Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Scotland
Enhancing Visitor Infrastructure at Loch Lomond Nature Reserve
RSPB Scotland is part of the RSPB, the nature conservation charity that exists to tackle the problems that threaten our spectacular natural environment.
RSPB’s Loch Lomond nature reserve forms part of the larger Loch Lomond National Nature Reserve and is home to an enormous variety of rare species. The wider National Park is one of the most popular visitor destinations in Scotland, welcoming over 4 million visitors each year. However, due to the nature of the landscape and a lack of defined and surfaced paths from the new car park, the reserve is largely inaccessible for many users.
RSPB want to change that by constructing a pathway made up of boardwalks, bridges and interpretation features, enhancing the level of access available and interpretation of the landscape and wildlife along the way. Funding from the ScottishPower Foundation will pay for the first half (425m) of a long-term vision to have a circular walk of approximately 850m in length. The path leads to a beautiful pond which is the perfect location for pond dipping and so will form a key focus for visiting school groups and families.
Young Scot Climate 2050
2050 Climate Group Young Leaders Development Programme
The 2050 Climate Group was established by Young Scot and the 2020 Climate Group in June 2014. It brings together a collection of young professionals from across Scotland who share a commitment to supporting Scotland’s transition to a sustainable, low carbon economy and significantly cutting carbon emissions by the target years of 2020 and 2050.
Funding will help the Young Leaders Development Programme to engage nationally with 150 young people in the first year. This will involve skills and leadership development in areas such as self-awareness, values, understanding and influencing people and leading for the future. They will also be educated on climate change and low carbon behaviours development.
National Museums Scotland
Get Energised
Each year National Museums Scotland welcomes millions of visitors to its four museum sites: the National Museum of Scotland and National War Museum, in Edinburgh, the National Museum of Flight, in East Lothian and the National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride.
Funding will support the continuation of the “Get Energised” education programme; a science/engineering/technology engagement programme which brings together curatorial, industry and education and engagement experts to create a programme of events and activities for a range of different audiences to investigate Scotland’s future energy needs, focusing particularly on renewable energy.
Funding will also provide support for the Energise Gallery, one of the 10 new galleries being opened to the general public in July 2016. The Energise Gallery will encourage visitors to consider energy challenges we face today, the impact of choices people make and to develop informed attitudes about the future of energy.