Transition Black Isle enjoys surge in interest as four more people sign up to group

THE growing influence of an environmental movement on the Black Isle was demonstrated on Saturday as more than 80 people attended an Energy Crunch meeting at Fortrose.

Energy campaigner Mandy Meikle outlined some of the challenges posed by peak oil, the point at which global oil production reaches a maximum and availability begins to decline.

She forecast an “energy crisis”, with the cost of electricity and heating soaring.

Speaking after the meeting, Ross, Skye and Lochaber MP Charles Kennedy, who also addressed the audience at Fortrose Town Hall, praised the efforts of Transition Black Isle, which organised the Energy Crunch.

He said the success of the Black Isle group could be mirrored throughout the Highlands to improve the region’s green credentials.

Group convener Wendy Price said: “There is so much that can be done on a local level and I would urge everyone to try to do something, whether it’s using less energy or growing their own vegetables.”

The group signed up four new members after the meeting, boosting Transition Black Isle’s numbers to 41.

For more information about the group visit www.ttbi.org.uk