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Biggart Baillie’s National Green Day raises £95,000 for The Prince’s Trust

Leading Scottish law firm Biggart Baillie LLP is pleased to announce that its National Green Day initiative has raised £95,000 for The Prince’s Trust in Scotland.

Biggart Baillie organized Scotland’s first ever National Green Day , held on 3 November 2007, as part of the The Lions’ Den Professional Challenge. The “Apprentice” style Challenge to five Scottish law firms was to each take £3,000 of The Trust’s money and transform it into at least £20,000 within six months. The five firms: Biggart Baillie; Tods Murray; DLA Piper; McGrigors; and HBJ Gateley Waring shattered that target by raising a combined figure of £313,279.33.

The Biggart Baillie team was mentored by Scottish entrepreneur David Gordon of Windsave, the environmentally conscious manufacturers of domestic wind-turbines.

Biggart Baillie made the vast majority of its £95,000 by running an environmental exhibition in Glasgow’s George Square and a gala dinner in Glasgow City Chambers at which representatives of various environmentally conscious organisations spoke. The firm also ran a green competition for over 110 nursery, primary and secondary schools across Scotland; promoted a National Green Day charity single by Scottish indie band The Black Sheep Music Society; and organised a charity gig, which will be held in Glasgow this Saturday.

Over 400 schoolchildren attended the schools day in George Square on 2 November and thousands of people flocked to the exhibition on National Green Day itself.

Councillor Steven Purcell, leader of Glasgow City Council, said:

“We were delighted to support this very important and worthwhile event and are pleased that it managed to raise so much money for The Prince's Trust in Scotland. Climate change is an issue which affects us all and National Green Day no doubt helped explain to ordinary people what they could do about it. As part of our long-term vision for Glasgow we want it to become one of the most environmentally sustainable cities in the UK and are currently implementing a wide-ranging action plan to achieve that aim.”

Derek Ellery, Managing Partner of Biggart Baillie LLP, said:

“We’re exceptionally pleased with our team’s efforts. I’d like to thank everyone who participated in National Green Day, including Glasgow City Council for letting us use George Square and the City Chambers, and of course the many who exhibited at the environmental fair or generously donated money to our cause.”

David McKinnon, Commercial Development Manager with The Prince’s Trust said:

“I was gobsmacked at the amount raised by Biggart Baillie. The Prince’s Trust hoped to raise a total of £100,000 from all five firms taking part in the Challenge, but Biggart Baillie managed to make £95,000 on its own. They have proven that they are no Ivory Tower lawyers, but hard nosed businesspeople with an entrepreneurial flair. Their clients can rest easy knowing that their legal advisers truly understand the pressures involved in doing business today.”

National Green Day is a huge success but Biggart Baillie’s foray into the Lions’ Den is not over yet.

Leading law firm, Biggart Baillie LLP, has hailed Scotland’s first ever National Green Day as a success after thousands of people attended the Environmental Consumer Fair in Glasgow’s George Square on Saturday 3 November. Visitors to the marquee explored the fantastic stalls and exhibition displays from environmentally conscious businesses and the Scottish Environment Minister Mike Russell MSP, and Glasgow’s Lord Provost, Bob Winter were among the guests.

Over 400 children were treated to a preview of the event on Friday 2 November which included educational talks, eco-quizzes and various interactive activities. Claire McMenemy, Eco co-ordinator at Fallin Primary School said:

“We were made to feel very welcome and learned some interesting facts about how some of the major players in Scotland's business community are taking steps to become eco-friendly and playing their part in combating climate change.”

Biggart Baillie organized National Green Day as part of the Lions’ Den Professional Challenge. The Challenge pits five Scottish law firms against each other in an “Apprentice” style contest to raise as much money as possible for The Prince’s Trust by 30 November 2007. The firm that raises the most money for The Trust will be crowned “King of the Jungle” at a celebration dinner on Monday 3 December 2007.

Help is now at hand for Biggart Baillie, as schools from across Scotland have signed up to compete against each other to formulate and deliver the best fundraising idea and win a Windsave wind turbine.

