Home   News   Article

Free event on how Caithness and Sutherland communities can help address climate change and ensure the benefits of reaching net zero


By David G Scott

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!

In its second free online event next week (June 29), Community Land Scotland (CLS) is holding a discussion on the climate emergency, looking at the positive actions far north communities can take to address this critical issue.

CLS is a membership organisation for community landowners in Scotland and said there is "a real crisis in the far north" which could be eased by communities taking matters into their own hands.

With a specific focus on communities across Caithness and Sutherland, speakers include Magnus Davidson, leading commentator on Highland issues, Joan Lawrie, development manager at Thurso Development Trust, Chris Dalglish from Inherit Institute, and Calum Macleod, policy director at Community Land Scotland. Isle of Eigg trust director, resident and artist, Lucy Conway will be talking about what the community of Eigg have been doing to reach 100 per cent renewable energy generation, reduce energy use, developing its own woodland and creating a local circular economy.

Wind turbines viewed from the Caithness coastline. Picture: DGS
Wind turbines viewed from the Caithness coastline. Picture: DGS

Ailsa Raeburn, CLS chairperson, said: "Recent research has revealed just how many communities are working together to address climate change – from tree planting to peatland restoration to installing electric car charging points to encouraging recycling and reuse. Right across Scotland local people are leading on innovative and exciting solutions to help Scotland reach its net zero targets. This event will share some of these stories and hopefully encourage more action to allow us all to do our part."

The event is free to attend with opportunities to pose questions to the panel beforehand or on the night. Attendees are encouraged to engage in a lively and inspiring conversation with the panel and explore more deeply these pressing issues for such fragile communities.

The first event held back in May looked at the issue of depopulation and attracted over 150 sign-ups. The event raised some thought provoking questions and tackled thorny issues such as local landownership preventing communities taking control of their own future and how to encourage more young people to remain and return. A recording of this event can be found on the CLS Vimeo site.

The event taking place on Tuesday (June 29) at 7pm is free to attend with opportunities to pose questions to the panel beforehand or on the night. Attendees are encouraged to engage in a lively and inspiring conversation with the panel and explore more deeply these pressing issues for such fragile communities.

For more details and to book onto the climate event, visit the Community Land Scotland’s website or search Community Land Scotland on Eventbrite.


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More