Argyll and Bute Council has signed up to the World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) Earth Hour 2012 for the third year in a row. At 8.30pm on Saturday 31 March the council will join millions across the globe in switching off the lights at McCaig’s tower in Oban for an hour in a graphic demonstration of support for people and wildlife threatened by climate change.

Last year millions of people in 134 countries worldwide took part in WWF's Earth Hour. Some of world's most recognisable landmarks went dark including the Sydney Opera House and the Eiffel Tower. In Scotland almost 500 schools joined hundreds of businesses, organisations and community groups for the big switch off.

This year in addition to lights-out at iconic Scottish locations like Edinburgh Castle and the Falkirk Wheel, WWF is encouraging community groups and local organisations to join in the fun.  Ideas for celebrating Earth Hour include: star-gazing, torch-lit nature walks, candle-lit suppers or pub-quizzes and even games of golf in the dark. 

Argyll and Bute Council Chief Executive Sally Loudon said, “The council has signed up to Earth Hour and I’d encourage local residents, schools, businesses and other organisations to do the same.

“Climate change is something which affects people all over the world and this event should inspire you to think more about what you can do to tackle the problem. It would be good to see as many people as possible switch off their lights for Earth Hour and take action to reduce their carbon footprint.”

Dr Richard Dixon, Director of WWF Scotland said:

“It is great news Argyll and Bute Council has given its backing once again to WWF's Earth Hour 2012.  Already it’s looking to be another great year with communities up and down the country joining together with others from around the world in a dramatic hour of action on climate change.

“WWF’s Earth Hour is a simple way for people to show their support for strong action on climate change. Argyll and Bute Council’s decision to join WWF's Earth Hour highlights their commitment to this issue. We hope lots of individuals, community groups and local organisations feel inspired to take part too.”