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
ICYMI: Scotland’s Budget: Tough choices delayed - not avoided.
The choice for the next Parliament is clear:
📈Raise more revenue, or
📉Accept damaging cuts and a return to austerity.
📊 Read our full analysis of Scotland's 2026/27 Budget: www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/388-sc...
The choice for the next Parliament is clear:
📈Raise more revenue, or
📉Accept damaging cuts and a return to austerity.
📊 Read our full analysis of Scotland's 2026/27 Budget: www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/388-sc...
Scotland’s Budget: Tough Choices Delayed, Not Avoided
Our analysis of Scotland's Budget for 2026/27.
www.futureeconomy.scot
January 19, 2026 at 1:10 PM
ICYMI: Scotland’s Budget: Tough choices delayed - not avoided.
The choice for the next Parliament is clear:
📈Raise more revenue, or
📉Accept damaging cuts and a return to austerity.
📊 Read our full analysis of Scotland's 2026/27 Budget: www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/388-sc...
The choice for the next Parliament is clear:
📈Raise more revenue, or
📉Accept damaging cuts and a return to austerity.
📊 Read our full analysis of Scotland's 2026/27 Budget: www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/388-sc...
NEW: Scotland’s Budget has delayed tough choices — not avoided them.
With an election in May, caution was to be expected. But while some welcome measures were announced, the long-term challenges haven’t gone away. 🧵
With an election in May, caution was to be expected. But while some welcome measures were announced, the long-term challenges haven’t gone away. 🧵
Scotland’s Budget: Tough Choices Delayed, Not Avoided
Our analysis of Scotland's Budget for 2026/27.
www.futureeconomy.scot
January 15, 2026 at 10:25 AM
NEW: Scotland’s Budget has delayed tough choices — not avoided them.
With an election in May, caution was to be expected. But while some welcome measures were announced, the long-term challenges haven’t gone away. 🧵
With an election in May, caution was to be expected. But while some welcome measures were announced, the long-term challenges haven’t gone away. 🧵
Scotland can’t afford an energy transition that leaves workers behind.
Right now, for every 3 oil & gas jobs lost, only 2 green jobs are created.
But with real investment, Scotland could gain 40,000 more energy jobs than will be lost.
📗 Read how: www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
Right now, for every 3 oil & gas jobs lost, only 2 green jobs are created.
But with real investment, Scotland could gain 40,000 more energy jobs than will be lost.
📗 Read how: www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
January 14, 2026 at 10:37 AM
Scotland can’t afford an energy transition that leaves workers behind.
Right now, for every 3 oil & gas jobs lost, only 2 green jobs are created.
But with real investment, Scotland could gain 40,000 more energy jobs than will be lost.
📗 Read how: www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
Right now, for every 3 oil & gas jobs lost, only 2 green jobs are created.
But with real investment, Scotland could gain 40,000 more energy jobs than will be lost.
📗 Read how: www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
🏴 Today's Budget contains some welcome changes on tax, however Scotland's underlying fiscal challenges remain.
Read our full response: www.futureeconomy.scot/press/249-re...
Read our full response: www.futureeconomy.scot/press/249-re...
January 13, 2026 at 4:56 PM
🏴 Today's Budget contains some welcome changes on tax, however Scotland's underlying fiscal challenges remain.
Read our full response: www.futureeconomy.scot/press/249-re...
Read our full response: www.futureeconomy.scot/press/249-re...
“I think that’s the reason targets have been pushed down the line”.
Last week, @hannawheatley.bsky.social presented evidence to Rural Affairs & Islands Committee on the Climate Change Plan's proposals on peatland restoration.
In this clip, Hanna critiques the costs & target timelines in the plan.
Last week, @hannawheatley.bsky.social presented evidence to Rural Affairs & Islands Committee on the Climate Change Plan's proposals on peatland restoration.
In this clip, Hanna critiques the costs & target timelines in the plan.
January 13, 2026 at 11:48 AM
“I think that’s the reason targets have been pushed down the line”.
Last week, @hannawheatley.bsky.social presented evidence to Rural Affairs & Islands Committee on the Climate Change Plan's proposals on peatland restoration.
In this clip, Hanna critiques the costs & target timelines in the plan.
Last week, @hannawheatley.bsky.social presented evidence to Rural Affairs & Islands Committee on the Climate Change Plan's proposals on peatland restoration.
In this clip, Hanna critiques the costs & target timelines in the plan.
"Maintaining the status quo is not an option. The sooner politicians acknowledge this, the better."
Ahead of today's #Budget, our co-director @lmacfarlane.bsky.social argues that to protect public services, taxes will soon have to rise.
Read in @scotsman.com
www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...
Ahead of today's #Budget, our co-director @lmacfarlane.bsky.social argues that to protect public services, taxes will soon have to rise.
Read in @scotsman.com
www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...
Why SNP is going to have to put up income tax for most of us or make devastating cuts
Don’t expect any big tax shocks in the Scottish Budget, but sooner or later, politicians are going to have to be honest about the government’s difficult fiscal position
www.scotsman.com
January 13, 2026 at 8:57 AM
"Maintaining the status quo is not an option. The sooner politicians acknowledge this, the better."
Ahead of today's #Budget, our co-director @lmacfarlane.bsky.social argues that to protect public services, taxes will soon have to rise.
Read in @scotsman.com
www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...
Ahead of today's #Budget, our co-director @lmacfarlane.bsky.social argues that to protect public services, taxes will soon have to rise.
Read in @scotsman.com
www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...
