Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, and representatives from Scottish Natural Heritage and Forestry Commission Scotland, will gather at the Black Isle Show on the morning of Thursday 02 August 2007 for the launch of the ‘Green Machine’ touring exhibition trailer as part of the Highland 2007 year of culture celebrations.

The ‘Green Machine’ is a specially commissioned mobile exhibition trailer aimed at older primary and secondary age children, featuring curriculum-based materials about green issues, jobs, renewable energy, recycling and what they can do to limit their impact on the environment and climate change, with a particular focus on climate change as it impacts on Scotland. It also highlights the important role trees; woods and forests play in protecting and enhancing Scotland’s environment, wildlife and biodiversity.

The ‘Green Machine’ has been funded by Scottish Natural Heritage, Forestry Commission Scotland, Highland 2007, the Montane Scrub Project and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Following its launch at the Black Isle Show, the ‘Green Machine' will visit events, schools and communities in the Highlands and other parts of Scotland for the rest of the Highland 2007 year of culture.

Andrew Thin, Chairman of Scottish Natural Heritage said: "The natural environment of the Highlands has been throughout history, and continues to be, an integral part of Highland culture. Managing our natural resources sustainably is important for our future wellbeing and for the economic contribution derived from a high quality environment. The 'Green Machine' tour, which is one of our projects contributing to Highland 2007, is a fantastic educational resource for schools. It demonstrates the link between climate change and our environment and highlights the personal action we can all take to help reduce our environmental footprint. I am delighted SNH is able to contribute to Highland 2007 in this way."

The Green Machine is a key element of Forestry Commission Scotland’s ‘touchwood’ programme of flagship events and activities celebrating Scotland’s year of Highland Culture. Kenny Murray, Project Manager for Forestry Commission Scotland’s ‘touchwood’ programme, said: “The Green Machine adds an important educational dimension to our ‘touchwood’ programme.  It will help bring important environmental topics to life in an innovative and fun way and will hopefully inspire and make a positive impact on the hundreds of children who will visit it during its tour.”

The ‘Green Machine’ content has been researched and written by Liz Balharry and Pat Thornton of the Educational Resource Partnership in Inverness, who specialise in producing educational materials about the natural and cultural heritage of Scotland. Pat Thornton said: “We were delighted to be given the opportunity to work on such a topical subject for Highland 2007. We hope that everyone who visits the ‘Green Machine’ will take away something which will provoke thought and deed about what we can all do to help the future of our World”.

Any event or school that would like to be considered for a visit from the ‘Green Machine’ as part of its tour should contact the ‘Green Machine’ scheduler on: greenmachine@portablepr.com.

Further information about Scottish Natural Heritage and Forestry Commission Scotland’s events and activities supporting the Highland 2007 year of culture celebrations can be found by visiting: www.snh.org.uk/highland2007 or www.forestry.gov.uk/touchwood.

ENDS

Media Contacts:

Calum MacFarlane, Scottish Natural Heritage
07770 814206 or calum.macfarlane@snh.org.uk

Diana McGowan, Forestry Commission Scotland
0131 314 6507 or diana.mcgowan@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

Stan Blackley, Green Machine Scheduler, Portable PR
07770 742449 or stan@portablepr.com
 
Notes to Editors:

1. Scottish Natural Heritage
Scottish Natural Heritage is the Scottish Executive's advisor with respect to conservation, enhancement, enjoyment, understanding and sustainable use of Scotland’s natural heritage. It works for and with Scotland’s people. For more information, see: www.snh.org.uk.
 
2. Forestry Commission Scotland
Forestry Commission Scotland serves as the Scottish Government's forestry department. It manages 668,000 hectares of national forest land for multiple benefits, including nature conservation, public recreation, timber production, and rural and community development; supports other woodland owners with grants, felling licences, advice and regulation; promotes the benefits of forests and forestry; and advises Ministers on forestry policy. For more information, see: www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland.
 
3. The Black Isle Show
The Black Isle Show is the largest agricultural show in the North, with something for everybody – including livestock, trade stands, a food and craft fair, fairground, exhibition, food stalls and a grand dance in the marquee. The Black Isle Show takes place on Thursday 02 August 2007 at the Mannsfield Showground, Muir of Ord. Entrance is £10.00. For more information, see: www.blackisleshow.info.
 
4. Highland 2007
Highland 2007 recognises and celebrates the area’s culture, combining traditional and contemporary Highland culture in a reflection on the old and a celebration of the new. It involves hundreds of events and activities, in villages, towns and cities throughout the Highlands and Islands, and beyond, which celebrate Highland culture. For more information, see: www.highland2007.com.