St. Vincent's Primary Commence Clean Air Day Countdown

Published: 27 May 2019

Preparations are in full swing for an action packed event on George Square, as Glasgow gets behind Clean Air Day.

Pupils and teachers from St Vincent's Primary School were on hand to help launch the event dedicated to air quality which will take place on Thursday 20 June 2019 between 10am-2pm.

They were joined by Councillor Anna Richardson as well as representatives from EP Scotland, air quality experts Ricardo, the Energy Saving Trust, Stagecoach and First Bus.

Marking Clean Air Day

The council is working closely with Glasgow-based charity EP Scotland to mark Clean Air Day, which offers everyone the chance to find out more about air pollution and help make the air we breathe, healthier for everyone.

Creative Pupils

Taking pride of place at the launch was the artwork of P1 pupil Samuel, whose vibrant drawing was one of many thoughtful designs recently created by local schoolchildren. The banner initiative, led by the environmental agency SEPA with support from partner organisations Cycling Scotland and Living Streets; saw our primary school pupils design posters suggesting ways to improve air quality around their school and in their wider environment.

Something for Everyone

Hot on the heels of Glasgow's newly introduced Low Emission Zone, Clean Air Day offers something for everyone, with a wide range of exciting activities to enjoy and exhibits to see.

To reduce noise and pollution from traffic on the day, the road outside of the City Chambers will be closed and transformed into a relaxing picnic area where all are welcome to enjoy their lunch and take in the vibrant atmosphere.

Sustainable Transport

State of the art low emission buses operated by the city's main operators will make for an exciting presence on the Square, as will an array of electric vehicles of all sizes including a Renault Zoe, Hyundai Kona, and the iconic BMW i8. All you need to know about car clubs will be catered for too, with Enterprise and Co-Wheels on hand to supply information and answer questions.

Elsewhere, visitors to the square will be able to find out more from Network Rail about the redevelopment of nearby Queen Street Station.

Active Travel

They'll be plenty to interest those keen on cycling, with the chance to have a spin on an electric bike as well as make a smoothie drink by pedal power alone, using a specially adapted exercise bike. Amongst those highlighting sustainable travel alternatives will be Next Bike who will be showcasing their innovative bike sharing scheme.

Clean Air Day will also offer the opportunity to find out more about the Avenues programme, a £115 million Glasgow City Deal scheme that is creating an integrated network of pedestrian and cycle priority routes in our city centre, making active travel easier, safer and more attractive.

Improving Air Quality

Councillor Anna Richardson, City Convener for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction said: "Clean Air Day is a fantastic, free outdoor event dedicated to highlighting what we can all do to improve the quality of the air we breathe.

"We're determined to clean up Glasgow's air and our trailblazing Low Emission Zone which we introduced last year, is testament to that pledge. This, combined with our many other air quality initiatives, and projects that support the uptake of sustainable and active travel, are all making a positive impact on Glasgow's air quality.

"Events like Clean Air Day are a great way to increase awareness of the actions we can all take and I can't wait to come along and experience all it has to offer.  All are welcome so please come down to George Square on 20 June and take a look".

Flagship Event

John Bynorth, Policy and Communications Officer at Environmental Protection Scotland, said: "The council is making tremendous efforts to make Glasgow's air quality even better thanks to its Low Emission Zone and other initiatives to encourage residents and workers to get out of their cars and walk, cycle or use public transport.

"With so much going on in Glasgow to encourage people into healthy exercise we are delighted that the city council has given its backing to its flagship Clean Air Day event in George Square for the second year running."

More information about Clean Air Day can be found here.