Our Scotland, Our Future: Public Engagement Strategy for Climate and Nature - ICIA

Assessment

The Vision and objectives of the PES sets out the strategic framework and approach to delivery and aims to act as a reference document for climate and nature engagement activity. It seeks to build understanding that motivates, inspires and leads to action across the whole of society, amount urban, rural and island communities.

As already set out, the PES seeks to deliver its vision and objectives by meeting people where they are and focus on the issues that matter to them in their communities. The strategy emphasises the importance of focusing on our places and localities, highlighting the connection people have to where they live, the role of locally framed messaging and networks, and how climate and nature engagement can be part of local place planning and action. In its approach the PES is designed to address the specifics challenges and interests of the numerous communities it seeks to engage with, including the various island communities.

Identified Impacts / outcomes

The following assessment is made on the specific issues raised through the data.

Risks of climate change

Engagement needs to consider the specific climate and nature challenges facing island communities. This includes the disproportionate exposure island communities have to sea level rises; coastal erosion and extreme weather, and the importance of place-based adaptation strategies.

Demography

It will be important to consider intergenerational approaches and methods that are tailored to demographics specific to the local area within island communities.

Biodiversity

Engagement with island communities will need to consider the importance of unique biodiversity and habitats of the Scottish Islands.

Energy

Engagement needs to take into account any particular challenges around energy and transport on island settings and build this into engagement on the issues

Language

Engagement needs to consider needs around language and is a good example of the importance of taking a trusted messenger approach.

Digital connectivity

Engagement should consider how activities designed issues around digital inclusion and connectivity to ensure islands voices are represented in national and regional activity where possible.

Mitigations & Enhancement

While the strategic approach set out in the PES is designed to ensure that engagement is tailored to different audiences, it is vital this approach is adopted throughout the activities and actions undertaken to deliver the PES. The PES will be delivered through a delivery plan that will be developed in 2027.

At the mid-point (2029) and end-point (2031) of the PES delivery period, Scottish Government will bring together the different strands of data collected on activities, outputs and outcomes to test the logic of our Theory of Change and provide a review of our progress on the PES, taking consideration of the application of the methods and principles as set out in the delivery approach.

Determination

In preparing the ICIA, undergoing consultation and implementing mitigation and enhancements, the Scottish Government has formed an opinion that the policy is not likely to have an effect on an island community which is significantly different from its effect on other communities (including other island communities).

Authorisation

Name: Catriona Laing

Position: Joint Deputy Director, Domestic Climate Change Division

Date Completed: 08/09/2026