The Highland food and drink sector is on the frontline of climate change, facing increasing risks from extreme weather, biodiversity loss, and shifting market dynamics. Previous research from Highland Adapts highlighted the potential economic cost of climate-related disruptions — projected to cost millions annually, increasing over time.
This report focuses on the role circular economy practices can play in strengthening climate resilience across the sector. The Highland region’s rural geography, dispersed communities, and reliance on climate-sensitive industries such as aquaculture and whisky production present unique vulnerabilities — but also opportunities for more regenerative, localised solutions.
The report highlights how circular economy approaches — from reducing waste and retaining resource value to redesigning supply chains — can help future-proof the sector. The report identifies key barriers, local case studies, and opportunities for systemic change.
Commissioned by Highland Adapts, this research was funded and co-designed by Zero Waste Scotland, supported by Verture, and produced by Joseph Perry Consulting.
Other Highland Adapts Projects
Climate Resilience Review for Strategic Documents
To achieve regional climate resilience, we need to embed resilience in strategies across all organisations, businesses, and groups in Highland. This can be daunting and challenging when you are already managing significant competing pressures on your time and resources. This year, Highland Adapts is piloting a peer support model to help strengthen climate change resilience in strategic documents (policies, plans, or strategies).
Highland Climate Change Risk & Opportunity Assessment (HCCROA)
Climate change risks in Highland are already significant and are expected to intensify over the coming decades. The HCCROA provides Highland’s first regional assessment of climate change risks and opportunities from the present day to the 2080s. It covers 50 risks and opportunities across five themes: land, nature, and food; health and wellbeing; community and economy; built environment; and infrastructure. The executive summary is available in English and Gaelic.
Highland Climate Change Economic Impact Assessment
Climate change will have potentially significant negative impacts on the Highland region equivalent to around -1.5% Gross Domestic Product (GDP) a year by the 2050s, rising to up to -3.3% a year by the 2080s. Our economic assessment provides the first Highland-specific regional economic analysis for climate change impacts. It also includes three sector reports: forestry and timber, energy, and food and drink.
Highland Weather & Climate Story Map
Across the region, we are already feeling the effects of the changing climate on our weather, our landscapes, and our communities. The Highland Weather & Climate Story Map collects your first-hand experiences of weather and climate impacts on the Highland region. These stories will sit alongside other data and evidence, helping to paint a fuller picture of climate impacts and changes in Highland.
Highland Charter for Climate, Nature, and Health
The Highland Charter for Climate, Nature, and Health is a pledge to put climate, nature, and the benefits of green and blue health at the centre of decision-making and action, so that the natural environment and people have improved health, wellbeing, and resilience. The aim of the charter is to raise awareness of climate change, to build momentum across the region, and to celebrate the work that individuals, communities, organisations, and businesses are doing in Highland.