Main Roles of Key Scottish Environmental Agencies

• Nature Scot

  Arm of the government responsible for wildfire, habitats, rocks and landscapes of Scotland.

  • Manages designations including Scotland's 55 national reserves, 40 national scenic areas and over 1,400 SSSI's.
  • Undertake research and develop action plans for Scotland's most threatened environments e.g. peat bogs.
  • Manage populations of invasive species and reintroduce native species.
  • Promote use of the outdoors for recreation and enjoyment.
  • Educate the public on Scotland's natural heritage.
  • Manage Scotland's deer population.
  • Advise the government on planning and development issues.
• Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA)

  Scotland's environmental regulator and national flood forecasting, flood warning and strategic flood risk management authority. Main role is to protect and improve environment.
• Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS)

  Looks after, manages and promotes Scotland's national forests and land, and provides timber supplies.
• Scottish Farming (SF)

  Responsible for forestry policy, support and legislation.
• Marine Scotland (MS)

  Responsible for protection of coastal waters and seas, and to safeguard its valuable ecosystem. In charge of marine protected areas.
• Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)


  A formal conservation designation for an area which has extremely high conservation value because of its plants, animals, geological or landscape features. This designation makes sure it is well protected.
• Marine Protected Areas (MPA)

  A formal conservation designation to protect nationally important marine wildlife, habitats, geology, and undersea landforms. This designation makes sure it is well protected.