Published Date: Sep 25th, 2025
More than 170 young people from secondary schools across Fife came together this week for the region’s first ever Fife Climate Youth Festival, held at Rothes Halls, Glenrothes (Wednesday 24 September 2025).
The landmark event gave pupils from S1–S6 from every high school in Fife the chance to learn about the latest innovations in combatting climate change, explore green projects, share ideas, and explore how they can shape a more sustainable future. Through inspiring talks, hands-on workshops, and direct engagement with colleges, universities, local organisations and employers, pupils discovered the opportunities available in net zero and climate-related careers.
Highlights included keynote sessions from well-known climate campaigner Laura Young (Less Waste Laura), wildlife conservationist Jack Baker (The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland -RZSS), sustainability advocate Mary Beth Graham, who explored the social, political, and human impacts of the fashion industry and Dr Anitha Karthik, from Napier University, who discussed equality, diversity and inclusion and its importance in sustainable construction.
Workshops ranged from building LEGO wind turbines to exploring food and climate links, and diving into carbon literacy. One workshop 'From Fabric to Future: Human Rights and Climate in Fashion’ explored fashion’s environmental impact, the global clothing system, exploring injustices and the dark side of fast-fashion. It looked at who makes our clothes, what clothing does to our climate, as well as who profits, and who suffers.
There was also a fun, sustainable hands-on clothing upcycling workshop that involved turning old bedding into a stylish skirt - with no sewing machine needed! Students also joined climate conversations with councillors and community leaders, building confidence in how they can make their voices heard.
Councillor Cara Hilton, Fife Council's Spokesperson for Education, said: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to bring Fife's schools together for a day of learning, inspiration and connection. This event showed the passion, creativity, and determination of our school pupils. Our young people had the chance to meet professionals working in a range of unusual and exciting climate -related industries and consider ambitious career options.
"Young people are acutely aware of the climate challenges we face, and this event gave them the skills, support and confidence to take action.”
Carron Pour, ASN (Additional Support for Learning) and Global Goals Lead, Bell Baxter High School, said: “We need to respect our planet for every person and species and it is crucial that we all work with our local, national and global partners towards a common set of sustainable goals for a better, fairer world for all.
“We need to work together and each and everyone of us is in a position of responsibility for our young people and for the world we live in.
"The event has been an amazing leadership opportunity for our young people who presented and helped to run the morning session. The event has benefited our pupils, who have engaged in thought-provoking discussions, taken part in interactive workshops, and connected with like-minded individuals who shared a passion for climate action and sustainability.”
Feedback from schools and pupils has been overwhelmingly positive. Bell Baxter High School's Global Goals Captains, who lead the Green Flag Award eco-schools committee, were amongst the young people who attended the festival.
Among the students taking part in the workshops was Erin Houston, aged 17, S6, from Bell Baxter High School, Cupar, who commented: “It’s been an incredibly welcoming event, and it has been so amazing to meet young people with similar values. It’s helped to build my confidence and public speaking skills. There is still a sea of negativity around tackling climate change and other environmental issues, so it is important to bring people together to help us make more of a difference.”
Shionah Leslie, aged 16, S5, from Bell Baxter High School said: “It’s been a fun and inspiring event, and great for raising awareness around sustainability issues. I have enjoyed meeting people who share the same passion for the environment. Fife needs to come together as a community, and work as one to make a real difference and create change.”
Eilah MacKenzie, aged 16, S6, from Bell Baxter High School, said: "It’s been an exciting new event today. It’s great to get everyone together on the common ground of sustainability. Together, we can all take steps to create a more sustainable future."
Ashley Hemphill, aged 17, S6, from Bell Baxter High School, said: “The speakers have all been inspiring. I am aiming to go on to study Marine and Freshwater Biology and the event has helped me to further explore conservation or research related careers.”
Cllr Jan Wincott, Spokesperson - Environment and Climate Change, Fife Council, added: "The event has encouraged our young people to consider interesting climate- focused career options as well as explore how our everyday choices connect to big issues like waste, sustainability and climate change. We want every pupil who attended to feel empowered to make a real difference. Their voices are vital as we build a greener, fairer Fife."
Over 40 stalls showcased green career pathways, volunteering opportunities, and environmental projects – from SP Energy Network and SEPA to St Andrews University, Forestry Scotland and Fife College to Full Stop Period Wear, Royal Highland Education Trust and RSPB to Restoration Forth and many more.
The event was supported by the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund, as well as several organisations, including Napier University, Fife Climate Hub, Climate Action Fife (CAF), NHS Fife and Youth First.
The Festival is part of Fife Council’s ongoing work to support young people in shaping climate solutions, creating opportunities, and ensuring the region is ready for the future.
