Pupils get chance to mark clean air event
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Primary school pupils in Inverness took part in a number of activities to mark Clean Air Day last week.
Children at Crown Primary had the chance to take a break from lessons to see Highland Council’s very own Nissan Leaf electric car being driven into the playground.
The pupils were given t-shirts and banners to raise awareness of the national event, which is organised by Environmental Protection Scotland (EPS).
Youngsters in Primary 4-7 also listened to a talk from John Bynorth, policy and communications officer at EPS.
He said: "I was very impressed by the inquisitive questions and knowledge that many of the pupils showed about electric cars, active travel and what they and their families can do to help cut down on air pollution.
"Their enthusiasm for the subject knows no bounds and that’s a good sign it will continue in the weeks and months ahead – because Clean Air Day can’t just be a one-day event.
"I’m delighted Crown Primary School and the Carb-on Clever team at the Highland Council invited EPS up to the school as it shows how much schools within the local authority are getting behind the need to educate young people about air quality."
Principal teacher Suzanne Dunbar, who helped organise the event, said: "We are going to promote the walking to school element of Clean Air Day throughout the year.
"Our children can speak very well and at length about air quality, the environment and their right to being able to grow up in a city that doesn’t have high levels of air pollution."
Allan Henderson, chairman of Highland Council’s environment, development and infrastructure committee said: "Highland Council is working hard to reduce its emissions and carbon footprint, which has a direct positive impact on clean air in the region.
"The council is very supportive the national Clean Air Day campaign, and is raising awareness of this important issue with staff and the wider community." He added: "The council is making a conscious effort to reduce vehicle emissions by increasing the number of electric vehicles in its fleet, and has recently launched ultra-low emission car club vehicles at many of its offices.
"This scheme will help many staff to move away from using their own cars for council business, which should further help reduce our overall footprint.
"In addition, we are encouraging active travel and lift sharing to reduce emissions from commuting journeys and to encourage fewer vehicles to travel to the same locations each day.
"We will also be raising awareness about the importance of reducing vehicle idling, especially outside schools."
