By Shaun Milne
SCHOOLS in Edinburgh will get the chance to show off their green credentials at a special event on Monday.
City of Edinburgh Council participates in a Scotland wide Eco Schools scheme which sees awards of £100 for facilities cleaning up their act.
Anything from litter clear ups and energy saving weeks to creating wildlife areas and recycling can helps schools attain an award.
Monday’s seminar event at Edinburgh Napier University will give children and teachers from various schools the chance to swap ideas on eco projects.
Kate Campbell, manager of Eco Schools in Scotland, will also give a talk on various projects taking place across the country.
City Education Leader Cllr Marilyne MacLaren said: “Encouraging our young people to take an interest in the environment, and to be aware of the impact they make, is crucial in making our whole city cleaner and greener now and in the years to come.
“The Eco-Schools programme gives young people the chance to learn about the role they can play as they go through life and the success rate that we are seeing from Edinburgh schools is fantastic.”
Across Edinburgh 240 schools are taking part in the initiative – with 40 already being awarded a top Green Flag.
Portobello High School is the first in Scotland to win a coveted four Green Flags earning it permanent status as an eco-school.
Professor Robin Mackenzie, Vice Principal at Edinburgh Napier University. Staging the seminar said: “I am delighted that Edinburgh Napier is hosting the fourth annual Eco-Schools event.
“The environmental work of schools, through Eco-Schools, is astounding. Students are arriving at University with more environmental knowledge than ever before.”
