I was recently visiting my parents for a family celebration which was also attended by friends from Australia. As it was a cold and rainy day in Scotland the coal fire had been lit. I was surprised when my Australian friend said he had never before seen a coal fire burning, although he did remember his mother describing coal fires when she was brought up in England.

Ten Perth & Kinross primary schools have achieved their first Eco-School Green Flags.

They have been supported by the Scottish Hydro Electric Perth & Kinross Eco-schools Action Fund, set up by Scottish Hydro Electric in partnership with Perth & Kinross Council and Perth and Kinross Quality of Life Trust. The fund provides a cash award of £750 for each school achieving a first Green Flag.