Members' Business: The Ecology Centre, Kinghorn, Marks its 20th Anniversary - 11 September 2018

The final item of business is members business debate on motion 10449 in the name of Claire Baker on the Ecology Centre Kinghorn. Marks its 20th anniversary. This debate will be concluded without any questions being put and I would ask those who wish to speak in the debate to press the request to speak buttons now, please. And I call on Claire Baker to open the debate around 7 minutes, please, Ms. Baker. >> Uh thank you, presiding officer. I am delighted to be opening the debate this evening on the 20th anniversary of the fantastic Ecology Centre at Kinghorn Loch. I would like to welcome volunteers and staff from the Ecology Centre to the gallery this evening. I know they have been working hard as well as having fun celebrating this year's landmark birthday and I hope they enjoy this evening's debate recognizing the importance of their contribution. I would also like to thank MSPs from around the chamber for supporting my motion and to be today's debate. I know that many of have visited the Ecology Centre and have a high regard for them, although some are unable to take part this evening. I would also like to welcome Maree Gougeon to her new role as Minister and wish her well in the challenges ahead. I know that her predecessor, Roseanna Cunningham, visited the Ecology Centre earlier this year and I would invite the new Minister to visit the Ecology Centre and I am sure that after this evening's debate she will be keen to visit and see all the work that they do for herself. The Ecology Centre has always been rooted in the local community. Over 20 years ago, a group from the local community and Craigencalt Farm got together with the intention of developing and managing Kinghorn Loch for the local community. 20 years later, it is established as the Ecology Centre providing many benefits for the environment, our biodiversity and local community. In many ways, the Ecology Centre reflects the development of our growing interest in environmental learning, community engagement, land ownership, and management over recent years. As a charitable organization, they have developed and expanded, continued to be responsive to developing needs and changing circumstances, and now have lots of innovative and exciting projects running alongside the delivery of their core mission. A key point for the Ecology Centre came with the successful award of funds from the Scottish Land Fund, enabling the Ecology Centre's recent move to the east side of Kinghorn Loch, where the new center and grounds are situated. I would also like to thank Kinghorn Community Land Association for their briefing for the debate, and recognize their role in supporting the successful move and the complimentary work they do with the Ecology Centre. So, the Ecology Centre's new facilities are fabulous, with a modern kitchen and a bright and airy room which can be used for community lunches, using produce grown on the site, for classes and learning opportunities, and even weddings and receptions. Being located on community-owned land has opened up so much potential for the Ecology Centre. This has expanded the number of volunteers who work on the site, as well as providing employment training opportunities through Our Bright Future and Community Jobs Scotland. The volunteers are so important to the operation of the Ecology Centre, from their conservation work, their contribution to growing food, to working in the kitchen, and in the tool shed. They have fantastic reuse and recycle projects, and make great use of their volunteers volunteers' skills and expertise. The tool shed is a fantastic initiative that is growing from strength to strength. The tool shed is part of the main shed initiative, and offers opportunities to share interests, be social, and contribute to the community. There are three refurbishing workshops held each week, where donated and discarded tools are refurbished, and then can be hired by the local community, cutting down on the often unnecessary purchase of tools that can sit unused in the shed for months on end. So, full training and support is given to volunteers, as well as opportunities to enhance employability and life skills. There is also a weekly dementia-friendly tool shed. It is increasingly recognized that people with early-stage dementia need greater inclusion in our society, and activities which recognize the abilities they possess and the contribution they can make. The part of the tool shed I love is the refurbishing of old Singer sewing machines. Many of us have inherited these, but they might not be working or they might no longer be needed. The tool shed will refurbish them and often send them to Malawi to support startup businesses, particularly supporting women's empowerment and financial security. This link with international development demonstrates the breadth of projects that The Ecology Centre has been involved in. The volunteers are vital to the running of the site, and while they often work hard, there is also a sense of a social gathering with lunch, tea and coffee, and plenty of biscuits to keep the energy levels up. The Ecology Centre plays an important role in the development of environmental education and