Switch off for Earth Hour

SHETLAND will mark Earth Hour by switching off lights for one hour this weekend to raise awareness of the environmental impact of climate change.

Floodlights at the Clickimin Broch in Lerwick will turn off at 8.30pm on Saturday, as well external and internal lights at Mareel.

Locals will also be encouraged to switch off as part of the World Wide Fund for Nature’s (WWF) symbolic global event.

Lerwick’s Town Hall is usually plunged into darkness to mark Earth Hour, but it is currently undergoing maintenance work.

Shetland Islands Council staff will also be asked to turn off non-essential lights.

SIC carbon reduction officer Alan Grieve said the local authority is “proud” to once again take part in Earth Hour, which is now in its tenth year.

“It’s great to be able to show that by working together we can make a difference and help protect our planet,” he added.

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“I’d like to encourage as many people as possible in Shetland to get involved and make the tenth anniversary of Earth Hour one for us all to remember.”

Last year 178 countries took part in Earth Hour, with iconic buildings such as Edinburgh Castle and the Sydney Harbour Bridge switching off their lights.