“If no action is taken, this may have serious implications for the workforce, the economy, and the capacity for demographic regeneration.” New research commissioned by the Scottish Government and conducted by the James Hutton Institute estimates that Scotland’s sparsely populated areas are at risk of losing more than a quarter of their population by 2046 if current demographic trends are left unchanged. These areas include vast tracts of the Highlands and Islands and some areas in the Southern Uplands, which together represent almost half of the country’s land, but are home to less than 3% of
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Rural depopulation is a topic which seems to have slipped down the policy agenda in Scotland in recent years. The popular narrative about the Highlands and Islands has become more positive – highlighting the growth of Inverness and its immediate hinterland, opportunities for renewable energy, or tourism and leisure based on the region’s rich natural environment. However our recent Scottish Government-funded research suggests that the issue has not gone away, but has been “hidden” by the way in which boundaries are drawn. We have defined the most remote and sparsely populated area (SPA) of
"This event broadens awareness and knowledge of the varied projects undertaken at the Institute and is an opportunity to celebrate the work of students and their supervisors" The Annual Postgraduate Student Event, which showcases the excellent science being undertaken by postgraduate students at the James Hutton Institute, took place at the Birnam Arts and Conference Centre, Birnam on Thursday 8th March and Friday 9th March 2018, featuring a keynote lecture by Professor Ian Boyd, DEFRA Chief Scientific Advisor. Related content Postgraduate study More information from: Bernardo Rodriguez
"Best Soil in Show highlights the importance of maintaining healthy soils and the many basic agricultural and ecological benefits they deliver" The James Hutton Institute is again looking for farmers around the country to enter samples of their soils - either organically or conventionally managed - for the Best Soil in Show 2018 competition. The Institute and partners National Farmers Union of Scotland (NFUS), the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC) and Soil Association Scotland are offering cash prizes in this year’s competition, as well as the Best Soil in Show trophy and a
"This new network will help ensure that natural flood management actions are successfully delivered across Scotland" A new website aiming to become a sharing platform for policymakers, researchers, scientists and anyone interested in the use of landscape features to reduce flood risk has been launched today. Related content Mark Wilkinson More information from: Nicola Strachan, Public Affairs Coordinator, Tel: +44 (0)1382 568750 (direct line) or +44 (0)344 928 5428 (switchboard). read more
“Clearly, the traditional rice grown in these villages in not only a food source, but an important part of the cultural identity of the people in the highlands and therefore its vital that its production is preserved” For generations, rice has been a key crop for the Kelabit people who populate the highlands of Malaysian Borneo – so much so that the slow-growing variety grown in the area shares a name with the region and its main town, Bario. However, the cultivation of rice in the area is under threat due to climate change, soil degradation and emigration, among other factors. Related content
Dr Emily Grossman, “Too sensitive for science?”,The James Hutton Institute “Emotional openness can lead to what I refer to as the three Cs; Compassion, Collaboration and Creativity - qualities that are as essential in STEM. Being able to allow ourselves to be sensitive and emotional people, as we all are underneath, can allow us greater access to these three Cs” What makes a good scientist? What qualities are assets for success in the highly competitive and challenging environment of science? An outdated stereotype often paints a picture that all scientists are cold, hard, unemotional... and