Reposted by Future Economy Scotland
“If Scotland wants to maintain its proud social contract, we must confront an uncomfortable truth: most of us will need to pay a little more tax.”
My op-ed ahead of this week’s Budget for @scotsman.com:
My op-ed ahead of this week’s Budget for @scotsman.com:
"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 10:18 AM
“If Scotland wants to maintain its proud social contract, we must confront an uncomfortable truth: most of us will need to pay a little more tax.”
My op-ed ahead of this week’s Budget for @scotsman.com:
My op-ed ahead of this week’s Budget for @scotsman.com:
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.
"Sooner or later, Scotland’s politicians will need to have an honest conversation with the public. If the state is to sustain the services we all rely on, taxes will have to rise. If they don’t, devastating cuts are inevitable.”
Writes @lmacfarlane.bsky.social 👇
www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...
Writes @lmacfarlane.bsky.social 👇
www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...
Why SNP is going to have to put up income tax for most of us or make devastating cuts
Don’t expect any big tax shocks in the Scottish Budget, but sooner or later, politicians are going to have to be honest about the government’s difficult fiscal position
www.scotsman.com
January 12, 2026 at 12:43 PM
"Sooner or later, Scotland’s politicians will need to have an honest conversation with the public. If the state is to sustain the services we all rely on, taxes will have to rise. If they don’t, devastating cuts are inevitable.”
Writes @lmacfarlane.bsky.social 👇
www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...
Writes @lmacfarlane.bsky.social 👇
www.scotsman.com/news/opinion...
"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.
Tomorrow our senior economist @hannawheatley.bsky.social will give evidence to the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee on the Climate Change Plan's proposals on peatland restoration.
📖 Read our latest report on scaling up investment in nature restoration: www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
📖 Read our latest report on scaling up investment in nature restoration: www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
Restoring Nature to Deliver a Just Transition to Net Zero
A holistic agenda for scaling up investment in woodlands and peatlands.
www.futureeconomy.scot
January 6, 2026 at 3:26 PM
Tomorrow our senior economist @hannawheatley.bsky.social will give evidence to the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee on the Climate Change Plan's proposals on peatland restoration.
📖 Read our latest report on scaling up investment in nature restoration: www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
📖 Read our latest report on scaling up investment in nature restoration: www.futureeconomy.scot/publications...
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...
Have you been enjoying Scotland’s woodlands this winter? 🌲❄️
Restoring nature at scale is essential — but who pays, and how do we make sure it’s fair?
Our latest webinar explores how to scale up nature restoration in line with a just transition.
🎥 www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/355-wa...
Restoring nature at scale is essential — but who pays, and how do we make sure it’s fair?
Our latest webinar explores how to scale up nature restoration in line with a just transition.
🎥 www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/355-wa...
Watch: Can private finance fix the nature crisis?
Watch our latest webinar exploring how to scale up nature restoration in line with a just transition
www.futureeconomy.scot
December 30, 2025 at 11:15 AM
Have you been enjoying Scotland’s woodlands this winter? 🌲❄️
Restoring nature at scale is essential — but who pays, and how do we make sure it’s fair?
Our latest webinar explores how to scale up nature restoration in line with a just transition.
🎥 www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/355-wa...
Restoring nature at scale is essential — but who pays, and how do we make sure it’s fair?
Our latest webinar explores how to scale up nature restoration in line with a just transition.
🎥 www.futureeconomy.scot/posts/355-wa...
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 🧵👇
We’re now on Instagram!
We’ll be sharing bite-sized explainers, ideas and tools for building a new economy in Scotland that’s democratic, sustainable, and just.
⚡️Decarbonise
✊Democratise
🌱Decommodify
Follow us 👇
www.instagram.com/futureeconsc...
We’ll be sharing bite-sized explainers, ideas and tools for building a new economy in Scotland that’s democratic, sustainable, and just.
⚡️Decarbonise
✊Democratise
🌱Decommodify
Follow us 👇
www.instagram.com/futureeconsc...
December 13, 2025 at 9:06 AM
We’re now on Instagram!
We’ll be sharing bite-sized explainers, ideas and tools for building a new economy in Scotland that’s democratic, sustainable, and just.
⚡️Decarbonise
✊Democratise
🌱Decommodify
Follow us 👇
www.instagram.com/futureeconsc...
We’ll be sharing bite-sized explainers, ideas and tools for building a new economy in Scotland that’s democratic, sustainable, and just.
⚡️Decarbonise
✊Democratise
🌱Decommodify
Follow us 👇
www.instagram.com/futureeconsc...
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...
What should a just transition for fossil fuel workers look like?
Our economist @jujupepe.bsky.social will join a fantastic panel exploring the answers👇
📺 Webinar
🗓️ Wed 10 December, 12.30pm
Our economist @jujupepe.bsky.social will join a fantastic panel exploring the answers👇
📺 Webinar
🗓️ Wed 10 December, 12.30pm
What should a just transition for fossil fuel workers look like?
Hear from workers representatives, researchers and campaigners about action needed from employers and government
www.eventbrite.co.uk
December 9, 2025 at 10:57 AM
What should a just transition for fossil fuel workers look like?
Our economist @jujupepe.bsky.social will join a fantastic panel exploring the answers👇
📺 Webinar
🗓️ Wed 10 December, 12.30pm
Our economist @jujupepe.bsky.social will join a fantastic panel exploring the answers👇
📺 Webinar
🗓️ Wed 10 December, 12.30pm
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...