It takes a huge, diverse team of people to deliver Highland Adapts, many of which are taking action from within their own organisations…
Highland Adapts Team
Emma Whitham
Chloe Sinclair
Harper Loonsk
Harper Loonsk
Climate Change Coordinator Harper Loonsk is a Climate Change Coordinator for Highland Adapts. She recently completed a master’s degree in Environmental Sustainability at the University of Edinburgh, where her dissertation focused on species translocation as a means of climate change adaptation. Originally from the United States, Harper received a bachelor’s degree in Ethnicity, Race, and Migration from Yale College, after which she worked with refugees and asylum seekers as an immigration paralegal. Harper is thrilled to be part of the team at Highland Adapts and to participate in the important work that the partnership is doing to facilitate climate change adaptation in the Highlands.
Climate Hack – Active travel can sometimes take longer than other means of getting around, but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Time spent walking, for example, can be a great opportunity to catch up with friends and family on the phone, or listen to a good podcast. Harper is currently enjoying listening to The Anthropocene Reviewed while she walks along the Ness on her way to work.
Chloe Sinclair
Graduate Intern Chloe Sinclair is a graduate intern with the Highland Council and is newly involved in the Highland Adapts initiative – helping to support the communications team, coordinate our social media platforms and produce regular climate related blog posts. Chloe has graduated with a degree in Geography from the University of Dundee and during her studies formed a depth of knowledge, alongside strong interests related to climate change, sustainability and tourism. Chloe is delighted to participate in such an exciting project and is looking forward to working with a great network of people, to help the Highlands adapt to climate change.
Climate Hack – We all love effortless hacks made from the comfort of our own homes, so why not try making little changes to lower your energy use? Electricity is one of the biggest contributors to GHG emissions, with heating systems often being the largest household expense. Being smarter in how we use these will make a big difference to the planet and also your wallet! The heating does not need switched off completely – even turning it down by 1 degree will significantly reduce your carbon footprint. Or why not unplug your appliances that are not used daily? Only plug them in when ready for use and watch your energy bills reduce.
Emma Whitham
Principal Project Manager
Emma Whitham is the Principal Project Manager for Highland Adapts. Emma has worked in the sustainability sector for 20 years in various roles from climate change policy to University lecturer and from environmental activist to founding community-led charities to inspire and enable change.
Climate Hack – spend time in nature daily to build a deep sense of gratitude for our beautiful planet. One has to truly love something to protect it.
Founding Partners
Forestry and Land Scotland
NHS Highland
The Highland Council
Highlands and Islands Enterprise
Changeworks
Adaptation Scotland
NatureScot
Highlands and Islands Climate Hub
Zero Waste Scotland
Forestry and Land Scotland
Doug Earle-Mitchell has had a wide ranging career working in forestry all over Scotland. He is currently Planning Manager in North Region based in Smithton, Inverness and is responsible for Land Management Planning and the Environment. He oversees long term planning of public forests and land managed by FLS providing strategic direction. Doug is an Adaptation advocate and has been closely involved in improving awareness of adaptation practice across FLS. He sits on the Programme Board of Highland Adapts.
Climate Hack: ‘In the last two years, I’ve made a point of learning more about the impact our food choices have on Climate Change. It has changed the way I eat completely. As well as helping to reduce the effects of Climate Change, a predominantly plant based diet is easy to do and just so enjoyable and healthy. Go on, give it a try, I dare you!’
NHS Highland
John Burnside works with NHS Highland where he has worked for 39 years. John has responsibility for Waste and Resource Management, Energy Management and Environment and Sustainability.
NHS Highland has been involved pretty much from the start of Highland Adapts and is one of the main group of funders for the project. John is keen to see this work develop out into supporting Highland communities in adapting to the risks from climate change and to take advantage of the opportunities it offers the Highlands.
Climate hack: as a keen gardener at home John has a couple of water butts for filling small pond and watering the garden. John also composts waste food to make compost for the garden, and grows his own tomatoes, chilli’s, cucumbers, pears (for homemade Perry) and various herbs.
The Highland Council
Kate Lackie works with The Highland Council as the Executive Chief of Performance and Governance. Highland Council has been heavily involved in Highland Adapts right from the outset, having worked closely with Sniffer to develop the business and strategic cases for the initiative and to bring the partners together to develop a shared vision. Kate currently chairs the Highland Adapts Programme Board, and is excited about how the work of the thematic teams will develop and grow over the course of the coming months and years to deliver transformational change for the communities of Highland.
