One month to go to Clean Air Day in Scotland

Pupils from an Edinburgh school helped Clean Air Day Scotland celebrate its fifth birthday – with a call for motorists to leave the car at home when the campaign takes place on 17th June.

Article Source: Clean Air Day
Last Updated: 17 May 2021 10:59

Sciennes Primary School is one of 12 in the city to run a ‘school street,’ where the route outside a school is shut to vehicles at certain times during the school day to encourage children to walk and cycle, improving their health and reducing exposure to air pollution from vehicles.

With one month to go until the Clean Air Day Scotland, the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Frank Ross, helped Sciennes’ primary six Junior Road Safety Officers (JRSO’s) Eilidh Mowbray, aged 10, Amy Yang, aged, 10, and Rory Smith, both aged 11, and a group of primary seven pupils launched the campaign in the Sciennes Road ‘school street.’

Pupils designed bunting which they hung on the school railings in the once congested road and signed pledges to walk and cycle and to encourage their families to ditch the car.

Also in attendance was the school’s depute headteacher Lucy Gallagher, teacher Gregor Hutchison, Caroline McKenna, co-chair of the school PTA and John Bynorth from the charity, Environmental Protection Scotland (EPS), which is coordinating Clean Air Day in Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government.

The pupils were presented with the first ever Clean Air Day colouring book – a collaboration between EPS and art students across Scotland – which has drawings for children to bring to life on an air pollution and environmental theme.

The campaign has established itself as Scotland’s main air quality campaign since the first National Clean Air Day took place in June 2017.

On 17th June, people are being encouraged to walk or cycle, rather than use the car, particularly on the school run or for other shorter trips to schools and supermarkets. The campaign also encourages people to consider walking or cycling less polluted side streets after research found this could reduce a child exposure to air pollution by 30%. Clean Air Day campaigners also want people to consider the purchase of an Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) ahead of the ban on the sale of new petrol, diesel cars and vans from 2030.

Sciennes Primary School are a long established supporter of Clean Air Day Scotland.

In 2017, pupils met Roseanna Cunningham, who was then the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform, at the school on the first National Clean Air Day. At the 2018 event, 99 Sciennes’ pupils marched down The Mound with placards proclaiming the need for better air quality before they met with the City of Edinburgh Council leader, Adam McVey.

Sciennes Primary School’s headteacher Andrew Hunter said: “Sciennes Primary School has supported Clean Air Day for many years and our involvement has helped our pupils learn about air pollution and how it can affect health. The campaign supports our promotion of the benefits of active travel and care for the environment.”

Lucy Gallagher, Sciennes Primary School’s depute headteacher, said: “As a Unicef Gold Rights Respecting School we are very pleased to continue our support for Clean Air Day to raise awareness of children's right to good health and to promote active travel. Clean Air Day also ties in with the Sustainable Development Goals to tackle Climate Change - an issue which is extremely important to our young people and brought into even sharper focus with the forthcoming COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow.

“We want to thank City of Edinburgh Council for listening to our children's voices and closing the road outside Sciennes Primary so they can have clean air every day on their safe and active route to school.”

Caroline McKenna, co-chair of Sciennes Primary School’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA), said: “This school really encourages cycling and walking to school. Having this section of road closed makes everything so much easier for children to get into school. There are massive benefits from ‘school streets’ with less traffic, lower pollution levels and a calmer environment for everyone.”

The Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Frank Ross, a trustee of Environmental Protection Scotland, said: “In Edinburgh we wholeheartedly support the Clean Air Day campaign’s aims, and through initiatives like School Streets we’re helping our youngest generations to make journeys by healthy, active travel. It’s wonderful to see some of our Junior Road Safety Officers join in to celebrate Clean Air Day’s fifth anniversary, and to spread the clean air message, which will be so important for years to come. This Clean Air Day we’re reaffirming our commitment to tackle air pollution, for the future of our city.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The air that we breathe is fundamental to human life and the quality of our environment, protecting and enhancing our health and wellbeing.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that it is more important than ever that we design a more sustainable, greener economy which will better support our communities, health and environment as we head for net-zero by 2045.

