It’s a Clean Air Day
Provost joins Sciennes pupils to launch new pollution initiative
SCIENNES PRIMARY School played a vital role in launching Clean Air Day in Scotland which takes place on 17 June, when they were joined by the Rt Hon Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Frank Ross.
Primary six Junior Road Safety Officers (JRSO’s) Eilidh Mowbray, Amy Yang, Rory Smith and a group of Primary Seven pupils unfurled a Clean Air Day Scotland banner outside the Sciennes Road school. There is now colourful bunting made by the pupils decorating the permanent planters outside the school and the pupils received a Clean Air Day colouring book with drawings produced by Scottish art students on the theme of air pollution and environment.
The school is already well known for its environmental values as it has a "school street" outside where the road is closed at the beginning and end of the school day. They are also known for their encouragement to pupils to travel to school by walking or cycling with the School Bike Bus.
On 17 June, Scots are encouraged to walk or cycle, rather than use the car, particularly on the school run or for other shorter trips to schools and supermarkets. The campaign encourages people to consider walking or cycling less polluted side streets after research found this could reduce a child’s exposure to air pollution by 30%. Clean Air Day campaigners also want people to consider the purchase of an Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) ahead of the ban on new petrol, diesel cars and van sales from 2030.
Sciennes Primary School’s headteacher Andrew Hunter said: “Sciennes Primary School has supported Clean Air Day for many years and our involvement has helped our pupils learn about air pollution and how it can affect health. The campaign supports our promotion of the benefits of active travel and care for the environment.”