outdoor learning, with growing partnerships with five schools. Bruntisland Primary School, Pathhead, Kirkcaldy, and Warout Primary School have all recently visited. They focus on raising attainment through outdoor learning. The site is fully accessible to the public and provides an attractive community landscape for walking, exploring, and relaxing. It is a haven for wildlife and a well-managed area of biodiversity. Alongside their regular activities, they also run a number of courses and activities throughout the year. And Saturday was The Ecology Centre's 20th Summer Festival, and it was a fantastic day for everyone who went along. The sun was shining, which was a bonus, and there were live music, games, stalls, cake, and lots of positive conversations about how we can improve and enjoy our local environment. In recognition of the significance of 2018 and the achievements of the Ecology Centre over this time, there has been a focus on how the centre grows in the future and how it translates its inspiring message to a new generation. Back in 1998, environmental issues were still a bit niche and knowledge on the effects of climate change were fairly limited. But we have seen a lot of progress since then. Though there is still much to do if we are to show responsibility for future generations and other countries around the globe who are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The Scottish Government is intending to bring forward a climate change bill and the next few months will generate debate on what more Scotland can do. It is also about what we do as individuals and as communities, how we reduce our own environmental footprint. The Ecology Centre have been running a Follow Our Footsteps campaign to encourage behavioral change. To encourage people to stop and think, do I need to drive when I can walk or take public transport? Do I need to buy when I can hire or reuse? Do I need to tumble dry when the wind is blowing? So I really wanted to hold this debate this evening because the Ecology Centre is a great example of a community driven project with environmental objectives right at the heart of its work. Which communicates, engages and involves local people of all ages to make a positive change in their community in Fife and out in the wider world. I wish them well in the years ahead and I am pleased to have held this evening's debate so we can all recognize their achievements. >> [applause] >> Moving on to the open debate and speeches of four minutes, please. David Torrance followed by Alexander Stewart. >> Thank you, presiding officer. I would like to thank Claire Baker for bringing this motion to Parliament today and raising awareness of the invaluable contribution the Ecology Centre in Kinghorn, Fife makes to our local community. I'd also like to remember welcome members of the centre to Parliament today as well. It is great pleasure to be standing here today paying tribute to the Ecology Centre. A centre which has become a pillar of the Kinghorn community and my constituency for 20 years. I know the area well, long before the college and center was there. I used to train three times a week at a canoe club. At that time Kinghorn Loch was in an extremely polluted state due to red mud. A waste product of a nearby Alcan site composed of iron oxide which during times of heavy rain used to seep into it. The loch was effectively dead and such was not well used by the local community. All fish and plant life had died and the only algae and canoes such like that itself thrived. I also remember the humble beginnings of the center. For 15 years they operated from outbuildings at nearby Craigencroft Farm. The acquisition of 5 acres of lochside land in the eastern shore of Kinghorn Loch and the construction of a new purpose-built center is testament to the conviction and passion of the group and was a remarkable achievement. The formation of the Kinghorn Loch Users Group in the 1990s, a collection of organizations including Kinghorn Community Council, Fife Council, and local clubs all worked together to ensure recovery of the loch. Fast forward to the present day and the loch is a thriving hub of activity used by the local and wider community with an abundance of wildlife and plant life following their tireless work. The college center playing a vital part of that transformation. The center is a prime example of a center founded by local people for the benefit of local people and their local environment. Creating local volunteering opportunities and jobs, contributing to the local economy, maintaining, enhancing, and improving the local environment, and perhaps most importantly bringing the local community together. Something which as community is nothing short of admirable. During the recent visit I was particularly impressed with the ingenious upcycling ideas. My personal favorite being the refurbishment of shipping containers into workshops. The college center has been invaluable in making environmental responsibility both understandable and accessible to all in the local community. Serving as a center for schools to use for outdoor and uh activity learning. Hosting multitudes of family-friendly events to encourage families to make most of the environment and that surrounds them. And providing a