South Ayrshire prepares for Earth Hour 2016

South Ayrshire Council is encouraging people to get involved in this year's Earth Hour. They'll join hundreds of millions of people around the world in turning off lights for an hour, to show support for action on climate change and a more sustainable future.

This year's event, which includes switching off floodlighting on many of South Ayrshire's most iconic landmarks as well as a range of activities, takes place at 8:30pm Saturday 19 March 2016. The event is supported by employees, partners, community groups and a range of local businesses.

South Ayrshire Council was recently recognised by WWF for the fourth year in a row for its ongoing commitment to championing environmental sustainability, having been named runner up in Scotland for its Earth Hour programme in 2015.

Mike Newall, Head of Neighbourhood Services at South Ayrshire Council, said,

"We're proud to support Earth Hour, an event which places world resources at its heart, but in a way which everyone can connect with.

"The simple act of switching off the lights, computers and chargers, and challenging the way we think about the world can make a difference.

"Our events have been well supported in the past and we're confident that we'll enjoy good turnouts for the many events being put on to celebrate the day on March 19."

South Ayrshire – Earth Hour Activity 2016

Floodlights will be switched off at:

• Alloway Kirk

• St Nicholas Church Ruin

• Fish Cross sculpture

• Poet & Scholar sculpture

• Loudoun Hall Courtyard

• Auld Brig

• Burns Statue Square

• Kirkoswald church ruin

• Stumpy Tower

• Dundonald Castle

• Ayr Town Hall

• Maybole Town Hall

• Wallace Tower

• St John's Tower.

Belleisle planting project

Join us a Belleisle Conservatory at 1:30pm on the 19th to help plant a native broadleaved tree, making native seed bombs and pine cone bird feeders. Everyone welcome, wear suitable outdoor clothing.

You can also take a selfie and make a pledge with Wallace the WWF Earth Hour panda #PassThePanda to help spread the word about #EarthHourUK.

Ghost Walk

Meeting at Ayr Town Hall, we will travel back through time over the old cobbled streets into Ayr's more chilling history. We will spend time in the old Citadel and St. John's tower before returning to the Town Hall to enter the ghostly jail cells. This tour is for adults and over 8s. Good walking shoes are recommended. The Jail cells are accessed by steps. (Please note this event is fully booked).