Highlands and Islands Climate Festival will shine a light on community-led action
Organisers of the Highlands and Islands Climate Festival say they are looking forward to showcasing the efforts being made by communities to tackle the climate emergency.
The festival, which shines a light on community-led climate action, returns for a third year in September.
Events range from nature walks and slow fashion events to green fairs, talks and film screenings.
More than 40 communities across the region have been successful in securing a grant to support their participation.
Communities are encouraged to take part by listing events they are hosting between September 1 and 30 on the festival website. Any event that aligns with the festival’s ethos and overall theme of Think Local will be welcomed to the programme.
The festival runs throughout the month and covers the same geographical area as Highland, Orkney and Shetland councils. It is said to be “the largest and most collaborative celebration of community and localism” in the Highlands and Islands.
Coinciding with Scotland’s Climate Week (September 23-29), the festival works with the Scottish Government to recognise the efforts communities are making.
The festival is coordinated by the Highlands and Islands Climate Hub and a working group of communities.
Hub manager Joan Lawrie said: “We’re thrilled to bring the Highlands and Islands Climate Festival back for 2024. The versatility of the groups taking part means that the programme is impressively diverse, with something for everyone.
“It’s such a pleasure to be able to highlight the work communities do to tackle the climate emergency and showcase their efforts both locally and nationally.
“Communities have the power to positively progress Scotland’s net-zero ambitions, and the festival harnesses and encourages the passion and commitment from grassroots organisations.”
Caithness and Sutherland community development officer Luci Ireland said: “I’m so looking forward to the climate festival and particularly the Thurso Green Fair on September 28.
“The fair offers like-minded organisations a space to network and showcase to members of the public the ways they are taking climate action and how we can all get involved to make an impact.”
The Highlands and Islands Climate Hub is one of a network of 22 hubs across Scotland funded by the Scottish Government.
