Midlothian Climate Beacon

Changing perspectives

Climate Beacons for Cop26 is a Scotland-wide collaborative project, led by Creative Carbon Scotland, between climate change or environmental organisations and arts, heritage or cultural organisations to stimulate long-term public engagement in the lead-up to and following Cop26.

Seven hubs, known as “Climate Beacons”, were established across the whole of Scotland. The Midlothian Climate Beacon is a collaboration between National Mining Museum Scotland, British Geological Survey and environmental artist, Nicole Manley.

The aim of the Midlothian Climate Beacon was to create a transformative journey through the carbon cycle, from Scotland’s past legacy of fossil fuels towards a future of decarbonisation, connecting local and international cultures through art and science.

One of the first events was our partnership project with Scottish Communities Climate Action Network. We hosted the ‘Climate Reflections & Witness Report Series’ that shared the stories of Indigenous people and those communities in the global south already on the frontlines of climate change with those in Scotland beginning to explore what this crisis will mean for our world.

Importantly, we ensured there was time for discussion and reflection via the project’s Transformation Room, a space which grew with the participants’ changing views and showcased participatory work.

The need to address the emotional impact of the climate crisis came out from participants throughout the project. Primary school pupils, taking part in our schools workshop to plan a net zero town, argued that sustainable options needed to be affordable for their families.

Our student residency with Queen Margaret University demonstrated feelings of guilt and the need for action through their performance-based films. Community groups participating in Weathering Earth, a participatory clay art project, created pieces of art that often reflected places at risk but also, importantly, their hopes for the future.

For more information, please contact Victoria Robb, Education Manager, National Mining Museum Scotland, via education@nationalminingmuseum.com.

Image copyright National Mining Museum Scotland Trust