Current status: Answered by Gillian Martin on 31 December 2025
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact of light pollution, and what measures are in place to manage and reduce this.
There is an increasing body of evidence on ecological and physiological disruptions caused by artificial light at night on many plants and animals (as well as on humans). Our Biodiversity Strategy to 2045 references light as one of the direct drivers of biodiversity loss and NatureScot can provide advice to local authorities and other public bodies on reducing the impact of artificial light pollution on wildlife.
In respect light pollution complaints, Local Authorities have a duty to investigate those under the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The Scottish Government engages with local authorities through the Environmental Health Officers network and relevant working groups, where any emerging issues on light nuisance can be raised.