Dundee's golden Gate

Eco-Congregation Scotland warmly congratulate Gate Church International and celebrate the exciting news that they have achieved our seventh Gold Award.

The Dundee eco-congregation were especially commended by assessors for an "outstanding contribution" in demonstrating practical action within the church and involving the local community, through the Gate Church Carbon Saving Project and Climate Challenge Fund support.

Their innovative Community Fridge was praised for its impact in reducing the city's food waste. Gate's Felicity Wright shared their inspiring work at our webinar during Scotland’s Climate Week, encouraging us all to support our communities through climate action.

"The Carbon Saving Project aims to make Gate Church International the ‘Greenest Church in Scotland’."

Assessors praised so many volunteers being involved, some with no church link, integrating with the community they serve, enriching the church’s mission.

Work to significantly reduce their buildings' carbon footprint offers an excellent example of what can be done in listed buildings and halls.

Climate Challenge Fund Gathering and film event
Thursday 26th November 2020
9.00am - 4.00pm Gathering 2020 Programme
7.00pm - 9.00pm Evening Film and Discussion
https://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/ccfgathering

The Climate Challenge Fund (CCF) Gathering provides opportunities to learn, network and share experience on tackling climate change. The annual event brings together more than 200 attendees representing CCF Grant recipients, local community-led groups including churches and faith projects, national organisations and the Scottish Government. Keep Scotland Beautiful organise the Gathering and manage the CCF for the Scottish Government.

Having time to network, come together and share experience is particularly important in a year that has presented major challenges to communities across Scotland with COVID-19. The event will feature topical keynote sessions:

George Marshall - Communicating the climate emergency
Mikaela Loach - The climate emergency, justice and race
Roseanna Cunningham MSP, Cabinet Secretary for the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform - Keynote speaker
Alastair McIntosh - The climate emergency and over consumption

There will also be contributions from CCF Grant Recipients and the wider CCF Community through:

Topical Workshops and Tabletalk discussion sessions
The uplifting Climate Heroes session
A Virtual Marketplace and networking

On the evening of the Gathering there will be a separately ticketed online film and discussion. The event will explore how community film nights can get people thinking about climate change, followed by the opportunity to watch and discuss a challenging film.

Tickets to both events are free and open to CCF Grant Recipients, and representatives of other organisations with an interest in community-led action on climate change. Find out more and book Gathering and film tickets here.

'Outstanding' seventh Gold Award