space for volunteers to experience growing food on their own adopted patch of land, to familiarize themselves with conservation work and its associated practices, or even to do some nice time cooking for our volunteers and staff at the center. One particular uniqueness of the the center provides is a tool library. The tools that have been donated, refurbished, or saved from landfill can be borrowed by members of the local community, much like a book from a local library. Furthermore, once a week the center hosts a dementia-friendly tool shed, where those who are suffering from dementia or memory loss can come and use the tools in a safe and calm environment. Another example of how the ecology center not only promotes the preservation of the environment, but also promotes the preservation of the local community and its members. The center also serves as a hub for many activities and workshops, including a flower arranging, tree planting, and an eco adventure holiday club for young people. As I previously mentioned, it isn't just an amazing asset for the local environment, it's a community hub for local people, made and maintained by local people. That's what makes the ecology center in Kinghorn so special. They're an integral part of the jigsaw that ensures the sustainability of the area and increased engagement by the wider community. To conclude, presiding officer, I've seen the ecology center go from strength to strength over the last 20 years. I once again congratulate them on reaching this milestone and wish them all the very best for the future. >> [applause] >> Alexander Stewart followed by Alex Rowley. >> Thank you, deputy presiding officer. I'm delighted to have the opportunity of speaking in this afternoon's debate, and I would like to pay tribute and congratulate Claire Baker on bringing this debate to chamber today, and welcome individuals to the the The ecology center Trust came into being through an advisory group set up by people from the local community. And its 20th anniversary, as you've heard, has now occurred, celebrating success and the events that take place at the facility give opportunity for individuals to receive training, to receive education, but also to have the facility used uh for themselves to celebrate their success from time to time as well. Situated in the hills of a looking Kinghorn Loch, the center is community-based organization and was formally established as a non-profit making charity during August 1998. The purpose of the charity was originally to develop and manage the Kinghorn Loch as a site uh for the community to use. And in 2006, the decision was made to change the name of the charity to reflect its ongoing progress. They successfully purchased the land at the east of Kinghorn Loch and now houses their new center and the grounds. These are currently being developed by staff and volunteers to be used for their future growing projects, environmental education visits, and outdoor volunteer days. Ultimately, the the center is there for biodiversity and a haven for wildlife. So, all of the things that happen at this facility really engage with the community. And as I say, individuals and organizations have benefited so much from it. As the charity grew, it did so in ensuring that volunteers and staff were ensuring the development of the center. And today, there is an army of volunteers who regularly attend and help many of the varied tasks. And these volunteers are the lifeblood of the organization who give over their time and give over their talents to support and ensure that the center goes from strength to strength. I'm also encouraged to hear that they employ 11 members of staff within the organization and training takes place and they accommodate schools and college work placements because that's working once again hand in hand with the community and giving youngsters and students the opportunity to experience and engage with the center. Demands on educational visits have grown and the center now has hundreds of school children each year helping them to understand the importance of care of the environment, which is vitally important within our curriculum and individuals can gain from that. And one of the examples that I've seen and heard of is the the Mini Growers Club, which is a superb initiative which gives the individuals, toddlers, and preschool children this chance to be involved in gardening, exploring nature, and enjoying various natural craft skills. Now, these are vitally important as the child develops before they even get to the the primary school. The charity has also realized heavily on the wonderful volunteers that take place and the project has many little events that take place, but I want to talk about the Tool Shed Workshop, which takes takes place on a weekly basis. As many know, I'm heavily involved with individuals who may have had a stroke or had a brain injury and individuals within this complex who have got memory loss or start of dementia are targeted as individuals who can benefit extremely from the process and the center gives them the chance to deal with and have the the sessions during the week. Presiding Officer, I was most encouraged to read a testimony from one of the volunteers who said that the opportunity it gave him to go