Fuel poverty and mental health will be among the topics at Thurso Sustainability Fair
A number of local organisations that share a vision for a sustainable Thurso are joining together to stage a free event early next month covering issues from fuel poverty to mental health.
Thurso Community Development Trust (TCDT) and its net-zero project will run the Thurso Sustainability Fair in collaboration with Caithness Poverty Action Group.
A variety of organisations, businesses and projects will take part in the event in the Pentland Hotel ballroom on Friday, October 7.
Kara Scott, the net-zero graduate for TCDT and its net-zero project, is helping to organise it.
She said: "We want to get information to everyone on which organisations, businesses and projects in the local area can help them live a more sustainable lifestyle, by inspiring them, advising them and supporting them.
“Crucially, we want to point people in the direction of support during the ongoing cost-of-living and energy crisis.”
Caithness Citizens Advice Bureau will be represented at the event to offer help and advice on saving on home energy bills and to make people aware of the grants available to make their homes warmer.
Andrea Wotherspoon, a board member of Caithness Poverty Action Group, said: “Fuel poverty is a serious issue in Caithness and the energy crisis is only going to add to the problem.
“This will seriously affect people’s mental health and it’s important that they know who they can go to for help.”
Also attending the event will be HERE for Caithness and Listening Ear. They will be on hand to discuss any worries that the public may have and to provide wellbeing and mental health support and advice.
RDI Renewables will be there to discuss solar panels, air source heat pumps, biomass boilers and other energy options. Caithness Chamber of Commerce will be represented from 10am until 1pm to discuss its sustainability and energy support programmes for businesses.
TCDT development manager Joan Lawrie said: “We have tried to capture a variety of different initiatives that want to see a sustainable Thurso for current and future generations. They are exciting, inspirational and right on our doorstep, and we want to share that with the community.
"We also want to make it an engaging and fun experience so have organised a variety of workshops and activities for people to get involved in.”
Local initiatives Thurso Sharing Shed and Thurso Grows will be there to outline what they are doing to create a more sustainable Thurso, and how the public can get involved.
Socially Growing, Nature's Path Natural Ways and Thurso Eats will present workshops and tasters. Ormlie Community Association will be running activities for all ages.
Other organisations that will be attending include Highland Community Waste Partnership, North Highlands and Islands Climate Hub and Caithness Voluntary Group.
It will be a free drop-in event and people can attend at any time between 10am and 5pm. The tea/coffee bar in the Pentland will be open from 10am.
Kara added: “Everyone is welcome.”