“We would encourage all people and organisations to engage in Scotland’s fifth Clean Air Day, and reflect on how, together, we can build a better, cleaner future for our planet, this generation – and those to come.”

John Bynorth, Policy and Communications Officer at Environmental Protection Scotland (EPS), coordinators of Clean Air Day in Scotland, on behalf of the Scottish Government, said: “Five is the age when most children go to school so 2021 is milestone for Clean Air Day – and time to focus further on the need to ensure air quality remains good to protect our children’s health.

“On 17th June, Clean Air Day will demonstrate our support for action on air pollution and speak out to show how much we care about building a clean air future for our children.”

“Schools across the country are learning about the health benefits cycling, walking and the benefits this has on air quality, particularly in towns and cities. We’ve got an opportunity after lockdown, which saw dramatic reductions in car use, to build a healthier, less polluting Scotland.”

Larissa Lockwood, Director of Clean Air at Global Action Plan, the overall UK coordinators of Clean Air Day, said: “We are thrilled to continue supporting Clean Air Day Scotland in its fifth year and applaud schools like Sciennes Primary School for setting up School Streets. These measures make such a difference to improving air quality and also help to inspire and normalise action on tackling air pollution.

“This Clean Air Day we must demonstrate our support for action on air pollution and speak out to show how much we care about building a clean air future for our children. As we return to our lives, we must take this opportunity to create healthy environment for our children where they can learn and play safely. We have a once in a lifetime chance for change. Let’s use it.”

The Scottish Government is finalising its new Cleaner Air For Scotland strategy, which will be published later this year. It aims to build on the strengths of the original strategy, published in 2015, and make Scotland’s air quality the best in Europe.

Clean Air Day resources can be downloaded from https://www.cleanairday.org.uk/scotland

Image by photographer Mark Gibson shows Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Frank Ross, helped Sciennes’ primary six Junior Road Safety Officers

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Meet Festive Film Favourites at Fort Kinnaird in December

Christmas is already in full swing at Fort Kinnaird, and the festivities are set to get even more magical as a line-up of much-loved characters visit the centre for the first time this December.

Edinburgh bar to raise Cash For Kids after Christmas nutcracker theft

Copper Blossom on George Street Edinburgh has launched a new festive cocktail in aid of a children’s charity following the theft of its eight-foot Christmas nutcracker statue.

Embrace the spirit of Christmas on International Volunteer Day

Christmas is a time for giving, and what better opportunity to discover new ways to give back to your community than on Friday 5th December, International Volunteer Day.

WIN! An Edinburgh Christmas Experience for 4

Heard the news? OMNi is inviting everyone to get into the festive spirit with an exclusive Christmas Prize Draw.

Dynamic Earth calls for support as Big Give Match Funding opens

Dynamic Earth has launched its 2025 Big Give Christmas Challenge campaign to boost STEM access for young people.

Ring in Hogmanay with darts, dancing, and bottomless pizza

If your New Year's resolution is to have more fun, start early at Flight Club!

Aldi colleague awarded medal from the King after fundraising efforts

An Aldi colleague based in Bathgate has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of her incredible fundraising efforts, helping to raise almost £50,000 for local charities.

Fort Kinnaird joins forces with local charities to support people who feel lonely at Christmas

New research has revealed one in two people (56 per cent) living in Edinburgh have experienced feelings of loneliness at Christmas.

Celebrate South Asian cinema this December with a selection of releases at Vue

There’s plenty for fans of South Asian cinema to enjoy at Vue this December, with a number of titles heading to the big screen.

Santas little helpers, assemble

Santa Paws, in partnership with Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, is calling out for the city’s dogs to take part in an attempt to break the world record for the most dogs in Christmas jumpers.

