Energy fair gets a warm welcome
Organisers were delighted with the success of the HEAT Rattray and the Glens Project’s energy fair in Blairgowrie Town Hall on Friday last week.
The event, which was well attended, saw a wide range of companies and organisations offering free specialist advice on ways to save energy and reduce bills to local residents.
There was information on insulating properties, energy efficient appliances, micro hydro systems, solar panels, secondary glazing, planning permission in conservation areas and funding.
Mike Robinson, the CEO of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, was a guest speaker at the event, which also saw representatives from Home Energy Scotland, the Proctor Group, Glaze and Save, Perth and Kinross Council, Forster Group, Home Hydro Design and Consultancy, Glenalmond Stoves Installations, Blairgowrie and Rattray Climate Cafe, local architects, WM Coupars and others in attendence.
And documentaries on energy made by pupils at Rattray and Kirkmichael primary schools were shown at the event.
Mr Robinson was impressed by the event. He told the Blairie: “It is great to see such a community spirit behind this event, it is really encouraging and seems to have a positive momentum to it which is really good.
“One of the things that I mentioned in my talk was that one of the leading scientists in the early years of developing an understanding of climate change lived in Blairgowrie - James Croll, who grew up in Wolfhill.
“The other point I made was that we have gone beyond arguments about whether climate change is happening, this event is all about solutions and people here are very keen to be part of that conversation.”
The HEAT Rattray and the Glens project was set up earlier this year to help residents in Rattray and the Glens save money and reduce the area’s carbon footprint.
Managed by the Ericht Trust with support from the Mount Blair Community Development Trust, the year-long project is funded by the Climate Challenge Fund and aims to reduce carbon emissions and fuel poverty in Rattray and the Mount Blair, Kirkmichael and Glenshee area.
It works with community groups, community leaders and schools to increase understanding of carbon emissions and climate change, providing energy efficiency advice and access to additional support that will help householders improve home energy efficiency.
Project manager Martin Mathers said: “We hoped that the energy fair would raise awareness about saving in the home and provide practical help and advice to local families in how they could easily and cheaply save energy and money.
“We’re delighted to say that the event exceeded our expectations and all credit must go to HEAT Project adviser Noeleen Chapman who made the event happen.
“Well over 100 people attended and met face-to-face with a range of local energy experts.
“We are so grateful to all the local companies who donated their time to help achieve this success.”