to the center and he wished that it happened every day because it gave him the chance to get up and do something that he enjoyed. And his wife then said that she looked forward to the event too because it gave her the chance to get so much needed support for herself while her husband was being looked after. She knew that he was being securely looked after. So, in conclusion, Deputy Presiding Officer, I'm delighted that the organization exists in the Kingdom of Fife and I hope very much that people will have similar ambitions across the area because other locations, Deputy Presiding Officer, have the chance to develop this. Success be success. Congratulations to all and the center can be rightly proud of its achievements. Thank you. >> Alex Rowley, followed by Finlay Carson. >> Presiding Officer, can I first congratulate my colleague Claire Baker for securing this debate today in recognition of the great work of the Ecology Centre at Kinghorn. I would also congratulate the Ecology Centre as it celebrates its 20th anniversary, a great achievement and one that has had many challenges along the way as those from the Ecology Centre would, I'm sure, give testimony to. But those involved over these years have remained focused and vigilant on what they wanted to achieve, and you only have to look at their website or Facebook page to see the wealth of activity they are promoting and delivering at Kinghorn Loch. I can also say that visiting the Ecology Centre is a great day out and one that I would recommend. I was delighted to see that in the celebration of their 20th year, they have launched a project called Follow Our Footsteps as they embark on a journey to do their part in the battle against climate change and to lower our carbon footprint. The Ecology Centre points out that they, when they first started out, climate change was a bit of a niche topic, and they say it's come a long way since then. It certainly has. They also report that they have been inspired recently by the young people they work with and their passion and determination to find solutions to the environmental challenges we face as a country and across across the globe. I think we can all be inspired by the work of the Ecology Centre, particularly the work with young people, but more generally as well. I would also want to focus on the work the center does to raise awareness of the many environmental issues and challenges we, as a country, like every country across the world, faces. Such work is groundbreaking as it reaches out into communities across Fife and further afield. Climate change change poses one of the greatest threats for future generations, and I'm delighted that through their project Follow Our Footsteps, the center is going to cover new topics every month highlighting their impact on climate change and sharing this with the wider community on their Facebook page and website explaining how they're getting involved, what other local organizations are doing, and other top tips. We need this kind of community action to build a mass movement against the causes of climate change where we take action ourselves, but also build the case in our country and across the globe for more government action on climate change. They do say that from little acorns grow mighty oaks, and this is why organizations like the Ecology Centre should be seen as key partners. We just had a debate in Parliament earlier today on social enterprises and their role in Scotland. I would say that this one social enterprise that has set out a clear path and agenda and deserves the support of government at every level. Whether it is supporting volunteering or volunteers, working with families, with children, with schools, or supporting business opportunities and raising awareness of environmental issues, this center is a massive success sorry that should be celebrated. Well done on 20 years and here's to a good future. >> [applause] >> The last of the open debate speakers is Finlay Carson. >> Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. I haven't recently been appointed the the Conservative Spokesman on the natural environment, and pleased to have this early opportunity in my role to speak in the debate tonight. And I thank Clare Baker for bringing it to the chamber. As a former farmer, and the the natural environment is a subject I've long felt passionate about both my time in politics and in my time growing up and working in what I consider Scotland's most beautiful constituency. Now, I'm quite sure the minister might have something to say about that. Uh but although uh I'm a member who doesn't represent the the area in question uh in tonight's debate, I wish to echo the thoughts of others and praise all those associated with the Ecology Centre in Kinghorn for their tireless work over the last 20 years to truly serve the community. While looking into the work of the Ecology Centre, I was struck by the following sentence I found in their website that wonderfully sums up their mission. And I quote, "We inspire positive change through direct connect directly connecting people and the natural environment for the benefit of both." It truly has community at the heart of its activities, giving people opportunity to work in and to learn about the natural