Ness Bridge in Inverness goes blue and green for Fairtrade Fortnight when it is specially lit up next week
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One of the main bridges in Inverness will turn blue and green next week.
Ness Bridge will be illuminated in the colours of Fairtrade between Monday and Thursday, February 25.
It marks the start of Fairtrade Fortnight – the annual UK-wide campaign which highlights how the organisation helps farmers and producers around the world secure a fairer income.
And Fairtrade is increasingly helping farmers and workers respond to the environmental crisis which is now unfolding in already vulnerable communities.
This Fortnight – under the banner Climate, Fairtrade and You – people are being asked to choose the world you want and to use your voice to tell others about the challenges that farmers face from climate change.
Hilary Lawson, who is a member of Inverness Fairtrade Group, said: "So much of our diet here in Scotland depends on farmers and producers across the globe – we simply cannot grow all we need or want here in the UK.
"Buying Fairtrade tea, coffee, chocolate, sugar, bananas and many other products is a simple way to ensure that farmers in the global South get a fair deal for their work, an extra premium for their communities and much needed resources to help fight climate change.
"Fairtrade helps farmers to tackle the climate crisis. More than ever, they need a fair price for their crops and their hard work. Farmers and workers in countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia and Honduras, who have done the least to contribute to climate change, are now being unfairly affected by it.
"Currently, the poorest 50 per cent of the world’s population are responsible for only seven per cent of the world’s carbon footprint but yet they are already suffering from climate issues such as droughts, flooding and crop disease."
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight will be unable to have any social events, but organisers are counting on consumer power.
Residents are being urged to try a new Fairtrade product during the fortnight and then spread the word.
Inverness is officially a Fairtrade City, and more Information about Fairtrade principles, stockists and how to get involved with local activities visit here.
