In your edition of February 9, you made reference to the fact that the target of having 80 per cent of all schools registered on the Eco Schools programme by 2008 had been met a year ahead of schedule. This is the case, and we were grateful for your coverage.
Statistics you did not quote show that we now have 83 per cent of all primary schools and an impressive 85 per cent of all secondary schools in Scotland registered. Just over 41 per cent of all primary schools have achieved a bronze level award and nearly 27 per cent a silver level award.
Twenty-nine per cent of all secondaries have a bronze level award and 13.5 per cent a silver level - indicating that they are working towards Green Flag status; 13 per cent of all primary and 5 per cent of all secondary schools hold a Green Flag award.
We are keen to see an increase in the number of secondaries going on to achieve Green Flag status and have appointed a development officer, Paul Cortopassi, with funding from the Scottish Executive.
We also have many nurseryearly years and special needs pupils involved.
This shows the programme is attractive to the 3-18 age range, which is encouraging in the light of the executive’s drive to promote sustainable development for all.
Kate Campbell
Eco Schools manager, Scotland, Livilands Lane, Stirling
