Global Lead for Community Wealth Building at @democracycollab.bsky.social.
1/13 🧵👇
December 17, 2025 at 10:48 AM
📣 What next for community wealth building in Scotland?
Our new report asks what it’ll take to turn ambition into action.
By our Co-Director @miriambrett.bsky.social, and @neilmcinroy.bsky.social, Global Lead for Community Wealth Building at @democracycollab.bsky.social.
1/13 🧵👇
Our new report asks what it’ll take to turn ambition into action.
By our Co-Director @miriambrett.bsky.social, and @neilmcinroy.bsky.social, Global Lead for Community Wealth Building at @democracycollab.bsky.social.
1/13 🧵👇
ICYMI: @lmacfarlane.bsky.social outlines 3 reasons why market-led solutions won’t save Scotland’s woodlands and peatlands.
Watch full recording to learn about what might:
futureeconomy.scot/posts/355-wa...
Watch full recording to learn about what might:
futureeconomy.scot/posts/355-wa...
December 10, 2025 at 11:18 AM
ICYMI: @lmacfarlane.bsky.social outlines 3 reasons why market-led solutions won’t save Scotland’s woodlands and peatlands.
Watch full recording to learn about what might:
futureeconomy.scot/posts/355-wa...
Watch full recording to learn about what might:
futureeconomy.scot/posts/355-wa...
When it comes to peatland restoration, the investment model really matters - for financial viability, cost, & a just transition.
In this clip @hannawheatley.bsky.social shares 3 approaches to nature finance.
Full webinar digs into what works - & what doesn’t👇
www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/355-wa...
In this clip @hannawheatley.bsky.social shares 3 approaches to nature finance.
Full webinar digs into what works - & what doesn’t👇
www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/355-wa...
December 9, 2025 at 10:43 AM
When it comes to peatland restoration, the investment model really matters - for financial viability, cost, & a just transition.
In this clip @hannawheatley.bsky.social shares 3 approaches to nature finance.
Full webinar digs into what works - & what doesn’t👇
www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/355-wa...
In this clip @hannawheatley.bsky.social shares 3 approaches to nature finance.
Full webinar digs into what works - & what doesn’t👇
www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/355-wa...
As we begin to wrap up the year and look ahead to 2026 and the election in May, here are our 11 priorities for a fairer, more resilient Scotland.
What’s the one change you most want to see Scotland commit to in 2026?
Read in full: www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/290-th...
What’s the one change you most want to see Scotland commit to in 2026?
Read in full: www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/290-th...
December 8, 2025 at 8:22 AM
As we begin to wrap up the year and look ahead to 2026 and the election in May, here are our 11 priorities for a fairer, more resilient Scotland.
What’s the one change you most want to see Scotland commit to in 2026?
Read in full: www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/290-th...
What’s the one change you most want to see Scotland commit to in 2026?
Read in full: www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/290-th...
From the upcoming Holyrood election & Scotland’s industrial strategy, to nature restoration, ScotWind, & a just transition for workers & communities.
✉️ Sign up for insight on the choices shaping Scotland’s future: scot.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...
✉️ Sign up for insight on the choices shaping Scotland’s future: scot.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...
December 7, 2025 at 7:40 AM
From the upcoming Holyrood election & Scotland’s industrial strategy, to nature restoration, ScotWind, & a just transition for workers & communities.
✉️ Sign up for insight on the choices shaping Scotland’s future: scot.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...
✉️ Sign up for insight on the choices shaping Scotland’s future: scot.us17.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...
🌱How can Scotland fund public investment in nature?
In this clip, @lmacfarlane.bsky.social explains a practical public-led pathway.
🎥 Watch the full recording to learn more:
www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/355-wa...
In this clip, @lmacfarlane.bsky.social explains a practical public-led pathway.
🎥 Watch the full recording to learn more:
www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/355-wa...
December 5, 2025 at 9:36 AM
🌱How can Scotland fund public investment in nature?
In this clip, @lmacfarlane.bsky.social explains a practical public-led pathway.
🎥 Watch the full recording to learn more:
www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/355-wa...
In this clip, @lmacfarlane.bsky.social explains a practical public-led pathway.
🎥 Watch the full recording to learn more:
www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/355-wa...
💷 How will the UK Budget shape Scotland’s public finances - now and in the near future?
✨ Check out our 6 key takeaways below.
Or dig deeper into our analysis in the full blog here:
www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/358-ho...
✨ Check out our 6 key takeaways below.
Or dig deeper into our analysis in the full blog here:
www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/358-ho...
December 4, 2025 at 8:39 AM
💷 How will the UK Budget shape Scotland’s public finances - now and in the near future?
✨ Check out our 6 key takeaways below.
Or dig deeper into our analysis in the full blog here:
www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/358-ho...
✨ Check out our 6 key takeaways below.
Or dig deeper into our analysis in the full blog here:
www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/358-ho...
🌱❗Private finance could act as a deterrent to peatland restoration @hannawheatley.bsky.social warned in our webinar last week.
In this clip she outlines an alternative public-led investment model based on 3 key principles.
Watch full recording to learn more: www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/355-wa...
In this clip she outlines an alternative public-led investment model based on 3 key principles.
Watch full recording to learn more: www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/355-wa...
December 1, 2025 at 2:48 PM
🌱❗Private finance could act as a deterrent to peatland restoration @hannawheatley.bsky.social warned in our webinar last week.
In this clip she outlines an alternative public-led investment model based on 3 key principles.
