Yesterday, we had the pleasure of attending the Just Transition Commission Summit in Edinburgh – an inspiring event bringing together people from across Scotland who are shaping our journey to a fair and inclusive net zero future.
The Just Transition Commission plays a vital role in advising the Scottish Government on how to move towards net zero in a way that’s fair for everyone – ensuring that the economic and social benefits of decarbonisation are shared, and that no community is left behind. Its work is helping to guide how investment, infrastructure, and opportunity are distributed across the country. The Commission’s upcoming recommendations will have a major influence on national policy and funding decisions, setting out how Scotland can achieve a transition that supports both people and place.
For Focus North, the summit provided a valuable opportunity to share how the North Highlands is already putting those principles into action. Programme Manager Peter Faccenda and Administration and Communications Officer Vicky Rosie presented two case studies that show what a just transition looks like in practice:
🔸 Focus North’s regional approach to a just transition – communities, public bodies and industry working together to ensure local people and businesses benefit from the economic changes ahead.
🔸 The Flow Country Green Finance Initiative – a groundbreaking partnership exploring how investment in our natural capital can support climate goals and community prosperity.
Both case studies show what’s possible when we work together with a shared vision. This goes to the heart of the Focus North approach. Here in North Highland, we are living the reality of the just transition, working with innovation and commitment to meet climate goals whilst ensuring the benefits of change are felt locally.
The summit attracted influential figures from government, industry and community leaders, including senior ministers and policymakers. For us, it was a fantastic opportunity to connect not only with government but also with like-minded communities across Scotland, sharing challenges, ideas and inspiration. Yesterday only reaffirmed our belief that the north Highlands can be a national example of Just Transition in action.
Download our Just Transition case studies below.
