HUNDREDS FLOCK TO BLACK ISLE GREEN HOMES!

11 September 2009

From the Ross-shire Journal, 11 September 2009:

THE Highlands' first ever showcase of green homes and gardens has proved a massive success, blowing organisers¹ expectations out of the water.

Greening Homes and Gardens drew around 300 visitors keen to discover how to live in a cheaper, more environmentally friendly way.

The event involved innovative householders and growers opening their homes and gardens on Saturday to show people round and explain the low carbon technologies and methods they use. A solar powered boat offered trips from North Kessock also proved a popular draw.

Throughout the day a stream of people visited a diverse range of pioneering houses and gardens across the Black Isle and Easter Ross.

From modern eco houses, to older properties adapted to save energy and slash fuel bills, they witnessed renewable technologies such as wind turbines, heat pumps and solar panels in action.

A range of technology showcased in Munlochy Hall, and experts and volunteers were busy all day dispensing information, advice and energy saving tips.

'We couldn¹t believe the response to this event ­ it exceeded all our wildest expectations,' said Wendy Price, convener of Transition Black Isle, which organised the innovative event. 'People were really interested in finding out as much as they could and seeing green homes and gardens for themselves.

'Many were asking why it hadn't ever been thought of before - and when we were going to hold the next one!

'Reports I have had back from the householders who took part have indicated phenomenal levels of interest ­ many were hoarse after talking all day but said they had really enjoyed it,' she added. 'Best of all people had gone away enthused and inspired to find out more.'

The free event was organised by Transition Black Isle and the Ross-Shire Waste Action Network (RoWAN) with the Energy Saving Scotland advice centre on hand to explain choices available to householders.

Katy Kitchingham of RoWAN said local Master Composters volunteers had been flat out throughout the day offering advice on those wishing to start a compost bin, and helping solve problems.

'Greening Homes and Gardens proved to be a great way for people to see for themselves some of the measures households can take to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill,' she added.