A huge life-sized whale is set to beach at Fort Kinnaird tomorrow (Thursday 25th July), with visitors welcomed to venture inside the stomach of the giant sea creature for a free, captivating storytelling session all about the environment and ocean.
The interactive adventure will be led by a group of engaging storytellers and actors and will educate children and their families on plastic pollution and recycling, all while surrounded by a mesmerizing seascape.
Six shows – suitable for children over three – will take place throughout the day, with 30 spaces available on a first come, first served basis. Booking isn’t required but families are advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment.
The 25 minute sessions will run at 11am, 11.30am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2pm, and 2.30pm, with the whale located next to Smyths Toys and Wagamama.
The event will be supported by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful who work to combat climate change, tackle litter and waste, restore nature and biodiversity and improve places.
Its ambassadors will be at the event, providing free activity sheets to take home to keep the conversation going, including a scavenger hunt that educates little ones on the rubbish and wildlife found in rivers across Scotland. These activities form part of Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Upstream Battle initiative, an award-winning campaign to tackle marine litter at its source.
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, said: “Sustainability is a key focus for us at Fort Kinnaird. We champion biodiversity by planting wildflowers and installing beehives to encourage pollination and have committed to sending zero waste to landfill since 2018 – recycling more than 260 tonnes in the process.
“Educating others on the importance of sustainability is part of the pathway to a net zero future, and we’re pleased that we can play a small role in that with this event. Not only is it eye catching, but it provides families with a free activity during the summer holidays – that’s also educational. A win, win!”
Heather McLaughlin, Campaigns and Social Innovation Manager at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “We’re so pleased to be able to support this great initiative at Fort Kinnaird. We know that 80% of marine litter comes from land and the damage it causes.
“It is crucial that young people know the impact the litter emergency is having on our waterways and the importance of protecting them. Fun and engaging activities like this are a great way to get children involved and we can’t wait to see everyone.”
For more information, please visit https://www.fortkinnaird.com/event/the-whale