Derek Ellery, Managing Partner for Biggart Baillie LLP, said:

“We’ve been thrilled at the success of National Green Day. We’ve tried to involve schoolchildren as much as possible in our fundraising efforts for The Prince’s Trust because we hope to encourage kids to develop an entrepreneurial flair early on, and also to remember that business can be kind to the environment too. ”

SCHOOLCHILDREN FROM ACROSS SCOTLAND CONVERGE ON GLASGOW'S GEORGE SQUARE FOR A SNEAK PREVIEW OF THE NATIONAL GREEN DAY ENVIRONMENTAL FAIR

Schoolchildren from across Scotland were today given a "sneak preview" of the National Green Day Environmental Fair in Glasgow's George Square, which was opened by Scottish Environment Minister, Mike Russell MSP.

Approximately 400 schoolchildren attended the fair on Friday morning and were given an opportunity to showcase their eco projects and share their findings with others at the fair. There were plenty of things for the children to see and do, including the chance to explore Friends of the Earth's inflatable "eco pod", climb aboard the eco bus to take part in the "Conveyor Belt Recycling Challenge", light up light bulbs with wind turbines and participate quizzes and other interactive activities.

Just before lunchtime the winners of the National Green Day schools competitions were announced.

Muckhart Primary School beat off over 80 rival nursery and primary schools from across Scotland from to win the "Green Fingers Flower Show". Their task had been to design and make an environmentally flower arrangement entirely from recycled materials.

The Secondary schools' competition was won by Auchinleck Academy, who came up with the "Best Green Idea". Their idea was to grow vegetables on a plot of waste ground which they would then use to make soup for their school. Any refuse left over would then be re-used as compost to grow more vegetables.

As the winners of the competitions, which were sponsored by property consultants Drivers Jonas, both Auchinleck Academy and Muckhart Primary school have now won a wind turbine for their school which will now be provided and installed by environmental firm Windsave.

On Saturday 3 November it will be Scotland's first ever National Green Day and the Environmental Fair will be open to the general public from 10am to 6pm. Entry is free and the event will be crammed with lots of eco friendly things to see and do with fun activities for all ages.

The National Green Day initiative was developed by leading law firm Biggart Baillie LLP who volunteered to participate in the Prince's Trust Lion's Den Challenge in order to raise as much money as possible for the Prince's Trust in Scotland by 30 November 2007.

A charity dinner at the City Chambers in Glasgow on Thursday night raised over £15,000 for The Prince's Trust.

The Prince's Trust is a UK charity that helps young people between the ages of 14 and 25 realise their potential and transform their lives. They focus their efforts on those who struggled at school, been in care, been in trouble with the law, or are long term unemployed.

Please see the "Quick Guide to National Green Day: What's On" document for more information.

Murder at National Green Day!

31/10/07

One can't but help but notice that it's Halloween today, the perfect day to announce that one of the VIP guests at tomorrow's National Green Day charity dinner could very well become the victim of murder, and all in aid of The Prince's Trust!

Glasgow born crime writer Caro Ramsay has agreed to name a murder victim in her next novel after the dinner guest (or their friend or family member) who bids the most for the privilege at the charity dinner held in Glasgow City Chambers on Thursday 1 November to launch the National Green Day environmental consumer fair.

The winner will also receive a framed, signed publisher's mock up of the cover for the paperback edition of Ramsay's first novel Absolution and a signed first edition of her second novel, Tambourine Girl, due to be published in 2008 by Penguin.

Caro Ramsay said:

"It makes a nice change for a writer like myself to be able to use my skills to raise money for such a good cause as National Green Day and The Prince's Trust. Of course in my case, "using my skills" in fact means horribly butchering a fictional character with a disturbingly familiar name to one lucky (or unlucky) person, but I guess it could make for a very unusual Christmas present for someone."

Govan-born osteopath and acupuncturist Caro Ramsay runs a large and successful osteopath centre in the west of Scotland. In between treating patients - both human and animal - she writes dark and gruesome crime thrillers set in Glasgow. Ramsay started writing her first novel, Absolution, while laid up in hospital with a back injury.

First Minister Alex Salmond endorses Scotland's National Green Day

30/10/07

First Minister Alex Salmond has pledged his full support for Scotland's first ever National Green Day on Saturday 3 November 2007.

Mr Salmond explained why he is backing the event and his expectation that it will be a great success:

"I warmly welcome the lead taken by business in organising Scotland's first ever National Green Day. It is a fine example of corporate social responsibility. This Government is fully committed to taking action to combat the damage to our environment caused by climate change. That is why we provide significant funding to organisations to work with all sectors of the economy to reduce their carbon emissions and their carbon footprint. We also support the growth of take-up of microgeneration technologies by communities and households.

