Fort Kinnaird has crowned nine-year-old Hannah Donoghue from Musselburgh as Edinburgh’s young sustainability hero, recognising her efforts to protect the environment at home and across her local community.
Her nomination stood out for the range of sustainable habits which she has made a natural part of her everyday life.
This includes regularly heading out with her litter picker and encouraging friends to join her – she has even been rewarded by neighbours for helping to keep the area clean. At home, she turns household recycling into craft projects, growing peppers and tomatoes and helps care for the family garden.
She is also choosing greener ways to travel wherever possible. Hannah recently started cycling to the supermarket using a trailer and has asked to ride her bike to school when the new term begins.
The competition was launched as part of Fort Kinnaird’s free ocean-inspired summer activity programme and invited families to nominate children aged four to ten who are helping the planet through actions such as recycling, litter-picking, saving water and supporting wildlife.
In recognition of her efforts, Hannah was treated to a family day out at Fort Kinnaird, including a trip to ODEON, a meal at Frankie & Benny’s and an eco-activity bundle to help her continue her sustainability mission at home.
Jennifer Tait, Hannah’s mum, said: “Hannah has always had a natural instinct to look after things – whether that’s the plants in our garden, the streets in our neighbourhood or turning materials she finds around the house into something new.
“She never sees any of it as a chore; it is simply part of her everyday life. To have her efforts recognised in this way is really special, and we’re so proud of her.”
The search reflects Fort Kinnaird’s wider commitment to sustainability. The centre supports local biodiversity through wildflower planting and on-site beehives and has sent zero waste to landfill since 2018, recycling more than 260 tonnes in the process. It also runs on 98% renewable energy.
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “Hannah’s nomination immediately stood out because of the sheer range of things she is already doing to help the environment.
“From litter-picking and encouraging her friends to get involved to growing food, reusing materials and choosing to cycle when she can, she shows how small everyday actions can make a real difference.
“Sustainability is a key focus for us at Fort Kinnaird, so it’s fantastic to see that same care for the environment being championed by young people in our community. Hannah is a very deserving winner, and we hope her and her family had a wonderful time celebrating.”
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