The ongoing saga of Scotland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) has been painful to watch. At one point we were leading the way, with the initial launch set for 2023. However, another year passes, we are no further forward, and it’s gotten more complicated and convoluted since it was first announced back in 2017.
If you’ve found it hard to keep up, then I don’t blame you. It has now been delayed for the fourth time, with the new date of 2027 in place, in line with England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The latest twist in the saga however is that Biffa are taking legal action against the Scottish Government over the most recent collapse of the controversial deposit scheme.
The waste management company is looking to recoup £150million in compensation after it invested in equipment and vehicles, plus a loss of profit.
Apparently, Lorna Slater, Green MSP and circular economy minister at the time, promised the firm the scheme would go ahead with Biffa taking her words in “good faith” and that the “delivery of the scheme had been mandated by the Scottish Government.”
Since then, Slater has axed as Green Minister since the Bute House Agreement was scrapped. Now Climate Action Minister Gillian Martin has been handed responsibility for the trainwreck that is the deposit return scheme.
Surprise, surprise there has been no comment from Martin on the reports that Biffa are suing her administration, or confirmation on if legal action did proceed, whether the Scottish Government would sue UK ministers who it believes are to blame.
SNP MSP Fergus Ewing has called for there to be a public inquiry into the failed scheme. He believes a total of £300million has been lost by businesses altogether, posing the question will other businesses follow suit and sue just like Biffa?
Like most of the public who can see just how clueless the former Green Minister is, it’s no secret that Ewing is not a big fan of Slater. If you remember correctly, he was suspended just last year after backing a motion of no confidence in the Greens co-leader.
To give it to Ewing, he seems to be applying the same pressure to Gillian Martin, however on this occasion Martin has said she’s happy to meet up with him or any of the businesses affected to discuss the future of DRS – all whilst putting the blame on the Tories for the further two-year delay.
I think you’ll agree, it’s been very messy from the start. The Greens and certain SNP figures have done themselves no favours throughout the process. From the most recent decision to postpone until 2027 to align with the other devolved governments, to Circularity Scotland, the company behind the rollout of Scotland’s DRS, going into administration, it’s been a train wreck.
It’s also fair to say that our hospitality sector has not fully embraced the scheme due to uncertainty surrounding its implementation, having not been involved in any way during the consultation process, which left a bad taste in the mouths of many of the country’s top hospitality bosses.
However, if this scheme is to launch successfully throughout the UK in 2027, hospitality businesses may be happier as venues will no longer be required to act as a return point. Instead, venues can do this voluntarily, therefore avoiding any definite cost implications.
There has also been disagreement over the inclusion of glass within the scheme and legislation is still needed for supermarkets and shops who would host reverse vending machines in stores – essentially, there is a lot still to be resolved. But, it appears that this will now be determined by a deposit management organisation (DMO) which will represent all UK countries.
Whether more firms like Biffa will sue or if there will be an independent government inquiry to see where it all went wrong, only time will tell. But in my opinion, it’s no surprise that people are angry, don’t forget that £9million of taxpayer funds from the Scottish National Investment Bank has been lost, along with a lot of our patience.
Green energy gets a digital boost
I was impressed to read that Scotland’s renewable energy sector has marked yet another significant milestone with the launch of a pioneering new online platform, which promises to revolutionise the industry.
The launch of Renewables Connect has seen it become the UK’s first online platform for renewable energy projects to provide a seamless matchmaking service between landowners, developers, and investors across the UK.
Landowners, of course, will stand to benefit greatly from this initiative, with the ability to list their sites at no cost. This not only attracts investment but also stimulates job creation and economic activity, particularly in rural areas.
Most importantly, Scotland’s business sector stands to gain from the diversification of income streams for landowners and farmers. As traditional industries face challenges, renewable energy offers a lifeline, providing stable revenue and fostering resilience in the face of the current economic instability.
This initiative also aligns with Scotland’s broader economic goals, particularly its commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2045.
In essence, this appears to represent a win-win for Scotland’s business sector. It unlocks new opportunities for growth, fosters resilience in rural communities, and positions Scotland as a global leader in renewable energy innovation.
However, it’s important to also recognise the challenges ahead. Grid capacity issues and regulatory hurdles continue to pose significant obstacles to renewable energy deployment.
While Renewables Connect addresses some of these challenges, broader systemic changes are needed to fully unlock Scotland’s renewable potential.
It Made Me Laugh
A wee wizarding mistake
Ordering online can sometimes lead to a comedy of errors, and I couldn’t help but chuckle at the recent story of a mum’s hunt for a Harry Potter book went a bit awry when she accidentally ordered a ‘Scottish version’ of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone for her English daughter.
Translated into Scots, this version of the beloved classic has been causing quite the stir on Reddit.
With phrases like “Prood tae say” instead of “Proud to say,” the text takes on a whole new magical charm. The bewildered parent shared her misadventure online, sparking laughter and a lot of confusion.
Perhaps it’s time for a bit of wizardry in the customer service department. After all, laughter is the best potion.
It Made Me Weep
Retail own goal at Euro 2024
Marks & Spencer finds itself on the bench after a marketing own goal that’s left Scotland’s Tartan Army feeling more blue than usual.
With the Euro 2024 fever gripping the nation, M&S’s decision to roll out England-centric merchandise in Edinburgh – with no sign of the Scotland badge in sight – has sparked outrage among Scots.
In my opinion, this isn’t just a case of missing the net; it’s a blatant disregard for the diverse fan base north of the border.
Businesses should know better than to sideline their audience with misguided marketing tactics.
Perhaps M&S need to spend a bit more time on the training ground.
