Environmental, Waste and Renewables Update 24/03/2025

Here is a summary of today's Environmental, Waste and Renewables news:

The Herald: Scotland's tree planting push faces £24m funding black hole

Scotland’s forestry industry is facing a funding black hole of £24 million and national planting targets will not be met now for at least two years.

A massive budget cut has knocked the forestry industry’s confidence, potentially stalling planting projects and leading to trees being destroyed.

In part three of our investigation into what has gone wrong with what should be a flagship industry, insiders lay bare the depth of feeling.

Click here to read The Herald: Scotland's tree planting push faces £24m funding black hole.

reNEWS.BIZ: GB Energy backs Scottish community energy schemes

Scotland is to receive nearly £5m to build community renewable energy projects, through the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme.

These clean energy projects will be built in Scotland thanks to nearly £5m funding from Great British Energy and the UK Government.

Click here to read reNEWS.BIZ: GB Energy backs Scottish community energy schemes.

The Scotsman: Russell Findlay claims SNP should review net zero target to avoid 'economic sabotage'

Russell Findlay has suggested the Scottish Government should review its flagship 2045 net zero target - as the Scottish Conservative leader backed Kemi Badenoch’s controversial policy change.

Click here to read The Scotsman: Russell Findlay claims SNP should review net zero target to avoid 'economic sabotage'.

BBC News: Wildfire breaks out as Scotland under 'extreme risk'

A wildfire has broken out in a grassy area near Inverness following a week of dry, sunny weather. Smoke from the blaze between Culduthel and Inverarnie was visible from the southside of the city. Six fire engines and a water tanker have been sent to the scene.

Click here to read BBC News: Wildfire breaks out as Scotland under 'extreme risk'.