Green for go at new Penicuik Carbon Challenge Shop

The local SNP politicians were at the opening of the new Penicuik Carbon Challenge shop. L to R: Cllr Joe Wallace, Christine Grahame MSP, Owen Thompson MP and Cllr Debbi McCall.

Christine Grahame MSP, councillors Debbi McCall and Joe Wallace and Owen Thompson MP (all SNP), were guests at the opening of Penicuik’s Carbon Challenge shop in the precinct at 34 John Street last Saturday.

The Carbon Challenge project aims to help locals reduce their carbon footprint and find more environmentally sustainable options.

Ms Grahame cut the recycled ribbon to officially open the shop, in her first engagement since retaining Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale constituency in the recent Scottish elections.

Christine Grahame MSP opens the new store.

Speaking about the new shop, she said: “I was delighted to be invited to open the shop, which has received nearly £150,000 from the Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge Fund.

“There you can bring your bike along for free maintenance checks and repairs, take away your own kit to start home composting with a garden bin, kitchen caddie and instructions and check out the new tool library and sewing workshop.”

The Scottish Government has committed us all to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2045. Penicuik Community Development Trust received Climate Challenge Fund (CCF) funding to support Penicuik to achieve net zero. Until the end of March 2022, young people, adults and families living in Penicuik and the EH26 region can work with the Trust to reduce our carbon footprint and reach net zero.

Councillor McCall was delighted to see the new shop open its doors. She said: “I’m pleased to see another unit opening in the precinct and that so many local residents came out to support Penicuik’s Carbon Challenge Shop on their first day.

“Penicuik has shown a great deal of community spirit and activism over the past 15 months and our new shop will show the way for people who want to address their consumption but don’t know where to start.”

Owen Thompson MP said: “This is excellent news for Penicuik. It is an inspiring way to learn more about the climate emergency and the small steps we can all take to tackle it. I wish the project well.”