Although more commonly known for kilts, whisky and public drunkenness, Scotland has also made a big name for itself within the energy sector. Since 1969, when oil was first found off the north coast, Scotland’s oil industry has fuelled the cars, houses and economy of Britain. Recent reports, however, suggest that within a few decades Scotland may no longer the Dallas of the North Sea. This news combined with pressure to meet EU ‘green targets’ has forced Britain to look at other ecological ways to keep our engines running.

From the north to the south of Britain, the landscape is dotted with wind turbine sites, rainwater harvesting plants and biomass farming centres, all looking to take pressure off Scotland’s energy production. Surprisingly, it looks like scientists may be moving full circle and returning to Scotland’s coasts as they launch their latest fuel-production idea.

Backed by the Crown Estate as well as scientists across the UK, this new idea promotes seaweed as a solution to the faults in biomass farming. Unlike most current biomass production, seaweed doesn’t compete with food production for arable land or take from the much-needed water supplies. Since Scotland isn’t famed for its beach and bikini weather, scientists will also have the coast to themselves, giving them the space they need to test this very green idea.

This isn’t the first time Scotland has become famed for its seaweed production. Since as far back as the 6th century, Scotland’s waters have been famous for its mineral-rich seaweed which is used for soup, stews and even cups of tea.

Scientists are hoping that, if approved, the pilot scheme will give Scotland and the UK more options for fuel production, easing demand on the decreasing oil levels of the North Sea.

It wasn’t that long ago that the ‘Go Green’ message was limited to a few Greenpeace activists and a small, but growing political party. Over the past few years however, the ‘Go Green’ message has become more mainstream, and in some instances obligatory. Realising the promotional potential this message had for customers and voters, both businessmen and politicians have been keen to emphasise their green credentials and encourage others to follow suit.

When he was in power, Tony described climate change as “the biggest long-term challenge facing our generation.” Taking up the baton, Gordon Brown has taken an even stronger stance on climate change, proposing to increase the UK 2050 targets for cutting Co2 emissions from 60% to 80%.

Despite the government’s insistence on environmental change, hybrids have yet to replace our 4×4s. In fact, the government has had to force many of us to recycle, putting fines in place for those who break the rules. However, being green isn’t just about being energy efficient, it’s also about being ‘money efficient’, and with the looming recession we could all become eco-warriors, if only for financial reasons.

A recent study revealed that a third of Scots would consider sharing a shower or bath in order to save money. 40% of those surveyed also revealed they would grit the cold Caledonia winter without heating in order to save money. Such drastic measures may not be necessary to survive the credit crunch this winter however thanks to energy-saving website Together.com

Proudly supported by companies like Tesco, Myspace and Barclaycard, Together.com is committed to helping individuals make greener changes to their daily lives. From switching to energy-saving lightbulbs, or recycling an old mobile phone, Together.com promotes the small “easy ways to fight climate change”.

The latest energy saving bright idea, is to bring back the furry, draught-excluding snake that used to live in so many of our doorways. Although the energy-saving reptile may not save more than a few pounds a year, the scheme is part of a wider plan which could save you hundreds of pounds per year. In the face of rising energy prices and shared shower-times in Scotland, changes like these are likely to be surprisingly popular!

While it may not be a moral conscience that finally propels the last contingent of the UK towards greener living, it looks like these energy-efficient changes may be entirely to our benefit. If you’ve been waiting for Ernst and Young to tell you that we’re in a recession, now might be the time to go green and bring back the furry doorway snake.