Careers in the Natural Heritage

What is the importance of the natural heritage to the Scottish Economy?

Industry Benefits

Industries depend on the quality of the Scotland’s natural heritage. Many rely on pollution free oceans and rivers, air and land.

Industries benefit from the image of Scotland's natural heritage. Many use the image as a marketing tool for there products.

The quality of our environment helps to attract inward investment. Economic development organisations place high importance on the quality of the environment, and the opportunities for outdoor recreation, as promoting an area for inward investment.

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What are natural heritage jobs….?

What is clear is that the natural heritage plays a significant role in supporting the economy. It is estimated that about £135 million of public money is spent on caring for the natural heritage which contributes to over 8,000 jobs. These include jobs in Natural Heritage Protection & Enhancement, Survey and Monitoring, Education & Interpretation, Media, Environmental Archaeology, Consultancy.

In terms of tourism and recreation industry, where expenditure by visitors on open-air recreation alone is estimated at £730 million and supporting 29,000 jobs. These include jobs in Marine Wildlife Boat Trips, Outdoor Sports Equipment, Visitor Centres and Catering and Accommodation.

Further information on jobs in the natural heritage can be found in our publication Jobs and the Natural Heritage.  Order a copy.