The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Festival plea for climate change battle
The first Highland Climate Festival to help tackle climate change will be held this summer. The festival aims to inspire communities to do their part and celebrate the work already being done.
Organisers are keen to hear from groups that would like to take part, and they aim to offer a variety of events for the public to attend to get the message about climate change to a wide audience.
Supported by the North Highlands and Islands Climate Hub, the theme of this first festival is Love Highland, Love Local.
Scottish Government funding of up to £1,000 is available for communities keen to take part.
Highland Adapts, a partner in the initiative, is positive about the change the festival will inspire.
Project manager Emma Whitam said: “The Highland Climate Festival is a very exciting initiative that will encourage communities and all sectors across Highland to talk about climate change and its impacts in the region.
“The adoption of the Highland Climate Charter is an important milestone.
“We hope to see communities, businesses and organisations across Highland give full support to it and address climate change in the region.”
Hub project manager Joan Lawrie said: “We are encouraging our local organisations throughout
Highland who are currently involved in climate action projects in their communities to stage events for the festival.
“This can be anything from a community clean-up day to larger gala style events, which engage and celebrate their community.”
She added: “We would also encourage communities that haven’t
yet engaged in climate change to come forward and run events – this can be anything from a path clearing day to hosting a climate conversation to find out what your community would like to see happen locally.
“We have development officers at the hub who can support any events and applications for funding.
“Please come forward and help make this first Highland Climate Festival a success and get people talking about climate change in your community.”
The inaugural Highland Climate Festival will run from June 25 to July 4.
Apply for funding or find out more on the North Highlands and Islands Climate Hub site.