Highland pupils provide inspiration for Council water campaign

A cartoon character, created by Highland pupils who entered a poster competition, has been adopted as the mascot for a water minimisation campaign launched this week by The Highland Council.

Humpleton the Camel is a combination of the winning poster and several prize winning entries. Eoghann Gollan, aged 9, from Edderton Primary School, near Tain, provided the picture, while runners up Kieran Barnsby (10) from Inver Primary, named the camel, Toby Alexander Ross (9) from Conon Bridge Primary, provided the slogan and Kate Bradley (10) from Acharacle Primary provided some of the water saving tips.

Also among the runners up were Hayley Lumb (10) from Inver Primary and Ruadhan Blyth (10) from Beauly Primary.

Outstanding entries were awarded to Heather Millar (10) from Spean Bridge Primary and Rhianna Russell (9) from Inver Primary.

The eye catching camel image will now appear on promotional material urging the public to be more vigilant in their use of water. The poster says "Humpleton saves lots of water, can you?"

The Council's 'Reduce Water Waste' campaign aims to raise awareness and promote water minimisation in schools and amongst all council staff and members.

Councillor Ian Ross, Chairman of the Council's Planning Environment and Development Committee, visited Edderton Primary School to congratulate Eoghann on his success and present him with his prize of a water powered clock and calculator. The school will also receive a £500 water efficiency kit.

He said: "The Council is very grateful for this inspiring cartoon image which will greatly help us get our message across. While we each use 150 litres of water every day, we waste a third of this. Our promotional material highlights ways in which the public can help conserve water and schools will play a very important role in reducing consumption.

"Reducing our water use will save money and energy; reduce our carbon emissions and contribute to the continuing health of our valuable ecosystems."

The public are invited to visit www.highland.gov.uk/waterminimisation for more information on water use, the impacts of water waste and useful tips on how they can reduce it. The website also contains water conservation information, tips, fun activities and games for kids.

As well as raising awareness of water waste and the need to reduce it, the Highland Council is reviewing water use in all its buildings to identify where further savings can be made. Water saving Hippos are being installed in all Council buildings, while a number of other water efficiency measures, like water efficient shower heads, spray, aerated and push taps are currently being trialed. All green flag eco-schools are being awarded a Rain Butt, for recycling rain water.

Pumping, treating and heating of water requires energy and results in carbon emissions. As part of its Carbon Management Plan, The Highland Council is committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 12% by 2024. To help meet this target, the Council must reduce water use by 10%.

Reducing water use will also save money as the majority of council buildings are now metered.