Programme of Events


Tuesday 24th February 2009
	Smart Meter Briefing Event
	In conjunction with the Smart metering exhibition in the Scottish Parliament OnStream, a National Grid company, will be hosting a briefing event to explain how Smart meters work and the benefits that they can provide. The briefing will explain how Smart meters can Encourage energy efficiency by providing increased information on consumption to customers Provide more accurate bills and eliminate estimated readings Assist with grid management and facilitate future installation of home generation This is an opportunity to hear first hand some cutting edge information on a substantial developing technology that will be a very important component part in the energy industry working with the public to tackle climate change. Lunch will be provided.	12:30 – 14:00 Room TG.20/21 The Scottish Parliament Hosted by: Sarah Boyack MSP

	Healthy Seas: Priceless!
	The Scottish Marine Bill is due to be introduced to Parliament in 2009. How can this Bill make a difference for our marine environment and all the activities that depend on it? Join us in celebrating Scottish seas and learn more about how healthy, well-managed seas can meet economic and social aspirations for Scotland. View our exhibition and test your knowledge of Scottish seas with our quiz to be in with a chance of winning a top prize. Drinks and canapés will be provided For more information contact: Ylva@scotlink.org www.savescottishseas.org	18:00 – 19:30 Committee Room 1 The Scottish Parliament Hosted by: Maureen Watt MSP

Wednesday 25th February 2009
	Climate Change and the Environment
	*Back to Nature* As the Climate Change (Scotland) Bill is examined by the Parliament, Scottish Environment LINK invites you to go back to nature: The impacts of climate change are evident in the responses of Scotland's wildlife and habitats. These warning signs are also an indication of how we must improve the resilience of our environment to face the climate challenge and in doing so, help nature to help us. LINK members will be on hand to discuss key indicators of climate change in Scotland, possible future impacts and what we must do to adapt, the role of "carbon sinks", and how we can tackle climate change whilst protecting and working with nature. A buffet lunch will be provided.	12:30 – 14:00 TG.20/21 The Scottish Parliament Hosted by: Malcolm Chisholm MSP

	Scottish Environment Week Reception
	Join representatives from Scottish Environment LINK’s member bodies, Government and wider civic society to celebrate Scotland’s Environment. Speakers: Helen Zealley OBE, LINK President Sarah Boyack MSP Michael Russell MSP, Minister for Environment. Drinks and light refreshments will be provided.	18:00 - 20:00 The Garden Lobby The Scottish Parliament Sponsored by: Sarah Boyack MSP
Thursday 26th February 2009
	Delivering the Goods
	Discover how the Scottish Rural Development Programme can deliver for Biodiversity. This informal drop-in session will explore how SRDP can deliver for biodiversity and how LINK members are already contributing. The event will be a great opportunity to find out more about their work, and the benefits SRDP can bring. Meet representatives from forestry, farming, nature and historical conservation sectors, local and national government, as well as from LINK’s member bodies. Lunch provided.	12:30-14:00 Committee Room 2 The Scottish Parliament Hosted by: Nanette Milne MSP

	Physical Activity for Life
	NHS Health Scotland is presenting a cross-Scotland networking session in partnership with Ramblers Scotland, the Mountaineering Council of Scotland and Sustrans. Hosted by Liam McArthur MSP, the event will use mini-windows on local activities to demonstrate how to enjoy the countryside and bring health benefits at the same time. With two thirds of adults and one third of children in Scotland not active enough for a health benefit, we are keen to showcase how easy it is to use the countryside, enjoy the outdoors and reap the benefits of a physically active life – regardless of fitness level! Drinks and light refreshments will be provided.	18:00 – 20:00 Committee Room 3 Scottish Parliament Hosted by: Liam McArthur MSP
Through out the Week
	LINK Exhibition
	Drop by and find out more about Scottish Environment LINK and the work of our member bodies.	The Garden Lobby The Scottish Parliament Sponsored by: Sarah Boyack MSP
	Interactive Smart Metering Exhibition
	OnStream, a National Grid company, will be hosting an exhibition on Smart meters in the Members Lobby during Scottish Environment Week. The exhibition will have a fully working display to allow an interactive demonstration on how Smart meters work and the benefits they can provide. The potential benefits Smart gas and electricity meters can offer customers include Providing information that can help consumers better manage their energy consumption and encourage energy efficiency Allow energy suppliers to communicate directly with their customers, removing the need for manual meter readings, ensuring entirely accurate bills and eliminating estimated readings Facilitate the take up of home electricity generation as they can record the amount of energy being exported back into the National Grid	Members Lobby The Scottish Parliament Sponsored by: Sarah Boyack MSP

