Well, I appear to have become an Ambassador for Dundee. Whaur's me free copy o the Beano, then eh?
I'm not usually very clubbable when it comes to supporting councils, campaigns and quangos. Invariably, as a journalist, a moment comes when being a "recruit" or Ambassador presents a conflict of interests. For Dundee though, I'd make an exception – partly because it's had far more than its fair share of negative press, and partly because I'd like to see if Ambassadors can get anything done.
With such a wee city, all of us who have the energy to change things should be fully engaged with one another – we're not. Maybe this effort will prompt some long overdue action on my own pet subject – renewable energy.
Today the People's Republic of Eigg announced that islanders are aiming to increase 92% renewable energy to 100% -- Dundee is the only city that could reach those dizzy heights quickly too.
It has an unrivalled capacity for harnessing solar, water and wind energy. Dundee has more hours of winter sunshine than any other city and 60% of its housing stock is on a south-facing slope on the Law Hill, which makes it perfect for generating solar power. People tend to think that you need lots of summer sun for solar energy but that's not true - winter sun happens when energy demand is highest, so it's ideal. Its wind potential is also huge – the two Michelin turbines are great but I would like to see more in the city, and on the bridge. It's even a natural source for tidal energy with the Tay's flowing into the North Sea.
What will it take for Dundee to become Scotland's first completely renewable city? I'm very happy to champion that cause – and fully expect to be made to DO something about it.
Comment on http://www.dundee.com/dundee-ambassadors/ambassadors/lesley-riddoch-writer-commentator-and-broadcaster.html
many congratulations on your recognition and appointment. ( There could be another wee book coming oota this ;)
have you got a 'to do' list yet ?
Posted by: bru | February 20, 2010 at 10:05 AM