OLI Conference in Oban

Oban Lorn and The Isles Conference, 'Forward Together' – 15th May 2010

Hi there

I've just come back from a Community Consultation event at Oban High School fthat brought together 60 individuals attending out of their own personal interest but also representing various community groups, the Council and public institutions. The purpose was to find out what local services are needed in the Oban, Lorn and the Isles area, and how the ever scarcer funding is to be allocated.
You may have seen the article announcing it in the Oban Times (6 May, p. 2).

Participants were given the opportunity to explore ideas in four different workshops:
i) Health & Wellbeing
ii) Transport
iii) Economic & Community Development
iv) Local Development (rural/island 'hubs'; Oban town centre)

In the final part, there was voting on two top priorities in each of the four thematic areas.

Young people receive hands-on education about solar energy

Hi folks

Here's something that Scotland and its government(s) could emulate -- just in from Greenpeace Switzerland (original in German, translation by yours truly):

Welcome to YouthSolarProject


In 1998 the JugendSolarProjekt (JSP – YouthSolarProject) of Greenpeace Switzerland began to embark on new approaches to environmental education. Guided by the catchphrase "Actions are better than words", we have involved young people in the installation of solar plants on top of public buildings and/or social institutions. So far, over 10,000 young people have helped to install over 175 solar plants.

Today, Greenpeace Switzerland's YouthSolarProject (JSP) proudly presents its biggest solar energy project so far. For the past two weeks, apprentices from all over Switzerland installed a photovoltaic plant in Melchnau BE. With a surface area of 1,885 sqm, it is currently the country's biggest rooftop installation.

The project clearly looks to the future of energy supplies. A roof no longer simply provides weather protection – it is a power plant that produces a great deal more energy than is required for the actual building itself. The photovoltaic installation in Melchnau will produce enough electricity for 65 households.

A Swissolar study has shown that simply by making consistent use of appropriate rooftops, one third of the electricity needs of Switzerland can be met by solar energy. The transition to renewable energy is not a technological issue – it is a political decision to stand firm against producers of energy that has a negative impact on our climate.

This is the mission of Greenpeace and its YouthSolarProject. The time is ripe. Technologies are available. Switzerland can afford to invest into sustainable energy supplies. Join us in the fight for a sunny future – please support our work and the energy revolution.

Doors open to the YouthSolarProject and the photovoltaic plant in Melchnau BE
on 29th and 30th May, 2010 – come and see us!