"We can all take steps to be more energy efficient. We need to think hard about our own individual actions and change our behaviour. Simple actions, such as switching off appliances when not in use, can reduce our energy use by up to 20% - this is a significant amount.

"And further, Scotland is rich in natural energy potential. Almost a fifth of the electricity we use is fuelled by water and wind. My government is supporting the development of a wide range of renewable energy technologies. I want to see Scotland lead the world in generating electricity from the oceans, and to produce much more of our heat and power from clean sources, such as biomass.

"Scotland, is again leading the way on the environmental front. I strongly encourage businesses and individuals to get involved and make National Green Day a great success."

More support for national green day

29/10/07

Former Energy Minister Brian Wilson and Glasgow City Council Leader Councillor Steven Purcell have backed Biggart Baillie LLP’s efforts to raise awareness of green issues. They helped to kick off a week of events in Glasgow that culminate with National Green Day.

Brian Wilson said: “Most people want to support the ideals against global warming but lack information about how they can do it. National Green Day will raise awareness and offer practical opportunities. It is something that young and old can join in and enjoy.”

The Leader of Glasgow City Council Councillor Steven Purcell has said that Glasgow is looking forward to hosting Scotland’s first ever National Green Day, Saturday 3 November 2007.

Councillor Purcell said:

“We’re delighted to support this very important and worthwhile event. Climate change is an issue which affects us all and National Green Day will help explain to ordinary people what they can do about it. The message is quite clear everyone can do something, no matter how small, which can have a big impact in the future. As a local authority, Glasgow City Council has a role to play in that process. As part of our long-term vision for Glasgow we want it to become one of the most environmentally sustainable cities in the UK. We are currently implementing a wide-ranging action plan, which includes initiatives like expanding the citys network of cycle routes and looking into how we can offset our carbon footprint from essential air travel.”

There will be a special schools day on Friday and a Gala Dinner on Thursday in Glasgow City Chambers.

Mr Wilson and Councillor Purcell were joined by David Gordon, chief executive of Windsave, a Glasgow based company that produces domestic energy saving wind turbines, Biggart Baillie LLP’s Neil Amner and others involved in organising and supporting National Green Day.

As construction of the marquee begins, SEPA and Aon Scotland pledge their support.

29/10/07

As construction begins on the marquee for the National Green Day consumer fair in George Square, environmental, business and charity groups have fallen in behind leading law firm Biggart Baillie LLP to support to the National Green Day effort.

The Chief Executive of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (“SEPA”), Campbell Gemmell, lent SEPA’s support today and has congratulated organisers Biggart Baillie for spearheading the initiative. He said:

“I wish the Biggart Baillie team every success with their National Green Day. Raising the profile of environmental issues with the people of Scotland is essential if we are to take the individual actions necessary to reduce our collective ecological footprint. The National Green Day is a welcome step towards a greener Scotland.”

Work on the marquee is expected to be complete by Wednesday, just in time for environmentally friendly exhibitors from across the UK to arrive. Although organisers Biggart Baillie have found themselves in unfamiliar territory holding a charity event of this size in a public space like Glasgow’s George Square, they have received help and advice from all sides of the business community. In particular, insurance brokers Aon Scotland generously took care of the insurance tab.

Bruce Lees, client manager at Aon Scotland, said: "When organising an event on the scale of National Green Day, you must be aware of the pitfalls from weather cancellation to a public liability claim, even if it's raising money for charity. So we were thrilled that Biggart Baillie turned to us for advice on how to ensure the event flows smoothly and secure insurance protection. We waived our commission and paid the event insurance premium, allowing the firm to generate even more proceeds towards The Prince’s Trust. Following the recent launch of Aon's environmental working group, we're pleased to reinforce our commitment to fighting climate change by supporting National Green Day."

HOP ON THE ECO BUS AT NATIONAL GREEN DAY

22/10/07

Visitors to the National Green Day environmental fair in George Square will be able to climb aboard the "Eco Bus". North Lanarkshire Council have made the bus available for the event. Primarily aimed at 7 to 11 year olds, the Eco Bus contains 6 computer pods where children can test their recycling knowledge. Children can also take the Conveyor Belt Challenge to separate rubbish using different tools, such as magnets, in order to learn that it is easier to sort the rubbish when it goes into the bin than to try and separate it later.

