MORE details have been revealed of the community events which will be taking place in Helensburgh next month to raise awareness of climate change ahead of November’s crucial COP26 summit in Glasgow.

As previously reported in the Advertiser, a week of events will be held in and around Helensburgh from September 18 to 26 as part of the UK-wide Great Big Green Week, organised by the Climate Coalition, though the local events are being put together by Plastic Free Helensburgh.

The local programme will include scavenger hunts, craft workshops, a writer’s workshop for children, a beach clean, a film night, an afternoon tea, a book sale, a talk on green parenting, a digital photography exhibition and more.

In addition, in the weeks leading up to the event, Plastic Free Helensburgh and the Advertiser are encouraging local residents to take part in a special letter-writing competition.

There are four age groups – P4-P7, S1-S3, S4-S6 and adults – and all you need to do is write a letter beginning: “Dear Advertiser, The change I want to see in Helensburgh to make it a town that is fit for the future is...”

When your letter is complete, just email it to editorial@helensburghadvertiser.co.uk and we’ll choose the best – with a prize for the winner in each age group.

READ MORE: Council reveals more details of Helensburgh COP26 event as part of net zero bid

All the Helensburgh events are being held with financial backing from Argyll and Bute Council’s Supporting Communities Fund and the Climate Fringe Event fund.

Elizabeth Lambert from Plastic Free Helensburgh said: “We have tried to cover a wide range of the causes of climate change and the actions we can take to lower our carbon footprint.

“The events cover, food, transport, energy, clothing, waste and recycling. There are informative workshops and webinars run by Zero Waste Scotland, Home Energy Scotland, Time For Change, and Sustainable(ish).

“We have tried to make the events varied and fun. We have events run by our community allies Grey Matters, Time For Change, Cardross CAN, Helensburgh Christian Aid, Fun First, Rhu Marina, Helensburgh Art Hub, Helensburgh Community Hub, Helensburgh Community Council and the Scottish Submarine Centre.

“We will also be sharing skills and knowledge from many local businesses and professions including Kathryn Polley, Helensburgh Toyota, Helensburgh Cycles, Craigend Nursery, Sew Silly Lily, Fern Fabrics, Isla Wynter and Fabric and Finery.

“Our Great Big Climate Week is really by the Helensburgh community and for the Helensburgh community, so we hope everyone takes a look at the events and comes to one or all of them.

“We want it to be a week where we focus on sustainability and improving our environment for the future.”

We’ll have more details about the programme in the Advertiser over the coming weeks. To find out more look for ‘Plastic Free Helensburgh Community’ on Facebookor email plasticfreehelensburgh@gmail.com.