Peatland Expert Advisory Group minutes: August 2024

Attendees and apologies

• Donald Henderson, Co-chair, Scottish Government 
• Christopher Mackie, Co-chair, Scottish Government 
• Morag Watson, Scottish Renewables
• Megan Amundson, Scottish Renewables
• Andy Gillan, RJ McLeod
• Emma Hinchcliffe, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Peatland Programme
• Andy Mills, East Point Geo
• Roxane Anderson, Uni of Highlands & Islands
• Mark Mulqueeny, SSE Renewables
• Emma Taylor, SEPA
• Karen Dobbie, SEPA
• Robbie Kernahan, NatureScot
• Rebecca Maskrey, AECOM
• Sarah Govan, CXC
• Irene Tierney, IMTECO Ltd
• Peter Hurley, AECOM
• Planning, Architecture and Regeneration Division, Scottish Government
• Rural and Environmental Science and Analytical Services, Scottish Government 
• Peatland Policy, Scottish Government
• Renewable Electricity Policy, Scottish Government

Apologies

• Matthew Williams, Chief Scientific Advisor, Natural Resources and Agriculture, Scottish Government
• Claire Campbell, SEPA
• Simon Brooks, NatureScot
• Jo Ellis, Forestry and Land Scotland
• Peter Hutchinson, NatureScot
• Matt Aitkenhead, James Hutton Institute
• Rosie Simpson, John Muir Trust

Items and actions

Welcome and introductions 

The Scottish Government co-chair, Donald Henderson (DH) welcomed attendees. Briefly introduced the new Scottish Government co-chair Christopher Mackie (CM), Deputy Director for Onshore Electricity, Strategy and Consents, to the meeting and passed on apologies of those who could not attend.  
DH ran through the agenda for the meeting.

Evidence assessment for the applicability of the carbon calculator tool

Rebecca Maskrey (RM), AECOM, delivered a presentation on the research AECOM has carried out to assess the applicability of the carbon calculator tool for windfarm development on Scottish peatlands and other carbon rich soils.

An overview of the project and the approach, the Carbon Calculator and the key findings were presented. 

• Aim of the project is to determine if the Carbon Calculator in its current form is fit for purpose as a decision-making tool and explore how it can be elevated.
• Undertook the development of a research protocol, undertook a technical assessment of the Carbon Calculator, literature review based on the findings of the technical assessment and undertook a review.

The key findings determined the current Carbon Calculator isn’t fit for purpose as a decision-making tool for determining whether a wind farm should be developed on peatland and other carbon rich soils. 

There was a discussion on windfarm construction where peat has been restored to near pristine condition. There has to be a method of assessing of what is achievable in developing wind farms on peatland. 

There was a discussion on the next steps of the research and the final report which will be published once it has been finalised and approved by the steering group. 

Dates and locations for future meetings

A poll will be circulated with dates and times for members to select their preference for the next meeting. 
Potential for a site visit was discussed for the next meeting but impacts of budget constraints will need to be considered.