MEASURE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT FOR FREE AT NATIONAL GREEN DAY

16/10/07

Visitors to the National Green Day consumer fair will be able to measure their carbon footprint for free.

Glasgow based carbon offsetting company Carbon Passport have announced that they are taking part in National Green Day, and visitors to their stand at the consumer fair will be able use an online calculator to measure their carbon footprint and learn more about the effect that their daily activities have on the environment.

Carbon Passport Director John Thomson said:

“National Green Day is an important event. At Carbon Passport we are passionate about raising the issue of climate change and we believe that carbon offsetting - the process of mitigating carbon dioxide emissions by buying carbon credits that will reduce emissions elsewhere - is a way for people and business to responsibly address their CO2 output and to fundamentally change behaviour.”

He continued: “By measuring our own negative impacts on the environment it is the first step to change our lifestyles and work practices. The offsetting process gives the individual an indication of where they can make improvements and by purchasing carbon credits there is also the financial incentive to lower their emission levels the following year.”

“We would be delighted to meet as many people as possible at our exhibition stand and are looking forward to an interesting and worthwhile day.”

Patrick Harvie MSP backs National Green Day

12/10/07

Leading Scottish environmental politician Patrick Harvie MSP (Green) has announced his support for Scotlands first ever National Green Day, Saturday 3 November 2007.

Speaking at the Scottish Parliament, Patrick Harvie MSP said:

“I’m delighted to add my support for the National Green Day being held in George Square - it’s a welcome opportunity to encourage businesses to think about their environmental credentials, and to let people know about the eco-friendly goods and services which are on offer. More and more people understand the need to change the way we do business if we’re going to tackle climate change and end the damage we’re doing to the world around us. I’d encourage everyone to take time out from shopping in Glasgow and shop for ideas instead at the Green Day fair on Saturday the 3rd.”

Driving environmental awareness - Schools across Scotland to participate in National Green Day

12/10/07

Schoolchildren will be central to Scotlands first ever National Green Day which is to be staged in Glasgows George Square on 2nd - 3rd November 2007.

Organised by Biggart Baillie and sponsored by property consultants, Drivers Jonas, over 70 (As at 26/10/07 - now over 110 entries) Nursery and Primary schools across Scotland from Dumfries and Galloway to North Uist are taking part in a “Green Fingers Flower Show” Competition for National Green Day, in which they must design and make an environmentally friendly flower arrangement entirely from recycled materials. Secondary schools are also taking part, and have been challenged to come up with the “Best Green Idea”, which should be innovative and provide some benefit to their community.

The schools are competing to win a wind turbine for their school, which will be provided and installed by environmental firm Windsave. The winners will be announced at a sneak preview of the environmental fair that all schools are invited to on Friday 2 November 2007. The day will provide a positive environment for pupils to learn, not only from the various exhibitors, but also from each other. Schools have been given the opportunity to “showcase” their eco projects and share their findings with others attending the fair.

Schoolchildren across Scotland are also participating in a range of fundraising events in aid of National Green Day; Wear Green for National Green Day being the most popular.

Sue Rand, Head Teacher at Buchanan Primary School in Stirling, which is taking part in the competition, said:

“The positive response to the National Green Day competitions is testament to the ease with which the initiative can be integrated with recent curricular developments in Scotland. Opportunities abound for pupils and teachers to take part in a genuinely challenging environment. These opportunities support many of the priorities emphasised under Learning and Teaching Scotlands ‘A Curriculum for Excellence’ as well as supporting the continually growing Eco-Schools initiative. The two wind turbines, one for each competition, have also proved an enticing incentive!”

Steven Cameron from property consultants Drivers Jonas, who are sponsoring the schools competition and part of the judging panel, said:

“Drivers Jonas is the first major property consultancy to achieve CarbonNeutral Status and sponsoring this event fits in perfectly with our corporate environmental policy. Working with the CarbonNeutral Company and its science partners, The Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Management (ECCM), resulted in a 15% reduction in DJs emissions per employee and our aim is to further reduce this year on year. As a company, we are truly committed to creating a sustainable environment for ourselves and our children by encouraging awareness from an early age.”

Business and environmental figures join in support for National Green Day

04/10/07

A series of leading business and environmental figures have announced their support for Scotland’s first ever National Green Day, Saturday 3 November 2007.

