Ten young Scots have been chosen to act as Climate Advocates for our major new project aimed at reducing Scotland's carbon footprint.

The group – all aged 18 - 35 include university students, a solicitor and RSPB worker have all been chosen to take part in our Challenge Europe project.

They will take their place alongside their UK and European counterparts all tasked with developing three practical and sustainable solutions that they will present to business and government leaders across Europe in a bid to create a sustainable, Low Carbon Future.

Advocates from across Scotland met for the first time when the project was launched at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh.

One of the recruits Sarah Ivory said: ‘I hope Challenge Europe will bring together passionate and practical people who have the dedication to drive solutions to fruition. Working with others makes the impossible seem possible.’

Dr. Conor Snowden of British Council Scotland said; 'This is an opportunity for like-minded people to join together to try and genuinely affect change. They are the leaders of tomorrow, a selection of Europe’s boldest and best, determined to ensure that they don’t inherit climate chaos. We have found dynamic people with the passion and drive to challenge and transform the way we all use carbon.'

The British Council is actively partnering with a number of organisations across Europe for this project. In Scotland, Footprint Consulting is supporting Challenge Europe by sharing expertise, best-practice and offering guidance to the Climate Advocates.

Challenge Europe will be taking place in 15 countries across Europe: Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, UK, and Ukraine. It is a three year campaign that aspires to make a definite and lasting impact on the climate debate.

For more information about this project telephone +44 (0) 131 524 5758 or e-mail conor.snowden@britishcouncil.org.