The highly anticipated Highland Climate Festival launches this weekend

The Highland Climate Festival is taking place from tomorrow (25 June) to Sunday 3 July, with over 100 events taking place across Highland to show collective action on the climate and ecological emergency.

The 9-day event will acknowledge the brilliant work already existing in our communities, businesses, and public sector.

It will also encourage engagement in new activities and with new audiences, from simple actions to sharing more significant work through a series of local in person and regional online events.

The North Highlands and Islands Climate Hub has created a ‘What’s on’ page on their website to list all the in person and online events happening throughout the region.

Events range from foraging walks to information sessions on the circular economy. The Council is taking part and will be hosting a number of sessions on current projects including the HUGE (Hydrogen Utilisation and Green Energy) project and the Flow Country World Heritage Bid.

Karl Rosie, Chair of the Climate Change Committee at the Highland Council said: “The festival is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the inspiring climate and ecological action taking place in Highland. I am excited to attend events happening as part of the festival.

“Highland Adapts and North Highlands and Islands Climate Hub have done a sterling job of pulling this festival together and I hope this will become a regular occasion in the summer calendar for Highland.”

Additionally, the Highland Climate Charter is being launched during the Highland Climate Festival. The aim of the Highland Climate Charter is to raise awareness of climate change, its impacts and to build a momentum across Highland where individuals, communities, organisations and businesses are working together towards a transformational and prosperous climate ready Highland.

The Highland Adapts Climate Advocates Team are asking individuals across the region to sign the Highland Climate Charter committing to taking climate action in our everyday lives.

Joan Lawrie, Development Manager at the North Highlands and Islands Climate Hub said: “Developing the inaugural Highland Climate Festival alongside Highland Adapts has been an incredibly exciting journey and I can’t wait to see the festival officially launch on Saturday 25th June.”

“I’m proud to be part of the team coordinating the festival and look forward to continued partnership working with fellow organisers and the groups who make up the festival programme. I believe that together, we can ensure that the Highlands and Islands can be better prepared to tackle the climate emergency and set an example which other areas can follow. The Highland Climate Charter is a huge step in the right direction, and we can’t wait to share it with communities and businesses.”