Abernyte Community Resilience Group (ACRG)
(A sub-committee of the Abernyte Community Interest Company)

Our mission is to foster community resilience in the face of climate change by proactively preparing for localised flooding, power cuts, high winds, and other emergencies. We aim to empower residents through education, resources, and collaboration, ultimately ensuring a united and adaptive community that can effectively navigate and recover from challenges while preserving our village's unique character and environment.
The Abernyte Community Resilience Strategy can be viewed as being made up of three elements:
• Awareness by individuals of the risks which may affect them or their community and what they can do to prepare for, respond to and recover from them if they happen
• Assets (including resources, skills and networks) which exist at individual, community and intra-community levels
• Willingness to Act – a motivation and confidence that translates awareness and assets into action to help build resilience and also foster the community spirit.

The ACRG shall look to securing funding from the Perth and Kinross council Resilience budget to invest in equipment, infrastructure improvements, and community workshops/training.
The ACRG welcomes all members of the community to attend meetings and provide input and direction, with meetings will be organised and facilitated by ACiC board members.

People's Emergency Briefing - ACiC Screening

Report on the Screening of the People’s Emergency Briefing
Abernyte Church, Wednesday 22nd April 2026
________________________________________
Background
On the evening of Wednesday 22nd April 2026, Abernyte Church hosted a community screening of the documentary People’s Emergency Briefing (PEB), attended by 30 local residents. The event was organised to raise awareness of the escalating climate and nature crises and to foster local dialogue and action.
The People’s Emergency Briefing initiative emerged from the work of scientists and communicators, including Simon Oldridge and Nick Oldridge, following a Westminster briefing in November 2025 where experts presented evidence to policymakers on the urgent need for systemic action. Released in April 2026, the 50-minute film distils this scientific evidence into an accessible format aimed at informing and mobilising the UK public.
________________________________________
The Film
The People’s Emergency Briefing documentary presents a stark, evidence-based overview of the interconnected climate and nature crises, drawing directly from expert testimony delivered to UK officials in 2025. Key themes include:
• Urgency of the Threat: The film highlights that global warming is projected to reach critical thresholds as early as 2030, posing severe risks to infrastructure, public safety, and ecosystem stability.
• UK-Specific Vulnerabilities: Contrary to perceptions of insulation, the UK faces direct threats including food supply disruptions, soaring food prices (illustrated by examples such as cocoa), and significant flood risks—with one in four properties potentially at risk by 2050.
• Systemic Risks: Experts emphasise that nature itself constitutes critical infrastructure, and that climate breakdown could overwhelm existing government and emergency response systems.
• Call to Action: The briefing advocates for a “WWII-style” societal mobilisation, endorsing the Climate and Nature (CAN) Bill and a rapid transition to renewable energy as essential steps.
The film concludes with a powerful appeal for immediate, coordinated action at both community and policy levels.
 
Follow-Up Comments and Actions Discussed
The screening prompted a passionate and constructive discussion among attendees, culminating in several resolved actions and shared reflections.
Comments from Attendees
The following quotes capture the tone and urgency expressed by participants:
• “I can’t ignore this, action is needed NOW.”
• “I’m going to become a political activist for the first time in my life.”
• “Why is nobody sharing these facts?”
• “Our children need to watch this and share with their friends & work colleagues.”
• “Keep politicians’ feet to the fire on immediate action.”
• “Governments must ACT NOW!”
• “We know what needs to happen, we all need to act now.”
• “We can all make changes but can’t change things outside our control without governments/councils taking this seriously.”
Agreed Action Points
The group identified several concrete steps to maintain momentum and amplify impact:
1. Political Advocacy:
o Lobby local MP and MSP to watch the PEB and call for a nationally televised briefing.
2. Community Outreach:
o Utilise family, social, and professional networks to promote the film and encourage further screenings and discussions.
o Several attendees expressed interest in hosting screenings in their workplaces.
3. Engagement with Local Government:
o Notify the Perth & Kinross Climate Change Committee about the PEB.
o Encourage community members to attend Climate Change Committee meetings to ensure continued focus on the issues raised.
4. Future Screenings:
o Plan additional community screenings of the PEB, potentially without a formal discussion segment, to accommodate those hesitant about group dialogues.
5. Ongoing Local Organising:
o Arrange regular meetings for a Resilience & Nature/Biodiversity group.
o Contact other local climate action groups to explore using a “Climate Café” format for informal, regular meetings.
6. Information Sharing:
o Share relevant websites, reports, and organisational resources via Abernyte News to keep the community informed.
________________________________________
Conclusion
The screening of the People’s Emergency Briefing at Abernyte Church successfully galvanised local concern into an outline of a plan for awareness-raising, advocacy, and community resilience-building. The strong turnout and immediate commitment to action reflect a growing public demand for transparency, leadership, and urgent measures in response to the climate and nature emergencies. The Abernyte Community now hopes to extend this conversation both locally and through political channels to drive meaningful change.
Report prepared for Abernyte Community Records
April 2026

