WATCH: Easter Ross towns' engagement in community climate action scheme captured in new film throwing spotlight on efforts in Alness and Invergordon
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TWO Easter Ross towns were featured in a short film showcasing the benefits of an ongoing green community scheme.
In November 2021, Alness and Invergordon were named amongst the Climate Action Towns, a new programme aiming to foster community engagement to find local solutions to tackle climate change.
Now, community members from the towns are featured in a brand-new film which premiered at the Climate Action Towns Gathering event in Stirling earlier in May.
The new film, by filmmaker Bircan Birol, captures the work across nine climate action towns
Jessica Boughey, from Invergordon, was involved in planning and delivery of the project in conjunction with Architecture design Scotland and the North Highlands and Islands Climate Hub.
She said: "I thought the climate action workshops were really interesting because we were able to interact with different groups that were doing different projects initiatives that they perhaps wouldn't label as climate action, but actually were.
"I really enjoyed working with this highly place-based approach.
"An indicator of success of this project for me and something I'd like to see more is that more people feeling that they are part for the climate conversation and that their actions actually do help."
SEE ALSO: 'Timing couldn't be better for climate town initiative' - reaction
Alness and Invergordon join climate action towns
The film portrays the various challenges and opportunities for towns tackling the climate emergency from a community perspective.
Col Gordon, who lives in Alness, has been involve in the creation of the Unexpected Garden with the Dandelion Project.
He said: "Climate change is going to lead us to have to change the way we practice farming in dramatic ways.
"I think it's important that whatever happens, people are still involved in producing food."
The Climate Action Towns project is funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by Architecture and Design Scotland, Scotland’s design agency, in collaboration with a range of partners.
Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition, Ms Mairi McAllan MSP, addressed the Gathering via a video message saying: “The power to drive change lies with every member of society. The places we live will need to adapt to the changing climate and to find a sustainable path to reducing emissions. Each place will have its own challenges. It will have its own opportunities.
“That's why projects like this are so important in raising awareness and enabling people to be actively involved. It shows the impact of working collaboratively and connections that are made by bringing together local authorities, local businesses and local people,” she said.
Campbeltown, Annan and Holytown and were among the other towns involved in the initiative.
