Partnership in Action: Insights from the FIRNS Gathering
25 Jun 2025
- Support
This spring marked a key milestone in the journey of the FIRNS programme, as members of the current cohort came together for a day of connection, collaboration, and shared learning. The gathering offered a valuable opportunity to reflect on progress, strengthen partnerships, and explore the growing potential of investment-ready nature-based projects across Scotland.
Funded by the Scottish Government, Social Investment Scotland (SIS) has joined forces with NatureScot and The National Lottery Heritage Fund to deliver the programme, which aims to unlock opportunities for nature-based projects involved in the Facility for Investment Ready Nature in Scotland (FIRNS) scheme, as well as Investment Ready Nature in Scotland (IRNS) and Riverwoods Investment Readiness Pioneers. These initiatives focus on building the capacity of environmental and community organisations to access private finance, supporting Scotland’s transition to a net-zero future.
At the end of April, we welcomed the FIRNS cohort to an in-person event in Stirling. It was a chance to share progress, explore opportunities, and reflect on the collective ambition at the heart of this programme. Bringing together social enterprises, charities, community groups and delivery partners, the day captured the essence of what FIRNS is about: working together to unlock innovative finance for nature and climate.
While the event brought together the FIRNS cohort, it also welcomed external supporters, potential investors, and partners with a shared interest in shaping the future of nature finance in Scotland. Through open discussion and collaboration, participants explored the wider frameworks needed to scale investment in nature-based solutions and ensure that emerging markets are inclusive, credible, and community-led.
From panel sessions to informal networking, the conversations throughout the day highlighted the growing confidence within the sector to engage with new forms of investment.
Many of the cohort are exploring this space for the first time, and the programme is helping to break down barriers by providing the tools, knowledge and support needed to take the practical next steps.
As interest in natural capital markets continues to grow, so too does the need for place-based, community-led projects that put people and nature first. FIRNS is playing a crucial role in preparing organisations to meet that demand. With support from SIS and NatureScot, participating groups are developing sustainable business models, impact strategies, and funding propositions that reflect their values and ambitions.
The event demonstrated the real momentum building behind Scotland’s ambition to lead on regenerative finance. It also reflected the importance of partnership. As a programme, FIRNS is made possible by collaboration across public, private, and third sector organisations, each bringing their unique strengths to a shared mission.
Kieran Daly, Head of Market Building at Social Investment Scotland, said:
“FIRNS is a fantastic example of how collaboration across sectors can unlock new forms of finance to help tackle the nature and climate crises. SIS brings it experience and expertise in social investment and supporting social enterprise businesses to grow, to bring expert support to enable the growth and investment readiness of nature-based businesses. The energy and ambition in the room was inspiring and shows the power of community-led innovation when backed with the right support and investment.”
As we look ahead, our focus remains on building capability, confidence connection, and supporting the current FIRNS cohort while shaping future pathways for more organisations to engage with investment for nature.
To find out more about FIRNS, please email FIRNS@Nature.scot or visit the NatureScot website.