environment. With our ever more rapidly changing world, it's important that our future generations learn about the environment, and where and where better to do that but in the countryside on their own doorstep. The Ecology Centre brings communities together and helps develop confidence and skills that I'm sure would not have been so easily accessed locally if the Ecology Centre hadn't flourished over the last 20 years. And it's a real testament to the dedicated volunteers and supporters that that's been the case. I'm sure you're aware as member for Galloway and West and Fife, I've long campaigned for the region to be designated as Scotland's next National Park. Uh and it would be remiss of me not to mention the fine work in this matter carried out by my predecessor, Sir Alec Ferguson. And a National Park would be a fitting legacy for a distinguished former Presiding officer. And of course, a designated national park would be on a totally different scale to the college center, but there are definitely lessons which can be learned from the success of the center over the last two decades. If a national park is to become a reality in Galloway, then it's going to need the support of the community right from the start. And the association behind the bid has been working across the region, engaging with community groups, because it's a vital step in pressing the government for action. And when I speak to locals, I don't think getting community backing will be an issue. The college center is showing that if you get involved in the community, if you involve a community while developing a project, then they will get behind the project and encourage other people to join people to join in. Indeed, the college center offers up apprenticeships, which help our young folk gain invaluable practical knowledge as part of their course. And indeed, the wider working environment around them. Equally, Galloway's environment has so much to offer locals and visitors alike. Living in the heart of a constituency, I explore our wonderful natural nature on a regular basis and marvel at the rural economy and environment I live in. I would also like to highlight the college center's positively encouraging good conservation practice. Again, a trait which would be in line with practices in the national park. Protected areas can help protect some of our most important endangered species, but at the same time, and vitally, it can help encourage sustainable economic growth. It's heartening to see the college center encouraging and continuing to take these practices forward. And it's something that we should all be thinking about when it comes to protecting our wildlife. I note that the center enjoyed a day of celebration on Saturday to welcome their 20th anniversary with a fun day of events for all the family. With this center having community at its heart, I'm sure there'll be plenty more birthdays to come. And I hope my region can soon be joining them in planning similar celebrations. >> Somewhat tenuous at times, Mr. Carson. >> [laughter] >> Can I now ask the Minister to respond to the debate? You have around 7 minutes, please, Minister. >> Thank you very much, Presiding Officer, and it's an absolute pleasure to be able to be here tonight to respond to this debate, uh which is my first members' debate to respond to. So, I really want to thank Clare Baker for bringing forward this motion for today for debate today, because it really is just fantastic to hear about the impact that the Ecology Centre has had and the work that they do. And I would completely echo the sentiments of Finlay Carson there in recognizing that. And I would absolutely love to take Clare Baker up on her invitation to go and visit the ecology the ecology centre, because when I was looking through all the work that they'd done and looking more into the background of this, I I was already thinking that I thought this sounds like a fantastic place that I really have to go and visit. So, really keen to make that happen. And you said the magic words anyway when you mentioned the tea, coffee, and plenty biscuits. Now, having sat next to Clare Baker on the Europe Committee, this is something that we both very much enjoyed, though some definitely more so than others. Not looking at anyone in particular. Um but I would also say that it was actually fascinating to hear a bit more from David Torrance, who's the constituency member as well, about the background to what that area was like before and the massive changes that we've seen as a result of the work that the Ecology Centre has done. And he talked a lot about the well, local was a word that came through quite a lot in his contribution. The centre for the local people, it's about the local environment, the local community, local jobs, and all the opportunities that that offers. And of course, that that with the wider sustainability of the area. I and the Ecology Centre are a real community hub and it's I think it's fantastic hearing about all the work that they've done. Now, we have heard so much about that impressive work throughout the debate tonight and a lot of that it well, none of that would have happened if it hadn't been for the efforts of the local community and the residents of Craigencalt Farm in creating the centre at