The Aberdeenshire Council Sustainability Committee met on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, to discuss a proposal from young people regarding the rights of the River Deveron, and to review new statutory guidance on climate change duties and Scotland's Climate Change Plan. The committee acknowledged the young people's proposal and agreed to explore ways to support their initiative, while also noting the implications of new national climate change guidance and plans for the council's future work.

Recognising the Rights of the River Deveron

Pupils from Banff Academy presented a proposal to the committee advocating for the public recognition of the rights of the River Deveron. They explained that through their Living Rivers project, they have come to understand rivers as living systems with intrinsic value, not just resources. The students requested a public civil commitment from Aberdeenshire Council to acknowledge the river's importance, stating that this recognition would be the beginning of a new relationship with the waterway.

The pupils outlined their declaration for the River Deveron, which includes rights such as the right to exist, to flow, to be free from pollution, and to regeneration. They proposed six actions for the council: to publicly recognise the river's rights alongside Banff Academy, to support a river pupil guardian model, to help connect people with relevant organisations like the River Trust and SEPA, to advocate for clearer public information on river health, to use planning and sustainability influence to strengthen riverine environments, and to support community events and dialogue.

Councillors expressed admiration for the pupils' work and presentation. Councillor Paul Johnston noted the historical precedent of indigenous communities recognising the rights of nature and highlighted concerns about specific pollutants like microplastics from tyre wear and forever chemicals (PFCs). Councillor Anouk Kloppert, who is a director of the River Eithen Trust, supported the idea of recognising river rights and the pupil guardian model, suggesting it could empower communities to hold polluters accountable. Councillor John Crawley inquired about potential collaboration with other academies and offered to connect the students with a charity involved in water quality monitoring. Councillor Jim Gifford highlighted the complex landscape of environmental organisations and encouraged further outreach.

In response, Ewan Wallace, Head of Environment and Sustainability for Aberdeenshire Council, congratulated the pupils and committed to arranging a follow-up discussion at Banff Academy. He noted the council's strength in bringing together different agencies and mentioned ongoing work in the River Dee catchment as a precedent for a whole-catchment approach. He also agreed to explore links with the Scottish Youth Parliament. The committee acknowledged the proposal and indicated that while the council cannot grant legal rights to a river, it could explore symbolic and practical ways to support the initiative.

Climate Change Duties Statutory Guidance 2026

The committee received a report on the Scottish Government's revised statutory guidance on public bodies' climate change duties, published in March 2026. Yvonne D'Ambruoso, Sustainable Development Officer, explained that the guidance strengthens expectations on leadership, governance, transparency, and reporting, reflecting national developments such as the introduction of carbon budgets. Aberdeenshire Council already has established governance and reporting arrangements, and this guidance will inform ongoing work.

Councillor Anouk Kloppert questioned the statement in the report that there were no direct staffing or financial implications, given the increased expectations for action and monitoring. Yvonne D'Ambruoso clarified that the report itself had no direct financial implications, but acknowledged that increased environmental responsibility always presents challenges. Ewan Wallace further explained that while the guidance itself doesn't impose new costs, embedding its requirements into council processes might identify future resource needs.

Councillor Paul Johnston suggested that the council should proactively explore opportunities for self-generation of electricity, such as solar PV, and consider the value of carbon reduction more broadly. He proposed that the Infrastructure Services Committee should investigate projects for procuring electricity from the council's own resources. Ewan Wallace confirmed that work is underway to explore procurement options and energy generation, and that these discussions would be taken forward through the Route Map Steering Group and Capital Plan Group. He also noted that the value of carbon is a complex area, and the council would work with the Scottish Climate Intelligence Service to develop methodologies for calculation.

The committee agreed to acknowledge the publication of the revised guidance, ensure it is included in future carbon budget update reports, and instruct the Head of Environment and Sustainability to take the guidance to the Route Map Steering Group and Capital Plan Group.

Scotland's Climate Change Plan 2026-2040

The committee was also briefed on Scotland's Climate Change Plan 2026-2040, which sets out the national framework for meeting Scotland's carbon budgets and achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. Yvonne D'Ambruoso highlighted that the plan reinforces local authorities' role as key delivery partners, with implications for buildings and heat, transport, land use, and waste.

Councillor Paul Johnston welcomed the proposals to share information about the plan with policy committees and suggested that the committee should also have a debate on any outstanding matters of principle to clarify the council's direction of travel. Councillor Gillian Owen raised concerns about the emissions impact of school transport, noting the conflict between the need to reduce emissions and the government's requirement for councils to provide transport. Ewan Wallace explained that school transport emissions are considered Scope 3 emissions and are influenced through procurement processes. He noted that while the council reports on Scope 3 emissions, the primary focus for its own net-zero target is on Scope 1 and 2 emissions.

The committee agreed to acknowledge the publication of the plan, ensure it is included in future carbon budget update reports, and instruct the Head of Environment and Sustainability to take the plan to the Route Map Steering Group and Capital Plan Group.