Greentown on Spey is the aim of weekend festival

Grantown-on-Spey will be turned into Greentown-on-Spey this weekend as the annual show to help locals live a more sustainable-friendly life is held.

The Square is set to be a popular place when the Sustainable Strathspey’s event is staged this Sunday (September 1) from 10am to 3pm,

There will be more than 30 stallholders sharing the venue with the Cairngorms Farmers Market.

The aim is to showcase how everyone can play their part in helping to shape a more sustainable future for the planet.

What started out with a forward-looking group of locals in the building industry meeting up with a group of environmental activists has grown into an established day in Grantown’s calendar.

Sustainable Strathspey chairwoman Katy Turton said: ‘The Greentown Show is a vital event.

“National and international news about the climate emergency can make us despair that nothing can be done - or is being done - to tackle the environmental crisis.

“The Greentown Show offers a hopeful and pro-active message that organisations, companies and charities across our local area have embraced sustainability and can help us live more sustainably too.’

As well as old favourites like CALA’s Pop Up Play, the show will feature a new reusable nappy scheme, Lifestyle Medicine and Dellifure Natural Burial Ground which organisers describe as ‘sustainable living from the cradle to the grave’.

The Cairngorms National Park Authority will have a big presence this year, and the event is also welcoming the recently formed Cairngorm Crofters and Farmer’s Group.

Dr Pete Grant, Sustainable Strathspey member, said: “We will have a Tent Talk featuring a range of topics every half hour throughout the day and there is a chance to marvel at the ingenuity of nature as Nick Baker displays his Cabinet of Curiosities.

“Visitors can also find out how Alzheimer’s Scotland are supporting people living with dementia to experience benefits of spending time outdoors, or discover what veganism really means.”

The day will be topped off by a family ceilidh with Hamish Napier and Eric Pirie from 3.30pm to 5.30pm in aid of the Anagach Woods Trust.

Jaci Douglas, chief executive of Care and Learning Alliance, said: “CALA’s Pop Up Play is back for a third year of play opportunities using sustainable, recycled and free resources to support children’s play and learning.

“Come along and say hello and just play!’

Ron Laing, boss of AW Laing Ltd, is one of the show’s supporters.

He said: “We all have a responsibility to ensure a sustainable future. Our business focuses on energy saving and sustainable construction methods to new and existing houses.

“We achieve this in partnership with our many like-minded suppliers and business partners.”

Fiona Osgood, of the town’s Wholefoods and Refills, said: “The Greentown Show is a great way for local groups to come together and show how the people of Strathspey the work we’re doing.”

Find out more about Grantown-based Sustainable Strathspey on their Facebook home page.

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