The Entertainer opens brand new store in Edinburgh

Britain’s toy shop, The Entertainer, has officially opened a brand-new store at The Gyle Shopping Centre.

Brighten up the nights with the magical Winter Windows

Winter Windows are back at Edinburgh’s Christmas! An arts competition for Edinburgh schoolchildren of all ages, it is an annual showcase of their creativity and skills.

Edinburgh residents encouraged to nominate a charity to receive a festive financial boost

Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards is giving away £120,000 as part of its annual 12 Days of Giving Christmas campaign and nominations are now open.

Volunteer Centre East Lothian reopens just in time for the season of goodwill

The team at Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) have thrown open their doors after an extensive renovation and are welcoming back local residents, volunteers and community groups.

Newtongrange Primary School pupils reap the benefits of outdoor learning with a newly extended playground

Pupils at a Midlothian school have given their resounding approval to their newly extended playground, which includes access to green space and trim trail equipment.

Fort Kinnaird crowns winner of competition to design labels for homegrown honey

Nine-year-old Elodie from Niddrie Mill Primary School has been named the winner of a recent competition launched by Fort Kinnaird to design a label for the honey produced by its resident beehives.

Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure

Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.

Edinburghs Hogmanay reveals International Partnership & Artist Exchange Programme with Basque Country

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay today reveals the full line-up for its much-loved First Footin’ programme on New Year’s Day, with a landmark international collaboration led by Valtos topping the bill.

The Main Course: Serving Up a Slice of Italy in the Heart of Gullane this Christmas

Planning a Christmas lunch with colleagues, a family gathering or a relaxed night out with friends? The Main Course offers comfort, warmth and a menu that brings people back year after year.

Hamish Hawk commission comes to life with Edinburgh International Book Festival first ever record release

Edinburgh International Book Festival today announces that Life in a Scotch Sitting-room, Vol. 0, a limited-edition LP by Scottish indie songwriter Hamish Hawk, will be released on 5th December.

SUSHISAMBA Edinburgh unveils New Years Eve event and festive offering

This festive season, SUSHISAMBA Edinburgh is elevating its celebrations with two unforgettable experiences that perfectly capture the spirit of the season.

Vault City launches festive, Quaffable Treats, beer box inspired by Christmas chocolate tins

An Edinburgh brewery has created the 'perfect gift' for beer lovers this Christmas, inspired by the chocolates people hunt for first in the tin.

Red Hot Chilli Pipers headline free weekend of celebrations with Christmas ceilidh and market

The Ross Bandstand sparked festivities on Sunday with its opening Light Night Concert, and now has a jam-packed Scottish weekend in store of free events in honour of St Andrew's Day.

Somewhere by Nico Launches Festive Cocktail Experience

This festive season, Glasgow and Edinburgh relevellers can relive the magic of Christmas past as Somewhere by Nico unveil a brand-new immersive experience!

Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year

Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.

Festive Season at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.

Leading the charge! Edinburgh car retailer hosts electric vehicle experience

John Clark Volvo Edinburgh is celebrating after its first EV Customer Experience Evening was a success with local drivers.

Six of the Best: Iconic concerts that rocked Murrayfield as the famous stadium turns 100

Scottish Gas Murrayfield has hosted some of the biggest shows Scotland has ever seen – and fans have had their say on the standouts.

Second year of Urban Forestry Programme opens across Scotland

Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.

Fire and Ice captivates thousands as Castle of Light opens in spectacular style

Over 4,700 people descended on Edinburgh Castle this weekend as Castle of Light: Fire and Ice officially opened to the public!

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall

One month to go to Clean Air Day in Scotland

Pupils from an Edinburgh school helped Clean Air Day Scotland celebrate its fifth birthday – with a call for motorists to leave the car at home when the campaign takes place on 17th June.

Sponsored Links

Latest Edinburgh News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings