Vision

Vision for Scotland

In February 2014, The Scottish Communities Climate Action Network invited its members, community groups tackling climate change, to come together and share experience.

As well as sharing what worked and what didn’t work in their communities, members shared what they were working towards over the next ten years or so.

This vision is a synthesis of members’ aspirations – for a just and equitable Scotland.

Empowered Democratic Communities

  • We are a nation of active citizens with a vibrant system of small-scale local democracy
  • Communities have access to local land and resources and devise and implement local solutions to create low-carbon resilient places

Vibrant Local Food Culture

  • The Scottish Diet is based on high quality local produce
  • There is an abundance of esteemed small-scale local food growers and producers
  • Local food growing is evident everywhere – city centres, abandoned land, temporary spaces
  • Organic food production, sustainable fishing and ethically reared livestock are the norm
  • Food waste is a thing of the past

Effective Local Energy

  • Scotland has a world leading low carbon, local energy economy
  • Communities have a significant stake in energy generation, storage and supply
  • Locally managed smart grids, match local demand to local supply
  • New build housing is zero-carbon and a massive programme to insulate older housing is nearly complete
  • District heating is commonplace and fuel poverty has been banished

Living Locally

  • Local livelihoods and living provides most of what we need within walking or cycling distance
  • Excellent cycle/footpath infrastructure and a fully integrated public transport system has minimised the need for private cars
  • Superfast broadband is available in all areas and community work-hubs are commonplace

Waste Not

  • A thriving ‘remake’ economy means that ‘waste’ has now become a resource
  • We value well-being instead of consumption

Happy Healthiness

  • We are healthy and happy because of our nutritious diet, creative livelihoods, quality local environments, physically active lifestyles and increased local, social interaction

Practical Training & Education

  • Education emphasises practical skills and a deep connection to nature
  • Participatory democracy and sustainability are central to the curriculum
  • Cross-generational knowledge exchange is celebrated