HRH Prince Charles Duke of Rothesay launches Royal tour in Scotland
HRH The Duke of Rothesay has set off on a five-day national tour to encourage sustainable living
The tour, to promote the Prince’s initiative Start, was launched today in Scotland with HRH The Duke of Rothesay visiting a range of sustainable projects in Glasgow and Edinburgh on Monday 6 September.
Managed in Scotland by Scottish Business in the Community and Essential Edinburgh, the Start launch aims to inspire individuals to adopt the behavioural changes necessary to help lower their impact on the environment.
The Duke of Rothesay arrived at Glasgow Central Station to see exhibitions by the Start partners on the main concourse, including B&Q, EDF Energy, IBM and M&S, who were displaying their environmental initiatives. The Prince met representatives from Glasgow City sustainability projects, who demonstrated the city’s progress in eco- housing, electric vehicles and community gardens.
Jim McDonald of Sustainable Glasgow said: "I am delighted that HRH's Start initiative provided the opportunity to showcase the innovative approach we are taking in Glasgow and for us to be associated with such an exciting project. Sustainable Glasgow is focusing the efforts of the City's leaders, citizens, communities, businesses and organisations within the city and with international players to make a major difference to tackling climate change - and delivering tangible benefits in day to day lives.”
Following the exhibition the Prince of Wales launched the “START Cycling Challenge” cycle race from Glasgow to Edinburgh. The race, hosted by British Cycling, featured riders from the START partners and staff, and will be followed by START cycle rides in Manchester on 8th September and Birmingham on 9th September.
The Duke of Rothesay then travelled onboard the Royal train, which runs on sustainable bio-fuel, to the Start in St Andrew Square festival held in Edinburgh to encourage individuals to make a Start with sustainable living.
HRH Prince Charles met members of the public and a range of exhibitors from Edinburgh’s farmers market, energy and recycling organisations and designers Joey D, who presented the Prince with a specially designed bag for The Duchess of Cornwall.
Jane Wood, Chief Executive of Scottish Business in the Community said: “Scottish Business in the Community is delighted to welcome HRH The Duke of Rothesay to launch Start in Scotland.
“With the leadership shown by our President HRH The Duke of Rothesay and the work being done by the businesses in partnership with the BITC, we believe this innovative project will engage individuals and together both the business sector and general public can rise to the challenge and make a Start to leave a positive legacy.”
Tom Campbell, Essential Edinburgh’s Chief Executive said, “Essential Edinburgh is actively encouraging our BID members to engage with The Mayday Network to ensure that they can maintain a focus on sustainable business practice. There are a many great examples of businesses making effective changes to how they source supplies and manage their energy costs. We see Start as an ideal opportunity for these businesses to encourage consumers to become involved and help achieve a more sustainable future.
“We will be using this visit by Prince Charles to St Andrew Square as the catalyst for creating a real enthusiasm amongst our BID businesses, employees and visitors to make the BID an exemplar where businesses, not government or legislation is driving change.”
The Prince of Wales also officially opened the Start Living shop in St James centre. Start Living provides information, advice and interactive support on sustainable lifestyle choices and assists the steps taken by individuals to make that Start.
