04.12.2007
Young people from across Scotland will gather at the Scottish Parliament in February to discuss and explore environmental issues that affect them.
Secondary schools from every Parliamentary region have been invited to take part in a day of activities looking at environmental issues such as climate change and sustainable development. The event will give young people the opportunity to engage with MSPs and to learn about the political process.
On Friday 1 February 2008 more than one hundred senior pupils from the Highlands to the Borders will attend workshops led by representatives from organisations such as the John Muir Trust and the World Wildlife Federation. Presentations will also be given by three Scottish Eco Schools and displays will be provided by pupils from Aberdeen , Edinburgh , Stirling and Glasgow.
Young people will debate the issues in the main chamber and attend discussions with Parliamentary Committees. Pupils will have the opportunity to report to Members as part of ongoing Committee inquiries.
The event will be webcast live with an online forum open following the event to continue discussions.
Deputy Presiding Officer, Trish Godman MSP, who is chairing the event said:
“This is an ideal opportunity for young people to explore important environmental issues and to learn about how they can help shape future policy.”
Background Information
Schools taking part are: St Maurice's High School, Cumbernauld; Uddingston Grammar, Uddingston; Knightswood Secondary, Glasgow; Kelvinside Academy, Glasgow; Wick High School, Caithness; Elgin Academy, Moray; West Calder High School, West Lothian; Leith Academy, Edinburgh; Kinross High School, Kinross; Dunblane High School, Stirling; Robert Gordon’s College, Aberdeen; Inverurie Academy, Aberdeenshire; Berwickshire High School, Berwickshire; Lanark Grammar School, Lanark; Notre Dame High School, Greenock; Gryffe High School, Renfrewshire.
The Eco-schools giving presentations are: Portobello High School, Edinburgh; Inverkeithing High School, Inverkeithing; Peebles High School, Peebles.
Schools preparing displays are: Currie Community High School, Edinburgh ; Balfron High School, Stirling; Turnbull High School, Bishopbriggs; Old Machar Academy, Aberdeen.
The Parliament’s Committee’s taking part are Rural Affairs and Environment; Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change; Energy, Economy and Tourism and Public Petitions.