The Highland Council signs up again for WWF’s Earth Hour

The Highland Council is the latest Scottish local council to sign up to WWF's Earth Hour 2012.  At 8.30pm on Saturday 31 March the people of Highland will join millions across the globe in switching off their lights for 60 minutes in a graphic demonstration of support for people and wildlife threatened by climate change.

The Council has participated in Earth Hour each year since it began in 2008. As a show of support, it has arranged for the floodlighting to be switched off at key landmarks including Ruthven Barracks, Kingussie,  Inverness Castle, Urquhart Castle, Drumnadrochit,  and Eilean Donan Castle, Dornie.

The Council hopes that this will make people think about the energy they use, where it comes from and the impact that has on the environment and climate change. Individuals, groups, businesses and communities are encouraged to participate.

Last year millions of people in 134 countries worldwide took part in WWF's Earth Hour. Some of world's most recognisable landmarks went dark including the Sydney Opera House and the Eiffel Tower. In Scotland almost 500 schools joined hundreds of businesses, organisations and community groups for the big switch off.

This year, WWF is encouraging community groups and local organisations to join in the fun.  Ideas for celebrating Earth Hour include: star-gazing, torch-lit nature walks, candle-lit suppers or pub-quizzes and even games of golf in the dark. 

Dr Richard Dixon, Director of WWF Scotland said: “It is great news that The Highland Council has given its backing once again to WWF's Earth Hour 2012.  Already it’s looking to be another great year with communities up and down the country joining together with others from around the World in a dramatic hour of action on climate change. WWF’s Earth Hour is a simple way for people to show their support for strong action on climate change. We hope lots of individuals, community groups and local organisations feel inspired to take part too.”

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19 Mar 2012