The toolkit is a result of a three-year collaboration between placemaking practitioners, cultural partners, and policy specialists, and is a continuation of Ramboll’s longstanding work with the Scottish Government, particularly on its 20-minute neighbourhoods.

This work saw the team draw on experience from a breadth of UK projects in the toolkit’s development – this included consulting the placemaking and planning expertise of Ramboll’s principal urban planner, Rebecca Dillon-Robinson. To support the development phase, Ramboll also funded staff time through its Making a Difference network.

The toolkit aims to broaden definitions to include everyday cultural life, develop tools and governance to support cultural practice in planning, and remove the barriers that limit community‑led work. These actions will strengthen community wellbeing and ensure that climate and infrastructure policies achieve lasting social outcomes.

Culture has a critical role to play in improving climate resilience, and tools are needed to accomplish both mitigation and adaptation. This cannot be accomplished in isolation, and so culture as social infrastructure that empowers and strengthens communities will be critical.

Stefanie O’Gorman, director sustainable economics UK at Ramboll, said: “When culture is explicitly considered in placemaking, places become more meaningful, inclusive and resilient. Culture strengthens wellbeing and community cohesion by recognising what people value about where they live and, in doing so, can also support more effective local responses to climate change.

“Ramboll are delighted to have been able to bring our depth of experience across these themes to support the toolkit development and look forward to seeing it in operation.”

Eleanor White, senior culture/SHIFT officer at culture for Climate Scotland, said: “It’s been inspiring to convene this cohort and for our shared learnings to become an actionable toolkit for practitioners across culture, climate and placemaking, to ensure culture remains at the heart of vibrant communities.”

The launch of the toolkit will be celebrated on 3 September, 5.30pm-7.30pm at Collective Architecture’s studio in Glasgow. The event will include a panel discussion exploring the essential role of culture in climate resilient placemaking. Register your space via Ticket Tailor.