Kinghorn in Fife. Now, the Ecology Centre, as we've already heard, is an inclusive community-led charity which inspires positive change through directly connecting people and the natural environment. And I'm also very glad that the Scottish Government had some role in in supporting them because in January 2014, uh the Scottish Land Fund approved a grant of 54,901 pounds to support further development work as Claire Baker mentioned in her contribution. Now, with that help, the Ecology Centre was able to purchase the land at the east end of Kinghorn Loch on which now sits the new centre and grounds. So, it really is fantastic that we can be here tonight to recognize and celebrate the Ecology Centre's 20th anniversary here in the Scottish Parliament because it is a true success story. Now, the Kinghorn Loch site has been continuously improved and developed by staff and volunteers over the past 20 years and as I said, we heard a lot about that from David Torrance and it continues to do that. It's promoting biodiversity, delivering community horticulture projects, environmental education and outdoor volunteering projects. And that's what I was really interested to hear more about the the tool library and the tool sheds that was mentioned by Claire Baker and by Alexander Stewart as well. I the fact that that's based on the Men's Shed model and where the tools can actually be hired by the local community themselves as well as the dementia-friendly element to that, too. Other projects that they have include the music shed, a pond for the children to do pond dipping, they They a meeting space and activities for those dealing with mental health issues, nature therapy, and classes in a whole range of skills. For example, aromatherapy, flower arranging, outdoor learning, uh where the Ecology Centre works with around 30 schools across Fife. And another project that I was very much interested to hear about tonight, um I think it was Alex Rowley that mentioned it and a few other and Cleared as well, it was the Follow Our Footsteps campaign and the whole climate change element and looking at really what we can do as individuals and how we have our own impact. And that is something I feel strongly about because I do think it is for government uh to take a lead and to make sure that we put the correct legislation in place. But there is also we don't have to sit back and wait on that happening. There's things that the community can do, there are things that we can do as individuals to help with that process. So it's very important to highlight that. Now, education is a very strong element of the work. Environmental education has always been at the heart of the Ecology Centre. And as we heard from Alexander Stewart this evening, that demand for educational visits has continued to grow. And the centre now works with hundreds of school children each year, helping them to understand the importance of and how to care for our environment. Um the Ecology Centre was also one of the 16 projects approved recently for the Outdoor Learning and Nature Fund. Now earlier this summer I actually launched that fund alongside Scottish Natural Heritage at Jupiter Artland in Edinburgh. And the Outdoor Learning and Nature Fund is an absolutely vital project because it really aims to connect our young people from nursery age, from school age, with the environment because it is something that uh all children should be able to enjoy regardless of their socio-economic background. Now the Ecology Centre was awarded £27,809 for the Muddy Boots project, which will see them work with three schools in Fife to embed a sustainable model of progressive outdoor learning. Again, that's something I hope I hear about when I'm able to visit them. Now, when it comes to connecting people and nature, the Ecology Centre is one of the key organizations in Fife that does that. They put such a strong emphasis on creating and encouraging access to the outdoors and provide volunteering opportunities, particularly for our young people. And in terms of employment, the Ecology Centre employs 11 members of staff, as well as providing vital employment training opportunities through Project Scotland and Community Job Scotland, as well as accommodating school and college placements, too. And I know, as we've heard tonight, there is an army of volunteers who regularly attend the Centre to help with all the many and varied tasks that they have on the site. Now, the Scottish Government supports both the environmental education work and the biodiversity conservation work of the Ecology Centre at Kinghorn, because it inspires positive change through directly connecting people and the natural environment for the benefit of both. So, I really want to take this opportunity to thank those who have contributed to the debate tonight in celebrating 20 years of the Centre and recognize the important work of the Ecology Centre. I'm wishing it every success. And to the Ecology Centre, I believe there's members from them here in the gallery. Thank you so much for all the work that you do. Congratulations on your 20 years of work, and please keep up the good work, and I look forward to meeting you soon. >> That sounds like quite a place. And that concludes the debate and I close the meeting.