Fairtrade group celebrate milestone

Fifth birthday

West Lothian’s Fairtrade Steering Group celebrated a milestone anniversary recently.

It has been five years since the organisation gained Fairtrade Zone status.

The group joins Bathgate Town Group, which is also celebrating its fifth anniversary, as well as Livingston and Linlithgow which are both over 10-years-old.

Chair of West Lothian Fairtrade Steering Group, Councillor John McGinty, joined other project members at Fairtrade Café W in Livingston Centre to celebrate and launch the latest Fairtrade Directory.

Councillor McGinty, who is leader of West Lothian Council, said: “I would like to thank the volunteers who run and support the local town and village groups for their support in helping West Lothian to retain our Fairtrade Zone Status.

“Their support and commitment is invaluable in helping to get the message out that the world can be a fairer place to live if we support the farmers, producers and ultimately families with a fair price for their goods.”

He added: “I would also like to congratulate Bathgate Town Group which is celebrating its fifth anniversary, and Livingston which is also celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

“Linlithgow Town Group has also given more than a decade of support for Fairtrade.

“It is very fitting that we marked the anniversaries with the launch of the latest version of West Lothian Fairtrade Directory which is a quick guide to local cafes, restaurants and shops which stock Fairtrade products.

“I would encourage local people to find out more about the work of the Fairtrade Town groups and if they have a few hours to spare to volunteer each month to get in touch. Everyone is very welcome.”

The Fairtrade Directory is at www. westlothian. gov. uk/ fairtrade.