Abernyte CIC PEB Presentation – useful websites   Information - Following these links takes you to external websites. We cannot ensure these links are valid or safe to browse or the information is up to date.

National Emergency Briefing www.nebriefing.org

Global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security www.gov.uk
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk

National Risk Register 2025 https://www.gov.uk

The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009
The Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2024 www.gov.scot

Scotland’s Climate Change Plan 2026 -2040 www.gov.scot

Scottish Biodiversity Strategy to 2045 www.gov.scot

Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024 – 2029 www.gov.scot

Scottish Government Agriculture & Rural Communities (Scotland) Act 2024
Scotland’s Fourth Land Use Strategy:2026 -2031 www.gov.scot



Scotland’s Good Food Nation Plan
https://www.gov.scot/publications/first-national-good-food-nation-plan

A UK government food strategy for England, considering the wider UK food system. July 2025 https://www.gov.uk

Nature Scotland https://www.nature.scot

Woodland Trust https://www.woodlandtrust.org

RSPB https://www.rspb.org.uk

Scottish Wildlife Trust https://www.scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk

Dame Minette Batters – Farming Profitability Review 2025 https://www.gov.uk

Food, Farming & Countryside Commission https://ffcc.co.uk

The Food Foundation https://foodfoundation.org.uk

Nourish Scotland https://www.nourishscotland.org

Sustain https://www.sustain.org


Perth & Kinross Council Climate Change https://www.pkc.gov.uk

Perth & Kinross Climate Action https://www.pkclimateaction.co.uk

Perth & Kinross Climate Change Commission (SHIFT) https://www.shift.scot

Carbon Copy: Grow your Changeprint https://carboncopy.eco

Buglife Scotland https://www.buglife.org.uk

Braes of the Carse Conservation Group https://braesofthecarse.org

East of Scotland Beekeepers Association https://eastofscotlandbeekeepers.org.uk

Tay Landscape Partnership https://taylp.openvirtualworlds.org

Climate Connect – Perth & Kinross
https://www.climateconnect.scot
Climate Café Network – Aberfeldy, Crieff, Dunkeld & Birnam, Blairgowrie & Rattray, Pitlochry, P & K Council, Dundee – Campy Growers

Home Energy Scotland
https://www.homeenergyscotland.org

Ready Scotland
www.readyscotland.org

Preparing your community for emergencies
https://www.mygov.scot
Home Emergency Plan, Home Emergency Toolkit

Scottish Flood Forum
https://scottishfloodforum.org

Scottish Environmental Protection Agency
www.sepa.org

Scottish & Southern Energy Network
www.ssen.co.uk

United Kingdom Food Security Digest 2025
https://www.gov.uk

National Preparedness Commission
Report: Empowering UK Preparedness & Resilience 2025
https://nationalpreparednesscommission.uk

Minute Jan 2025

MINUTED ACTION POINTS

Abernyte Community Resilience Group (ACRG)Committee

 

Meeting date and venue:    21/01/25 Kirkton Craig, Abernyte

Chair:  Julie Kilgariff

In attendance: Andy Scott (AS)[PKC contact], Frank Campbell (FC) [PKC contact], Mike Pirie (MP), Mary Shrimpton (MS), Henry McSorley (HMc), Danielle Smyth (DS), Jonny Early (JE), Esther Strickland (ES), Neil Gray (NG)

Apologies: Ian Campbell (IC), Steph Pirie (SP)

 

 

Summary of items discussed

 

Actions agreed

1.

 

 

 

General updates:

Abernyte mobile phone coverage:  Angus Forbes, Councillor, has investigated and fedback that this situation is difficult to improve because the computer-generated information (which may not be accurate) shows Abernyte as having 4G mobile coverage outdoors and therefore is unlikely to be considered for further improvements as part of the Shared Rural Network.

FC advised that other areas covered by PKC have looked into Signal Boosters and he will forward relevant information to this group, when available.

