CARDROSS residents have backed calls for Argyll and Bute Council to follow the majority of Scottish local authorities in declaring a climate emergency.

The Reporter told earlier this month that a motion is set to be proposed by independent councillor for Mid Argyll, Douglas Philand, before a full meeting of the council on September 30.

Cllr Philand will urge the council to confirm its stance on the climate crisis and commit to doing more to tackle the situation.

Amid a week-long programme of climate-themed events in the village, members of Cardross Community Council have written an open letter to Argyll and Bute Council leader, Robin Currie, stating that now is the time for action.

A statement, proposed by the Cardross Climate Action Network (Cardross CAN) and supported by the community council, reads: “Cardross Community Council would urge Argyll and Bute Council to declare a climate emergency, in line with the majority of Scottish local authorities and the Scottish and UK governments.

“A declaration of a climate emergency demonstrates the council’s awareness of the latest science from the IPCC, and shows that they fully grasp the gravity of the situation we are now in.

“A declaration tells us they appreciate the scale of the problem that climate change now poses for all our futures, starting with the poorest regions of the planet; and says that they will act with the utmost urgency, as required to keep our Paris Agreement commitments.

“They will no longer leave the problem for future leaders to address.”

At a meeting of Cardross Community Council, held online and in-person at Geilston Hall on Monday, member Mike Crowe said: “This is something which affects not only us but all the future generations, our children and our grandchildren.

“There’s a lot going on with COP26 coming up very soon, and we really need to go in there and add a voice to the voices that are already shouting about what’s happening.

“I think it’s very important to show that we are worried and concerned about this as a community.”

In a short film produced by Cardross CAN and premiered at the weekend, residents outline their hopes for the future in regards to climate action in the village, with comments ranging from richer and more diverse local wildlife, the completion of the cycle path project linking the village with Helensburgh and Dumbarton, a community-owned wind farm, and no plastic on the beach.

As part of Climate Fringe Week the group has organised a beach clean this Saturday from 10am until 12noon, meeting at the car park at the foot of Station Road, to be followed by a Messy Church Lunch at Cardross Parish Church from 12-2pm.

And a repair workshop will be held at Geilston Hall from 1-5pm on Sunday.