East Dunbartonshire Council are inviting people to switch off their lights for an hour to show their support for the planet's biggest environmental event.

WWF's Earth Hour 2018 takes place on Saturday 24 March - from 8.30pm-9.30pm – and East Dunbartonshire Council is once again taking part to show its commitment to action on climate change.

To mark the global event, the floodlights at William Patrick Library in Kirkintilloch will be switched off for the hour.

The Council is firmly behind Earth Hour and is encouraging employees and members of the public to get involved.

As well as participating in the live event, individuals can make a 'Promise for the Planet' of a sustainability action to carry out throughout the year, such as refusing plastic cutlery or eating less meat.

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Thomas Glen, Depute Chief Executive - Place, Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets, said: "I hope as many people, businesses and organisations as possible can get involved and take part in Earth Hour.

"Climate change and other sustainability issues are year-round priorities for the Council, with a variety of policies and projects in place and in development, covering various issues - including corporate carbon management, local food growing, biodiversity, low-carbon heating, recycling and air quality."

Sam Gardner, acting director of WWF Scotland, added: "We're delighted that East Dunbartonshire Council is taking part in WWF's Earth Hour. It's an opportunity for us all to demonstrate in a simple way that we care about our planet and the impact climate change is having on people and nature across the world.

"With one in six of the world's species at risk of extinction from climate change, there has never been a more important time to call for action."

Since 2007, WWF's Earth Hour's unique 'display of darkness' has become a global phenomenon – with millions taking part in 187 countries.

Everyone can join the celebration for WWF's Earth Hour on Saturday 24 March at 8.30pm. For more information and to sign up visit wwfscotland.org.uk/earthhour and search for #earthhour on social media.

(MH)