Watch full recording to learn more: www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/355-wa...
In this clip she outlines an alternative public-led investment model based on 3 key principles.
Watch full recording to learn more: www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/355-wa...
Thanks to Mercedes Villalba MSP for raising our proposals to take public equity stakes in offshore wind in Parliament this week.
And to @gillianamartin.bsky.social for agreeing it’s “the right thing to do” — we look forward to seeing more on this 👏
And to @gillianamartin.bsky.social for agreeing it’s “the right thing to do” — we look forward to seeing more on this 👏
November 28, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Thanks to Mercedes Villalba MSP for raising our proposals to take public equity stakes in offshore wind in Parliament this week.
And to @gillianamartin.bsky.social for agreeing it’s “the right thing to do” — we look forward to seeing more on this 👏
And to @gillianamartin.bsky.social for agreeing it’s “the right thing to do” — we look forward to seeing more on this 👏
A 2% rise in the basic rate would have cut the Scottish Budget by over £800m, forcing tax rises or spending cuts.
A 2% rise in the higher rate would have cut funding by nearly £200m.
A 2% rise in the higher rate would have cut funding by nearly £200m.
November 28, 2025 at 10:47 AM
A 2% rise in the basic rate would have cut the Scottish Budget by over £800m, forcing tax rises or spending cuts.
A 2% rise in the higher rate would have cut funding by nearly £200m.
A 2% rise in the higher rate would have cut funding by nearly £200m.
Ahead of the Budget, rumours circulated that Rachel Reeves would increase income tax rates.
While this ultimately didn’t happen, it exposed quirks in tax devolution that could seriously undermine Scotland’s finances in future 🧵
While this ultimately didn’t happen, it exposed quirks in tax devolution that could seriously undermine Scotland’s finances in future 🧵
November 28, 2025 at 10:45 AM
Ahead of the Budget, rumours circulated that Rachel Reeves would increase income tax rates.
While this ultimately didn’t happen, it exposed quirks in tax devolution that could seriously undermine Scotland’s finances in future 🧵
While this ultimately didn’t happen, it exposed quirks in tax devolution that could seriously undermine Scotland’s finances in future 🧵
Although the chancellor opted not to raise income tax rates, speculation on this revealed how vulnerable Scotland’s finances are to rUK tax decisions.
A 2p rise would have cut Scotland’s budget by £810m – wiping out revenue gained from Scotland’s more progressive tax system.
A 2p rise would have cut Scotland’s budget by £810m – wiping out revenue gained from Scotland’s more progressive tax system.
November 27, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Although the chancellor opted not to raise income tax rates, speculation on this revealed how vulnerable Scotland’s finances are to rUK tax decisions.
A 2p rise would have cut Scotland’s budget by £810m – wiping out revenue gained from Scotland’s more progressive tax system.
A 2p rise would have cut Scotland’s budget by £810m – wiping out revenue gained from Scotland’s more progressive tax system.
The chancellor also raised tax on savings, dividends and property income by 2%. While tax on savings and dividends is reserved, property income is devolved.
Scottish landlords already pay different income tax rates to rUK: some pay more, some pay less.
Scottish landlords already pay different income tax rates to rUK: some pay more, some pay less.
November 27, 2025 at 12:41 PM
The chancellor also raised tax on savings, dividends and property income by 2%. While tax on savings and dividends is reserved, property income is devolved.
Scottish landlords already pay different income tax rates to rUK: some pay more, some pay less.
Scottish landlords already pay different income tax rates to rUK: some pay more, some pay less.
After weeks of speculation, Rachel Reeves finally delivered her Budget. But how will it impact Scotland?
Highlights in 🧵
Read our full analysis 👉 www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/358-ho...
Highlights in 🧵
Read our full analysis 👉 www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/358-ho...
November 27, 2025 at 12:41 PM
After weeks of speculation, Rachel Reeves finally delivered her Budget. But how will it impact Scotland?
Highlights in 🧵
Read our full analysis 👉 www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/358-ho...
Highlights in 🧵
Read our full analysis 👉 www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/358-ho...
Can private finance fix the nature crisis?
In this clip from yesterday’s webinar, Laurie Macfarlane breaks down the 3 reasons why market-led solutions won’t save Scotland’s woodlands and peatlands.
Watch full recording to learn about what might: www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/355-wa...
In this clip from yesterday’s webinar, Laurie Macfarlane breaks down the 3 reasons why market-led solutions won’t save Scotland’s woodlands and peatlands.
Watch full recording to learn about what might: www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/355-wa...
November 26, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Can private finance fix the nature crisis?
In this clip from yesterday’s webinar, Laurie Macfarlane breaks down the 3 reasons why market-led solutions won’t save Scotland’s woodlands and peatlands.
Watch full recording to learn about what might: www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/355-wa...
In this clip from yesterday’s webinar, Laurie Macfarlane breaks down the 3 reasons why market-led solutions won’t save Scotland’s woodlands and peatlands.
Watch full recording to learn about what might: www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/355-wa...
While the autumn budget contained some welcome measures, it falls short of what the UK and Scotland need.
Read our full response: www.futureeconomy.scot/press/221-re...
Read our full response: www.futureeconomy.scot/press/221-re...
November 26, 2025 at 2:36 PM
While the autumn budget contained some welcome measures, it falls short of what the UK and Scotland need.
Read our full response: www.futureeconomy.scot/press/221-re...
Read our full response: www.futureeconomy.scot/press/221-re...