Natural Capital – The Importance of Natural Capital to the Scottish Economy
Posted: Thursday, 26 February 2026
In this episode of the Natural Capital podcast, Harry Fisher and Iain Boyd discuss the new report from the Scottish Government; The Importance of Natural Capital to the Scottish Economy – A Regional Analysis. The report estimates that Scotland’s natural capital underpins at least £40 billion of economic output (14% of the total economy) and supports 260,000 jobs.
The discussion highlights the sectors of the economy heavily dependent on healthy ecosystems, and explores how reliance varies across regions, the areas most dependent and how to manage the risks. We discuss the many ecosystem services provided which are irreplaceable, the importance of valuing, looking after and investing in nature and how our natural capital assets are fundamental to economic resilience, rural livelihoods and long-term prosperity.
If you’d like to get in touch or find out more about what we have discussed, you can find links in the show notes.
This episode was presented by Harry Fisher, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Kieron Sim, in association with the Scottish Government.
Timestamps:
1:11 – 6:36 Overview of report and our valuable assets.
6:37 – 16:30 Impact on specific sectors, the role of technology, irreplaceability and risks
16:31 – 24:30 Regional analysis and economic reliance
24:31 – 33:10 Main takeaways and the importance of valuing and protecting our natural capital
FAS Resources:
FAS Environment: https://www.fas.scot/environment/
FAS Natural Capital podcast: https://www.fas.scot/sounds/natural-capital/
Related Other Resources:
Importance of Natural Capital to the Scottish Economy – Regional Analysis: https://www.gov.scot/publications/importance-natural-capital-scottish-economy-regional-analysis/
National Security Assessment on Global Biodiversity Loss, Ecosystem Collapse and National Security: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nature-security-assessment-on-global-biodiversity-loss-ecosystem-collapse-and-national-security
For more information, visit www.FAS.scot
Twitter: @FASScot
Facebook: @FASScot
National Advice Hub
Phone: 0300 323 0161
Email: advice@fas.scot