Fred Dinning, who chairs the Carbon Trust’s Consultant Accreditation Board, said:

“We are living well beyond the means of our planet, using resources more quickly then they can be replenished and altering our climate. These challenges may seem immense - too large for any one of us to make an impact and something that has to be left to ’big Government’. But therein lies the key. The real power to tackle the issues lies within us all - to cut down on wasteful consumption, to recycle where we can, to look at our lifestyle and consider whether doing things differently might make our lives richer. Politicians find it easier to lead where the people are willing to follow. National Green Day gives us the opportunity to see that each and every one of us can make a difference.”

Professor James Curran, the Chairman of the Scottish Sustainable Development Forum and former head of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (“SEPA”), said:

“This event is a real first for Glasgow and for Scotland - a tremendous opportunity for forward thinking businesses to show off their environmental and sustainable products to the public. As consumers, we want to do the right thing and make the right choices and this fair will show us how to do it. National Green Day is a brilliant idea. ”

Glasgow Chamber of Commerce have also given their support to National Green Day and have applauded Biggart Baillie’s involvement. Chief Executive Dr Lesley Sawers said:

“Raising funds for The Prince’s Trust Scotland is an excellent cause, and the fact that the Biggart Baillie team’s method of doing that will also increase Glaswegians’ awareness of how to live more environmentally friendly lives makes their National Green Day plans a good news double whammy.”

HSBC supports National Green Day

01/10/07

HSBC Bank PLC today announced their support for Scotlands first ever National Green Day, to be staged in Glasgow’s George Square on 2nd - 3rd November. The event is aimed at offering guidance to those who are concerned by the threat of climate change but may not necessarily know what they can do about it. A large environmental fair will be the centrepiece, where visitors can learn how to play their part in helping to combat climate change by reducing their own carbon emissions. The overall theme is that everyone can take action and that even the small steps can make a real difference, if we all play our part.

HSBC’s Area Retail Manager for Scotland, Barry Canning, announced the leading banks involvement during a visit to the Abacus Educare nursery in Blantyre. He said:

“HSBC are very happy to be part of this important initiative. We believe that climate change is the single biggest environmental challenge we face this century and initiatives such as National Green Day have an important role to play, encouraging collective action from individuals, businesses and governments to help create a lower carbon economy.”

Also showing their support, were Councillor Graeme Horne of North Lanarkshire Council and Margaret Ritchie of Intelligent Waste Solutions.

NATIONAL GREEN DAY - 3 NOVEMBER 2007

07/09/07

On 5 September 2007 National Green Day was formally launched at a Press Conference in Glasgow’s George Square.

National Green Day will take place on Saturday 3 November and will be centered around a large environmental consumer fair in Glasgow’s George Square.

Leading law firm Biggart Baillie LLP is at the forefront of organizing National Green Day with support from Glasgow City Council and Windsave, the manufacturers of domestic micro wind-turbines.

National Green Day is aimed at educating consumers and the wider public on what changes they can make to their daily lives to help reduce their carbon emissions and help combat Global Warming.

And if that’s not a shining example of corporate social responsibility on its own, all funds raised by National Green Day are to be donated to The Prince’s Trust! The Prince’s Trust is a UK charity that helps young people between the ages of 14 and 25 realise their potential and transform their lives. They focus their efforts on those who’ve struggled at school, been in care, been in trouble with the law, or are long-term unemployed.

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport’s Chair, Glasgow councillor Alistair Watson, was among the first to welcome the special awareness day. He said:

“SPT is delighted to be part of the preparations for National Green Day and we wholly endorse the programme leading to the main events on 2nd and 3rd November. SPT has a major concern in going green in our support for what is called "modal shift" - that is getting people out of their cars and on to public transport. So anything which raises green issues - like the establishment of National Green Day - is to be commended. Without exaggerating, green issues are about the future of the planet so it is absolutely crucial that everyone knows how they can play their part.”

The formal lead up to National Green Day will begin with a Charity Dinner at the City Chambers in Glasgow on 1 November 2007, and schools will be invited to a "sneak preview" in George Square on 2 November 2007.

Elena Fry, Partner of Biggart Baillie LLP, led the Press Conference to launch National Green Day. She said:

“We are delighted to be involved in Scotland’s first ever National Green Day, which is about educating the public on what steps we can all take in our daily lives to help save the environment. We will be staging a lively and educational event in George Square and encourage businesses and individuals to get involved.”

You can show your support for National Green Day and The Prince’s Trust by giving a donation on this Website.

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