Highland Council species champions named as part of fight to protect biodiversity
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Highland Council has named a host of new “species champions” as part of the fight against biodiversity loss.
Economy and infrastructure committee members approved the extensive list of 28 councillors who will each adopt a species found in the north of Scotland and seek to play a part in protecting it.
The local authority says it is acutely aware of the important role played by living organisms and the vital role they play in providing nature’s resilience in the face of climate change.
Cllr Ken Gowans, chair of the economy and infrastructure committee, was named as species champion for the wild Atlantic salmon, and said: “Many of the species on the list are threatened directly or indirectly by climate change.
“The species champions initiative is a response, in part, to these pressures and members have an opportunity to highlight the importance of biodiversity and nature as an essential component of the fight against climate change.
“The initiative provides a unique platform for members to advocate specific species, shine a spotlight, cultivate understanding and encourage, support and facilitate conservation action.
“Biodiversity is the best chance we have to adapt to climate change, and it is vital we help nature to thrive so that it can fulfil its vital role that we all depend on.”
Highland Council declared an ecological and climate emergency in 2019 and says establishing species champions will provide an opportunity to raise awareness of climate change and the impact it has had on some of the Highlands’ most important, iconic and threatened species.
In November 2022, the council joined around 300 governments, cities and local authorities across the world in becoming a signatory of the Edinburgh Declaration.
In 2022, the ecological emergency was added to the council’s corporate risk register and a new Council natural environment strategy is in development as a key pillar of its forthcoming net zero plan.
The species champions initiative was first launched by the council in 2014, updated in 2019 and now again in 2023 following the intake of new members.
The list is:
Cllr Alasdair Christie – Adder
Cllr Alex Graham - Red Squirrel
Cllr Andrew Jarvie – Juniper
Cllr Andrew Sinclair - Hen Harrier
Cllr Bill Lobban - Mountain Hare & Pine Hoverfly
Cllr Biz Campbell - Black Grouse
Cllr David Fraser - Scottish Primrose
Cllr David Gregg - Brown Long-eared Bat
Cllr Glynis Sinclair - Small Blue & Dinghy Skipper
Cllr Jackie Hendry - Common Toad
Cllr Jan McEwan – Hedgehog
Cllr John Bruce – Capercaillie
Cllr Kate Maclean - Golden Eagle & Flame Shell
Cllr Kate Willis – Beaver
Cllr Ken Gowans - Wild Atlantic Salmon
Cllr Leslie-Anne Niven – Killer Whale
Cllr Lyndsey Johnston - Red Kite
Cllr Marianne Hutchinson - Great Yellow Bumblebee
Cllr Michael Baird – Honey Bee
Cllr Michael Cameron – Curlew and Water Vole
Cllr Michael Green – Solitary Bee
Cllr Morven Reid - Harbour Porpoise
Cllr Muriel Cockburn - Mountain Mason Bee
Cllr Paul Oldham - Bottlenose Dolphin
Cllr Ryan MacKintosh – Red Grouse
Cllr Sarah Fanet – Common Eelgrass
Cllr Struan Mackie – Scottish Wildcat
