Article Source: Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
Last Updated: 6 October 2021 8:55
Visions of Climate Heritage competition launched in response to the climate emergency
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is asking the public to submit photographs or artwork showcasing the impact of climate change on Scotland as part of its Visions of Climate Heritage competition which launches tomorrow (Wednesday 6 October).
Visions of Climate Heritage has been developed by HES in partnership with the Heritage Trust Network and the Scottish Council on Archives in response to the climate emergency and has been launched ahead of the COP26 summit which Scotland is hosting in November.
As part of the competition, HES will crowdsource images and artwork to tell Scotland’s climate story – past, present and future – through an online exhibition which will harness the power of Scotland’s historic environment and cultural heritage to inspire climate action.
The entries must align with one of the three themes: ‘The Past was a Different Place’; ‘This is an Emergency’; or ‘A Greener Future’. Images can include a historic photo that illustrates a less informed time before we first learned about climate change and began to see its impact; a moment of extreme weather, which is becoming more common in Scotland, and the impact it brings to our homes, streets and natural heritage; or a creative artwork such as a painting or sculpture which showcases a green, low carbon Scotland.
There will be £750 in prizes available across the categories which include Best Photograph, Best Mobile Photograph, Best Artwork, and Young Creative Awards for those aged between 12-17. Images will be judged on their ability to tell a story, as well as their visual interest, impact and relevance to the historic environment and climate change in Scotland. The competition will close on Tuesday 30 November, with the shortlisted and winning entries forming part of an online exhibition.
The judging panel will include Katharine Hayhoe, the internationally renowned climate scientist and one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People; Phil Astley, the City Archivist for Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Archives; Beverley Gormley, Programme Manager for the Heritage Trust Network; Dr David Mitchell, Director of Conservation for HES; and a representative from the HistoricScot Youth Forum.
Alison Turnbull, Director of Development and Partnership at HES, said: “Our historic environment and cultural heritage are on the front line of our changing climate, and both are already experiencing the impacts of climate change. Through careful monitoring, research and investigation we can better understand how to tackle climate change and where there are opportunities to take action to make a difference.
“To get Scotland to net-zero, we need transformative change, and culture and heritage have the power to tell the stories about who we are and where we’ve come from, as well as pointing to where we want to go.
“Visions of Climate Heritage is the first crowdsourcing competition that HES has run so we are really excited to see the creative ways in which people respond to the brief, and with three prizes on offer for 12-17 year-olds as part of our Young Creative Awards, we are particularly interested in engaging young people with this project.
“Whether it’s delving into the family archives, scrolling through mobile phone photographs, or creating a work of art such as a sculpture or painting, we’re encouraging everyone to get involved to help us tell Scotland’s climate story.
“By showcasing how the Scotland our ancestors built has changed over centuries as well as the impact that changes in the 21st century are having - from the rise in homeworking during the COVID-19 pandemic to the adoption of greener methods of travel – we can play our part in responding to the climate emergency and ensure that our past helps to shape our future.”
For further information or to enter the competition, visit the HES website HERE
Image: Plastic pollution South Queensferry Beach
Edinburgh Summer Sessions is delighted to announce Heather On The Hill Festival, a brand-new family-focused one day festival taking place at the Royal Highland Centre on Saturday 22 August.
READ MORE
With Black Friday just a week away, the family run Vittoria Group is launching one of Edinburgh’s biggest, and most giftable, foodie offers with 50% off vouchers across all venues.
READ MORE
Sweet lovers in Edinburgh can enjoy a free treat on Saturday 22nd November, as Ambala opens its brand-new store on Gorgie Road.
READ MORE
United Airlines inspires girls to pursue careers in aviation by opening the doors to their operation at Edinburgh Airport.
READ MORE
Visitors to the Palace of Holyroodhouse will see the State Apartments decked with glistening Christmas trees, garlands, and a magnificent table display to celebrate the festive season.
READ MORE
This festive season, Duck & Waffle Edinburgh invites guests to leave the ordinary behind and step into the 'Chamber of Magic' - a world where wonder, mischief, and wizardry collide.
READ MORE
Caorunn, the award-winning small batch gin from the Scottish Highlands, has unveiled an exclusive festive pop-up stand at St James Quarter Edinburgh, running until 31st December 2025.
READ MORE
Now a festive family tradition, the CBeebies panto Cinderella is coming to the big screen in Edinburgh from Friday 21st November.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Castle is set to shine this Friday (21 November) as Scotland rugby stars Matt Currie and Adelle Ferrie officially switch on the spectacular Castle of Light: Fire & Ice.
READ MORE
As the Rugby Autumn Internationals take centre stage across the UK and Ireland, The Ivy on The Square, Edinburgh is serving up a winning special worthy of champions.
READ MORE
The King’s Theatre takes a major step forward on the path to reopening following its landmark redevelopment, unveiling some of the first shows set to appear on the iconic Edinburgh stage.
READ MORE
Following a record number of sold-out performances in 2025, audiences can book early for what promise to be must-see performances in 2026!
READ MORE
Featuring classic Christmas carols, this live, multi-sensory musical experience will light up St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral and Merchants House and The Trades Hall for an unforgettable evening.
READ MORE
From frosty gardens to candlelit palaces, National Trust for Scotland places in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Fife are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.
READ MORE
The award-winnng Leddie Hotel in Aberlady has announced its Christmas 2025 programme, bringing together creative workshops, family experiences, live music and seasonal dining.
READ MORE
Edinburgh locals are being encouraged to walk more as charity calls for urgent path funding to invest in safe, local routes.
READ MORE
Edinburgh Open Workshop unveils an expanded range of hands-on workshops in woodworking, welding, DIY, mixed media, and two newly developed laser-cutting workshops.
READ MORE
Edinburgh locals are encouraged to embrace the season of giving with the launch of The Leith Collective’s Re-Gifting Tree and Christmas Tree Exchange projects.
READ MORE
The revitalised Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced today that its 79th edition will run from 13 - 19 August 2026.
READ MORE
Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.
READ MORE
The Forth Awards, presented by Livingston Designer Outlet, crowned the very best of Edinburgh and the East last night at a star-studded award ceremony.
READ MORE
King Pins is announcing a new bowling and activity venue opening in Waverley Bridge in Edinburgh in early 2026.
READ MORE
This November, locals with an EH postcode can enjoy 25% off food and drinks until 5pm, Sunday to Friday, plus 25% off in retail at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Portraits by Frans Hals, Titian and Parmigianino are among eight of the finest paintings from Buckingham Palace to go on display at the Palace of Holyroodhouse from today.
READ MORE
Roti King is making its first move outside England, heading north to the foodie capital of Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Harvey Jones, specialists in hand-crafted beautifully designed kitchens and luxury furniture for the home, has opened its doors to its newly refurbed Edinburgh showroom.
READ MORE
The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.
READ MORE
Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).
READ MORE
Edinburgh-based Code The Court has unveiled a new attic floor of signature boutique hotel rooms, marking a major next step for the landmark venue overlooking the historic Parliament Square.
READ MORE
Lost Shore Surf Resort has firmly established itself as one of Scotland’s most exciting tourism success stories, already generating an £18 million boost to the Scottish economy.
READ MORE