An independent evaluation of the Adaptation Scotland Programme recommends stronger support for organisations moving from climate-risk awareness and planning into delivery. The Scottish Government published the findings on 29th October.
Current position
The Ipsos review examined how the programme contributed to adaptation outcomes. Its methods included programme monitoring information and 63 interviews with people involved in governance, delivery and participating organisations.
The strongest evidence concerned networks, knowledge, confidence and access to practical resources. Evidence was less consistent for organisations translating that support into adaptation action. Capacity, funding, competing priorities and leadership support also affected progress.
Why this matters
For councils and public-estate teams, the findings underline a delivery gap: better understanding of climate risks does not by itself establish that buildings, services or communities have become more resilient. The evaluation also found weaker evidence of vulnerable groups' views changing policy or decisions.
Next steps
Recommendations include more help for organisations ready to implement plans, stronger engagement with senior decision makers and monitoring that tracks outcomes over time. Longer-term proposals would inform programme design beyond 2027. These are evaluation recommendations, rather than a new funding award or a confirmed procurement decision.
Primary sources: Scottish Government executive summary and conclusions.