Nature Protection Scorecard

Data was collated on the level of ecological expertise within Scotland’s planning authorities (32 local authorities and 2 national park authorities). 

41% of planning authorities have no in-house ecological expertise. Of these, some local authorities report using external contractors to provide ecological expertise. In 5 cases, the authority have neither in-house ecological expertise nor have accessed external expertise over the previous 12 months. 

38% of planning authorities have 0.8-1 FTE post able to provide ecological expertise. 

The highest levels of ecological capacity are in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority (3.6FTE) and West Lothian Council (3FTE).

The most common job positions were:

• Biodiversity Officer (and variations): 15.5FTE estimated
• Environmental Planner (and variations): 6.3FTE estimated
• Ecology Officer (and variations): 5.3FTE estimated

Source: Data released by planning authorities under FOI, compiled by Scottish Environment LINK. Data was provided in March/April 2026.