Our Facility for Investment Ready Nature Scotland (FIRNS) programme was launched in February 2023. Working together with NatureScot and the Scottish Government, we aim to support growth in responsible investment in projects that can restore and improve the natural environment. 

Historically, natural capital investment has focused on rural projects in the landscape. Edinburgh Garden City – Water of Leith Catchment puts the focus on opportunities in the city. It considers new ideas for community benefits, biodiversity and climate adaptations, and their potential to offer a return on investment. 

Laying the groundwork for long-term opportunities 

This project aims to generate evidence from work taking place in Edinburgh that can inform potential investors of the scale of its possible, or intended, outcomes. These outcomes could include better human health (with related costs avoided), properties protected from flooding, or urban temperature regulation for climate adaptation. 

While urban adaptation and nature recovery has challenges such as complexity and cost, these plans bring positive change for Edinburgh. Urban areas are where ecosystem services are in most demand which will make them more attractive to investors. 

Edinburgh City Council will also work closely with partners and investors to understand what information they would be looking for to consider investing. 

Edinburgh Garden City – Water of Leith Catchment will accelerate the development of finance readiness of urban adaptation and nature recovery work programmes. It will also enable the planning and delivery of these developments in the towns and cities where the vast majority of Scottish communities live. 

The project builds on the pioneering work of the Green-Blue Network and Edinburgh Nature Network.