31 October 2018
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon highlighted Scotland’s environmental progress at the Circular Economy Hotspot in Glasgow.
Speaking to an audience of representatives from around 20 countries, the First Minister set out the Scottish Government’s circular economy ambitions.
Earlier today at #CEHotspotScot, @ScotGovFM @NicolaSturgeon said "It is a real honour for Scotland to host a global gathering of this kind – on an issue which is not just important to us in Scotland but an issue that is of increasing international significance." #ESIF pic.twitter.com/PMrcfwuajz
— Zero Waste Scotland (@ZeroWasteScot) October 31, 2018
Ahead of the conference Zero Waste Scotland published new reports which estimated developing a circular economy could generate economic benefits of approximately £1 billion in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Tayside.
FM @NicolaSturgeon has welcomed new reports which show the £1bn potential of the circular economy & announced £700k for businesses that are reusing and repurposing products ahead of speaking at today’s #CEHotspotScot 🏴 ⤵️https://t.co/2QA6cnOGy0 pic.twitter.com/zfdjpWoJ85
— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) October 31, 2018
She then announced the recipients of £700,000 from the Circular Economy Investment Fund, with these businesses set to reuse and repurpose products.
Following the speech she toured the exhibition space where she met the director of Highland Galvanizers – a Scottish manufacturing firm which is attracting international attention for its project to extend the safe working life of motorway crash barriers, keeping drivers safe while reducing costs and harmful emissions.
She also met young pupils from St Vincent’s Primary School in Glasgow who have been working to keep materials in circulation for longer.
What a day for some of our superstars! Memorable in every way. All the hard work on circular economy certainly paid off. Well done everyone in P6! @YE_Scotland @friendmonkeymar @circleeconomy #CEHotspotScot https://t.co/8W1AGidAq0
— St Vincent's Primary (@vincents_st) October 31, 2018