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Other Events In Scottish Environment Week
Tuesday 24th February 2009
	Soil Association Scotland Public Meetings on Food
	Soil Association Scotland, the Scottish branch of the UK’s leading charity campaigning for people- and planet-friendly food, is holding a series of public meetings throughout Scotland. Members of the public are invited to take part in a discussion on how local communities can help create a healthier food culture, and a sustainable future for food and farming in Scotland. There will be an opportunity to meet local food producers and to find out about inspiring local food projects in what promise to be lively and informal meetings. Refreshments will be served and the meetings are free to attend.	Venue: Falkland Centre of Stewardship Due to venue capacity restrictions it is essential to reserve a seat, which you can do by emailing contact@sascotland.org or calling 0131 666 2474.
Wednesday 25th February 2009
	Cross Party Group on Climate Change
	The cross party group on climate change seeks to bring together Members of the Scottish Parliament and others with an interest in climate change. CPG on Cliamte Change	Venue: Scottish Parlaiment Time: 5.30pm Please contact (gail.wilson@rspb.org.uk) for more information
	Soil Association Scotland Public Meetings on Food
	Soil Association Scotland, the Scottish branch of the UK’s leading charity campaigning for people- and planet-friendly food, is holding a series of public meetings throughout Scotland. Members of the public are invited to take part in a discussion on how local communities can help create a healthier food culture, and a sustainable future for food and farming in Scotland. There will be an opportunity to meet local food producers and to find out about inspiring local food projects in what promise to be lively and informal meetings. Refreshments will be served and the meetings are free to attend.	Venue: Glasgow Quaker Meeting House Due to venue capacity restrictions it is essential to reserve a seat, which you can do by emailing contact@sascotland.org or calling 0131 666 2474.
Thursday 26th February 2009
	Soil Association Scotland Public Meetings on Food
	Soil Association Scotland, the Scottish branch of the UK’s leading charity campaigning for people- and planet-friendly food, is holding a series of public meetings throughout Scotland. Members of the public are invited to take part in a discussion on how local communities can help create a healthier food culture, and a sustainable future for food and farming in Scotland. There will be an opportunity to meet local food producers and to find out about inspiring local food projects in what promise to be lively and informal meetings. Refreshments will be served and the meetings are free to attend.	Venue: Friends’ Meeting House, Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh Due to venue capacity restrictions it is essential to reserve a seat, which you can do by emailing contact@sascotland.org or calling 0131 666 2474.
	Working With Difference
	The event will highlight examples of organisations in Scotland who are working with volunteers and community groups currently under-represented in environmental volunteering including refugees and asylum seekers, young people at risk of exclusion and people with mental health problems. Workshops sessions will give participants the chance to learn from experienced practitioners on approaches to working with difference and reducing barriers to involvement in environmental action. The event will also highlight the FEVA Volunteer Managers Development Project run by Julia Duncan which aims to support the training and development of volunteer managers in Scotland. Purpose To help organisations develop the diversity of the volunteers and groups they work with To help organisations improve the experience they offer to volunteers To promote partnership development and encourage networking To celebrate and showcase achievement in involving people in environmental action Who is it for? Paid and voluntary staff working with or supervising volunteers, or working in partnership with schools and community groups, in an outdoor or environmental setting.	Venue: SNH Battleby, near Perth Times: 10.00 to 17.30 (coffee and registration from 9.30am) Organisers: The Forum For Environmental Volunteering Activity (FEVA) in association with Scottish Natural Heritage and Volunteer Development Scotland.
Friday 27th February 2009
	Stop Climate Chaos Scotland Public Meeting on Climate Change Bill
	SCCS are holding a public meeting on the Climate Change Bill in Elgin, from 12pm - 1.30pm on Friday 27th February. Speakers include: Eilidh Whiteford from Oxfam, Sam Gardner from WWF Scotland Richard Lochhead MSP.	For more details please email outreachscotland@oxfam.org.uk
Throughout the Week
	The Age of Stupid
	Oscar-nominated Pete Postlethwaite (In The Name of the Father, Brassed Off) stars as a man living alone in the devasted world of 2055 as he looks back at archive footage from 2007 and asks: why didn’t we stop climate change when we had the chance? Directed by Franny Armstrong (McLibel, Drowned Out), this compelling drama-doc explores the social causes and consequences of humans delaying serious action to tackle climate change through a heady mix of human tragedy, corporate greed, bitingly satirical animation and political activism. The film’s subjects range from emerging Indian airlines and anti-wind farm NIMBY-ism (“not in my back yard”), to Hurricane Katrina and the visible signs of biospheric collapse in the Alps. It presents an apocalyptic vision with pathos and humour, but ultimately urges a rapid escalation in our response to the chaos already coming into being around the world.	For more information; www.ageofstupid.net Screenings: Flimhouse Edinburgh