Climate hack: we all need a break from our day to day lives, and Kate’s climate hack is to take holidays locally, rather than travelling abroad – the Highlands are beautiful!
Highlands and Islands Enterprise
Neil Ross has worked for Highlands and Islands Enterprise first on community land and assets and then on broader community development roles since 2000. Currently, he works in HIE’s Communities Infrastructure Team, with interests in place making, housing, natural capital and nature based solutions, net zero initiatives, localising food supply chains, Gaelic and of course climate adaptation.
He is passionate about the changes which global society need to make to ensure a truly sustainable future. He is excited about the opportunities that the collaborative and inclusive approach of Highland Adapts gives us all to make the changes which will ensure the future resilience and attractiveness of the Highlands.
Changeworks
Grant Mackay works with Changworks. Changeworks works with local authorities, organisations, schools and communities, and individuals to mitigate against energy and fuel poverty, minimise waste and reduce their impact on the environment through carbon reduction.
Grant is a senior manager with Changeworks and his main role is leading the Home Energy Scotland Highlands & Islands advice centre. Grant also represents Changeworks on the Highland Adapts Programme Board.
Climate hack: Embracing active travel and with 2 teenage daughters, Grant is the ‘turning the lights off’ monitor in his household!
Adaptation Scotland
Anna Beswick works for Sniffer. Anna leads a wide range of Sniffer projects focused on climate adaptation, risk and resilience, working with partners across Scotland, the UK and internationally. She manages the Scottish Government funded Adaptation Scotland programme and worked with the Highland Council and partners to build the business case and form the Highland Adapts initiative.
Climate hack: Anna is a big fan of ethical and sustainable fashion – buy a lot less, spend a bit more on ethically and sustainably sourced items and wear for longer
NatureScot
Ben Leyson has many years of experience working for NatureScot, currently as an Operations Manager covering Highland. He is interested in solution focussed approaches to adapting to climate change by working in partnership with local communities, the public sector and private interests.
NatureScot are the lead public body responsible for advising Scottish Ministers on all matters relating to nature. Their purpose is to promote, care for and improve our nature, to help people to enjoy nature responsibly, to enable greater understanding and awareness of nature and to promote its sustainable use.
NatureScot see Highland Adapts as an important way of ensuring that Highland has a resilient environment and that they can meet the climate challenges by deploying nature-based solutions. Through working with local communities and wider partners, Highland Adapts can lead the way in identifying and driving forward our shared green recovery priorities.
Climate hack: Cherish the wild places, especially those close to home.
Highlands and Islands Climate Hub
Joan Lawrie is the Development Manager at the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub. The Hub is funded by the Scottish Government and is one of the first established regional community climate action hubs in Scotland. The Highlands and Islands Climate Hub encourages networking, peer support and provides assistance to communities through design, development and delivery of climate action projects with a focus on where those projects can also provide solutions to community needs. The Hub is operated by Thurso Community Development Trust where Joan is also the Development Manager.
Highland Adapts and the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub are working together on a number of projects and Joan and her staff contribute to a number of the other groups including the Engagement, Communications and Climate Advocates Group.
Climate hack: To be that bit more mindful in everything, giving deeper thought to consumer purchases, is it really needed? If we are all just that little bit more mindful of our actions, we can contribute to causing less harm and protecting our environment.
Zero Waste Scotland
Helen Lavery works with Zero Waste Scotland who exists to lead Scotland to use products and resources responsibly, focusing on where we can have the greatest impact on climate change. We are really excited to be involved in Highland Adapts. The project presents a unique opportunity to work in collaboration with partners and wider stakeholders to address climate change issues. We will support Highland Adapts placed-based approach to addressing key climate related challenges and opportunities, these initiatives will improve resilience within the Highland economy, create more connected communities and preserve the regions important biodiversity.
Climate hack: ‘Reducing your own (or family) carbon footprint and decreasing your environmental impact at home doesn’t always mean big and expensive adjustments. Leave the grass to grow to make wild patches in the summer, plant native species, feed the birds or dig a small pond. Top tips for getting started can be found here: https://wasteless.zerowastescotland.org.uk/articles/easy-guide-to-composting-home.