ACRG funding application: Successful, £6114.80 received (does not include mower/ brush cutter as separate fund).  Discussion had on how to arrange buying equipment.  DS kindly offered to oversee and organise this.  Funds need spent by 31st March 2025.  The grant application made is held on G Drive and contains links to preferred suppliers.    With no shed siting agreed as yet, FC kindly advised storage of bought equipment through PKC possible.

ES (Treasurer for ACIC) confirmed happy to act as Treasurer for ACRG also and advised on how best to approach purchasing. Need to use cheques, or purchase equipment personally and invoice ACIC for reimbursement (make invoice out to ACIC).   ES suggests spreadsheet be set up for mapping funds coming in and going out for ACRG. Group agreed good idea for clear records.

MP offered to store a powerpack at his home.

ACRG unspent monies: FC advised that funding can be rolled into next financial year as long as details of the underspend and a ‘spend date’ are agreed.

 

PKC statement requested: FC requested statement regarding plans, stage of purchasing equipment and future plans/ need for ongoing support from ACRG (IC has started this, available on G Drive).  FC explained that the funding for Resilience groups will end and potentially additional funding supporting community benefit will be needed.  Andy Scott (present) is our new support person.

 

Local map of blocked drains/ gulleys: MS has supplied map to FC and MP reported drains needing cleared and shared reference of these with FC.  FC advised local councillors (Angus and Alasdair) have copied of the schedule for PKC attending blocked drains and suggests community seek a copy of this.

 

Update on shed siting: IC has advised discussion has commenced. No further update available. 

IC to flag information at the forthcoming ACIC AGM on 5/2/25 and discuss how to go forward.

DS to prioritise purchasing and commence, if happy to.

JK to add ES to ACRG email distribution list.

ES to make spreadsheet and share with ACRG members only (membership at end of minutes)

MP to store a powerpack once acquired.

IC has started statement, JK to review also.

FC to follow-up.

JK to email councillors and request.

Roll item forward to March agenda (JK)

 

2.

 

 

 

Update on insurance of ACRG equipment: DS updated the group.  ACIC has insurance through Zurich until August 2025. There are some exemptions in this policy relevant to ACRG.  For example, power packs will need PAT testing. There may be a need for public liability insurance for verge mowing/brush cutter.  NG advised that if mowing done through TreeWorks, this would be covered.

MS queried if storm damage is covered.  Seems theft and accidental damage is covered but not a ‘library of things’.

NG sought clarity on what other local groups do and FC confirmed insurance is through the Councils.

MP raised that depending on the cost of the powerpacks, local residents housing these may need to declare them on household insurance.

NG raised that NFU may be a good insurance option in the future as they are more au fait with agricultural item insurance.

General discussion regarding the role of the ACRG.  All present agreed that the ACRG role is as Good Samaritans, for prevention/ maintenance and neighbourly support, not as first responders.  

General discussion that an information sheet or flowchart, or such, could be useful for local residents to highlight how to access support in times of extreme weather/ adverse events.  FC discussed an example of drought and no water, in this example calling the main council switchboard to access those who deal with private water supplied should result in water being supplied. 

 

FC advised PAT testing may be possible through PKC, to feedback.

DS going to discuss with EMc details of insurance and seek clarity on what a ‘library of things’ applies to in Zurich policy.

FC investigating having a council ‘stand-alone’ resilience group policy – to feedback in due course.

NG to explore and feedback.

If issues with insurance, FC will support agreeing a ‘work-around’ with PKC.

HMc to draft a key info-type sheet for Abernyte residents focussing on no power and flooding.  This will flag the role of contacting first responders and the role of ACRG.

FC to supply the emergency response number so that members of the ACRG have this, but requests this is not shared openly.

 

3.

 

 

 

Update on ACRG IT support: HMc updated the group that he has kindly set up a G Drive where all ACRG information is held together and this is accompanied by an email address.  View only access will be given to the whole group, and to the wider community when minutes shared.

Need to clarify at March meeting who will have access to this drive and a process/? rota for answering emails.  Include in March Agenda (JK)

 

4.

 

 

 

Attracting more members, mail shot: JK shared draft mailshot.  General discussion and amendments made.  Group OK’d for circulation.

JK to complete amendments and request circulation ahead of ACIC AGM on 5th Feb 2025.

 

5.

 

 

 

 

 

6.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review of the ACRG strategy document:  Insufficient time to discuss. JK requested ACRG group members review the document sent with the agenda (in embedded link) and feedback comments please.

