June 17, 2009
Revolution starts at Comrie
Last week the Perthshire village of Comrie became the gathering point for communities from all over Scotland who want to take local action to confront the global challenge of climate change. Local MSP and Minister for the Environment , Roseanna Cunningham opened the conference
In a ground-breaking conference last weekend, Comrie Development Trust hosted communities from across Scotland who are working to tackle climate change in their local areas.
The conference was fully funded by the Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge Fund and brought well over 100 delegates and speakers to the village for a weekend of presentations, workshops and visits.
Local MSP and Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham opened the conference. Speaking beforehand she said:
“I am delighted to see for myself the impressive efforts to motivate communities into acting on climate change. It is heartening to see so many people gathered to support, learn and showcase ways that little changes can have such a huge impact.
“Working at a local level has the benefit of strengthening community spirit while being part of the collective global solution to climate change. Knowing Comrie folks as I do, I have no doubt that this conference will be both informative, fun, and, most importantly, I hope it inspires people to make a difference in their own communities across Scotland.”
Cathy Tilbrook, CDT Chair commented that ‘we are very excited to be hosting Scotland’s first community climate change event here in Comrie. It is really important that communities learn lessons from each other and it is only by demonstrating that changes can be made at the local level that politicians will be able to take the wider action needed’.
Afterwards, Emma Margrett, CCC Officer said ‘we have had fantastic feedback from those attending the conference and many calls to repeat it next year! Lots of delegates commented on the character, beauty and friendliness of Comrie and said they would return for a family holiday. We will be carrying out an economic appraisal of the event but have no doubt that the event boosted the local economy, with accommodation, catering and ceilidh all provided by Comrie businesses.’