Back to 30 years of SEPA

Reflections on our 30th anniversary

On 1 April 1996 SEPA opened its doors with a simple but powerful purpose, to protect and improve Scotland’s environment for the communities and businesses who rely on it every day. Three decades on, that purpose feels just as urgent, and the journey we’ve taken together is nothing short of remarkable.

Cleaner rivers and coastlines, clearer air, timely flood warnings and alerts, improved standards, science led decision making and a growing awareness of the climate crisis, all of this is part of a legacy shaped by the dedication of our people. Through a global pandemic, cyber‑attack and ongoing regulatory change, every time we’ve met those challenges with professionalism, passion and a deep sense of purpose.

Every achievement we celebrate today carries the fingerprints of the people who’ve worked hard, cared deeply and believed in what SEPA could be.

Anniversaries aren’t only moments to reflect on how far we’ve come, they’re milestones that invite us to look forward with hope and ambition.

Scotland’s environmental challenges are growing more urgent, from the accelerating impacts of climate change to the deepening loss of biodiversity, yet I’m confident we’re ready to meet them with renewed purpose.

Our transformation is reshaping us into a more modern, agile and digitally enabled organisation; one capable of smarter, more responsive regulation and stronger, more meaningful partnerships.

And as we look to the future, we’ll continue to walk shoulder‑to‑shoulder with partners across Scotland and beyond, whose unwavering support has strengthened and inspired us from the very beginning.

Here’s to the next 30 years of impact, innovation, and protecting the future of Scotland’s environment.

A future we all share, and one we’re proud to help safeguard.

More about our 30th anniversary

• Read about our impact
• Take a look back at some key dates in the timeline
• Sign up to our newsletter for future updates