Lights off for Earth Hour

LERWICK Town Hall will be plunged into darkness for an hour tonight (Saturday) to highlight climate change.

The council building will turn off its floodlights at 8.30pm in conjunction with a host of landmarks and domestic properties across the world as they take part in this year’s WWF Earth Hour.

Last year over ten million people in the UK joined in with the synchronised switch-off.

Councillor Steven Coutts, who is the vice chair of the SIC’s environment and transport committee, said everyone can have a “key role” in battling global warming by reducing carbon emissions.

“WWF’s Earth Hour is a chance to show how much we all care about our brilliant planet and is the first step to helping to protect its future,” he said.

Shetland’s political representatives are also backing Earth Hour.

Northern Isles MP Alistair Carmichael met WWF representatives in London recently to show support for the cause.

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“It’s a great opportunity to bring together millions of people from across the world with one united goal – to help protect our planet,” he said.

“That’s why this Earth Hour I’m showing I care about the future of our planet by making a special pledge for a low carbon future.

“I would encourage local residents to take part by ensuring they switch off their lights for an hour on Sunday 19 March at 8:30pm.”

Shetland MSP Tavish Scott added that Earth Hour is a “tremendous” chance for the public to put the spotlight on climate change.