Rural Community Gateway

What's your project?

Eco-Schools Scotland is part of an international programme to encourage schools to become more environmentally aware. Schools are asked to set up an Eco Committee to review the school’s environment, draw up an action plan for improvement, and encourage the whole school community to take part in a number of activities related to the action plan. Participating schools achieve Bronze and Silver awards based on self-assessment. However the prestigious Green Flag is only awarded following a visit by trained assessors. Nearly 600 Scottish schools are Green Flag schools.

Where is it?

Eco-Schools is located within Keep Scotland Beautiful, Livilands Lane, Stirling, FK8 2BG

Who's involved?

96 per cent of all Scottish schools are registered as Eco-Schools. This includes nursery, special, primary and secondary schools, from both public and independent sectors.

How is it funded?

Eco-Schools is funded by the Scottish Government.

When is it funded to?

Funding currently runs to 2010.

Biggest achievement so far?

We celebrated our 500th Green Flag school in 2007, but such is the interest in the programme that our 1000th Flag is not far off.

Any downsides so far?

Over 90 per cent of secondary schools are registered as Eco-Schools and most of those have progressed to Bronze or Silver award levels. However relatively few have gone on to Green Flag level. New government funding has allowed a review of this situation and a revised programmed aimed at secondary schools was launched at Hampden Park on 22nd April this year. Already there has been an increase in applications from secondary schools and our Secondary Schools Development Officer has responded to a large number of invitations to visit individual schools to outline the changes.

Any advice needed from Rural Gateway users?

The Eco-Schools programme is very much a community-focused exercise and schools are encouraged to involve the local community in their environmental activities. This could include parental or business membership on the Eco-Committee, adult assistance with schools grounds projects, business support for appropriate activities etc. In addition schools are encouraged to consider community work such as litter picks, clean-up of local beaches or beauty spots etc. Rural Gateway users could certainly be a source of advice and support for their local schools’ Eco Committees.

Further Information

www.ecoschoolsscotland.org
Kate Campbell, Eco-Schools Manager
Kate.campbell@ksbscotland.org.uk
Kirsten Leask, Senior Officer, Eco-Schools
kirsten.leask@ksbscotland.org.uk
Paul Cortopassi, Secondary Schools Development Officer
paul.cortopassil@ksbscotland.org.uk

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