Here you will find our response to the draft Scottish INNS Action Plan 2026-2032 (22nd January 2026).

This response was developed by the Scotland Policy Group with input from the wider CIEEM membership.

Key points:

• The draft Scottish INNS Action Plan provides a strong strategic framework, but lacks SMART actions, delivery detail, and a clear accompanying delivery and investment plan to turn ambition into action.
• Greater resourcing is needed for prevention, prioritisation, early warning and rapid response, which are more cost-effective than long-term control, particularly under increasing pressure from climate change.
• Regulatory and enforcement mechanisms require strengthening, including clearer use and transparency of Species Control Agreements and Orders, and increased capacity for inspection and enforcement.
• Early detection and surveillance should be expanded through a risk-based approach, involving well-informed citizen scientists, land managers, professional ecologists, and cross-border partnerships.
• A whole-of-society approach is required, with clear governance, defined roles and responsibilities, stronger engagement of landowners and communities, and INNS control embedded into routine land management.
• Long-term management of established INNS must be based on clear prioritisation, landscape- and catchment-scale coordination, adequate resources, and mechanisms to oblige participation where voluntary action fails.
• Sustainable funding, improved data sharing and mapping, better knowledge exchange, applied research partnerships, and clearer communication (including public awareness) are essential to support effective delivery.
• The plan must be integrated with related legislation, policies and processes e.g. Natural Environment Bill, River Basin and Marine Plans and build on ESS findings.