ACRG designated roles for members: Insufficient time for discussion.  FC highlighted that we need one or two ‘Duty Controllers’ who will know the phone number for the emergency response number FC will provide, and one or two people who know the shed combination lock.

 

AOCB

-          Trial use of flood barriers: FC offered to bring flood barriers for the RG and wider community to try using as a dry run. Date agreed:  Saturday 8th March 10am outside The Beeches (top of Abernyte village)

 

 

-          Potential for ACRG fundraising for insurance costs: HMc highlighted the group could consider a fundraising stall at the next local fete to fund insurance of equipment. NG offered hedge cutting for donation.

 

-          Funding for equipment for local verge mowing:  FC updated the group regarding the funding for a mower is likely to be approved.  The group discussed the options for cutting, balancing the provision of ease of standing/ walking on the verge for walkers vs. biodiversity was noted by JE.  The group mooted cutting one side of the verge only.   FC advised the council cuts only junction areas and that there are set times of year for cutting to avoid impacting nesting birds. There was discussion that the local Farmers may own the verges.

 

 

 

 

 

 

-          PKC freebies & merger:  AS & FC kindly brought freebies for the group & wider community.  Merger forthcoming in PKC.

 

-          To share at ACIC AGM on 5th Feb 2025 details of the ACRG:  MS requested report be given.

 

 

Next meeting date: Tuesday 18th March at 7.30pm, Kirkton Craig.

ACRG to feedback comments please to JK.

Roll forward and include in March agenda (JK)

Roll forward and include in March agenda (JK)

JK to send FC location pin for The Beeches (done) & share date and time with wider community at AGM and in mailshot.

All present agreed good ideas.  To await further info on the insurance situation.

 FC requests map outline of what areas would be cut so that he can take this to PKC GreenSpace.

FC to advise on the times of year mowing allowed.

ACRG agrees wider community involvement needed – to raise at forthcoming ACIC AGM.

MS will bring maps and post-its to AGM to facilitate community feedback.

MS requested details of the mower NG wishes ordered and clarity needs sought re VAT payment for this.

FC will update on this in due course.

JK to provide on 5th Feb 2025.

Group membership

 

Name

Designated role

Julie Kilgariff

Chair

Ian Campbell

Chairperson and Director of ACIC

Mary Shrimpton

Secretary and Director of ACIC

Esther Strickland

Treasurer and Director of ACIC

Henry McSorley

ACRG IT support

Danielle Smyth

ACRG Inventory lead / Director of ACIC

Jonathan Early

Tbc after meeting in March

Mike Pirie

Tbc after meeting in March

Steph Pirie

Tbc after meeting in March

Neil Gray

Tbc after meeting in March
   

Abernyte Community Resilience Group Strategy

Abernyte Community Resilience Group Strategy

  1. Assess Vulnerabilities and Resources


• Conduct a Community Risk Assessment: Identify specific risks related to flooding, power outages, and extreme weather events.
• Map Local Assets: Inventory community resources, including shelters, emergency supplies, and key personnel with relevant skills.

  1. Develop an Emergency Response Plan


• Establish Communication Channels: Set up a community alert system (e.g., text alerts, WhatsApp groups) to disseminate information quickly.
• Designate Emergency Roles: Identify volunteers for specific roles during an emergency (e.g., first aid, logistics, communications).

  1. Strengthen Community Connections


• Foster Local Networks: Encourage neighbour-to-neighbour communication and support systems.
• Engage Local Organisations: Partner with schools, businesses, and P&K Council to broaden community involvement.

  1. Enhance Infrastructure Resilience


• Advocate for Sustainable Practices: Promote green infrastructure solutions, such as rain gardens and water butt use, river bank maintenance.

  1. Monitor and Evaluate


• Regularly Review Plans: Conduct biannual evaluations of the resilience strategy to incorporate lessons learned and adapt to new challenges.
• Gather Community Feedback: Use surveys and community meetings to assess the effectiveness of initiatives and identify areas for improvement.

  1. Promote Sustainability


• Encourage Eco-Friendly Practices: Advocate for renewable energy sources and sustainable land use within the community.
• Support Local Agriculture: Foster community gardens and local food networks to reduce dependence on external resources.

  1. Secure Funding and Resources


• Identify Grants and Funding Opportunities: Research local and national funding sources to support resilience projects.
• Organise Fundraising Events: Plan community events to raise funds and awareness for resilience initiatives.
By implementing this strategy, the community can enhance its resilience to the impacts of global warming while fostering a strong, connected, and proactive village.