Monster support for WWF’s Earth Hour from Loch Ness and the Highlands
Residents, businesses and organisations around Loch Ness and the rest of the Scottish Highlands have thrown their support behind WWF’s Earth Hour initiative – an annual global event to highlight people and wildlife threatened by climate change.
The magnificently situated Urquhart Castle, on the banks of Loch Ness, will join Inverness Castle, Eilean Donan Castle and thousands of other iconic structures around the world by being plunged into darkness for the Hour.
WWF’s Earth Hour has also received backing from The Highland Council and local businesses, such as Green Tourism award winner Jacobite Cruises Ltd. Their company mascot, Jacobite Jess – cousin of the Loch Ness monster - recently joined WWF’s own panda mascot and Convener of The Highland Council, Sandy Park, at Urquhart Castle to promote Earth Hour.
WWF Scotland said that Earth Hour 2011 is on course to be a record breaker in Scotland. Already signed up are the Scottish Government, hundreds of schools, businesses and community organisations. Also, for the first time ever, all of Scotland’s 32 local authorities have committed to supporting the global event.
Last year millions of people in 128 countries worldwide took part in WWF’s Earth Hour. Some of the world’s most recognisable landmarks went dark including Edinburgh Castle, the Sydney Opera House, the Eiffel Tower and the Pyramids of Giza.
WWF Scotland’s Director, Dr Richard Dixon, said: “It is great to see organisations and icons so identifiable with Scotland throwing their weight behind WWF’s Earth Hour. Receiving this support helps put Scotland on the global Earth Hour map. We are working hard to make this year’s switch off the biggest and best yet and we are encouraging everyone, from large businesses to individuals to take part. People can show their support by signing-up for free at our website.
“WWF’s Earth Hour is one simple way for people to show their support for strong action on climate change. However, we also hope it will inspire people to think what they can do beyond the Hour to tackle climate change at home, in their work place and in their community.”
Councillor Sandy Park, Convener of The Highland Council said: “We are delighted to be able to lend our support once again to WWF’s Earth Hour. Tackling climate change is an issue the Council takes seriously and the great thing about Earth Hour is the positive way in which it enables people to engage on this issue. I would encourage people, businesses and organisations throughout the Highlands to sign-up and show their support.”
Jennifer Fraser of Jacobite Cruises, said: “We’re really happy to be able to support Earth Hour. We are proud to have achieved a Green Tourism award and to be able to help WWF spread the message about climate change. We encourage everyone to sign up and join in with Earth Hour.”