Dalmeny and Queensferry Parish Church receives prestigious Eco-Congregation Scotland Gold Award

Dalmeny and Queensferry Parish Church has been named an Eco-Congregation Scotland Gold Award winner, making it only the 12th congregation in Scotland to achieve this recognition.

The award celebrates the church's commitment to environmental stewardship and its active role in fostering community sustainability.

Assessors praised the congregation for its outstanding collaborative spirit and energetic involvement in environmental initiatives. Highlights of the commendation include:

* Team working excellence: The assessment noted the exceptional level of cooperation among various groups, with eco-friendly practices deeply embedded into the daily life of the congregation.

* Broad community engagement: The church has been lauded for its strong support and active participation in numerous local environmental groups.

* Integration of faith and ecology: Church leaders have effectively incorporated environmental issues into the spiritual and practical life of their community.

* Innovative initiatives: Special mention was made of the work behind the Heat Hack initiative and the variety of events that both raise awareness and promote environmental action.

* Civic involvement: The church's engagement with Christian Aid and its proactive stance on climate change—evidenced through organizing an Election Hustings and political lobbying.

Sarah Conway from Eco-Congregation Scotland said: '‘We are delighted to award Dalmeny and Queensferry Parish Church our Gold Award. They are an excellent example of a congregation that has embedded care for creation across the life and work of their church; with spiritual, practical, and global action.

"Our assessors were impressed by the teamwork and enthusiasm they demonstrated, their significant engagement with the local community and their support of Christian Aid."

Janet Thomas, Dalmeny and Queensferry Parish Church's Eco-Congregation lead, commented: "This award is a real acknowledgment of the hard work that has gone in over the past five years or more from so many people within the congregation.

"We are delighted to be recognised and remain committed to advancing our environmental projects while inspiring others to join us in caring for our shared creation."

The work will continue with the church's next initiative: "The Great Big Green Week".

This begins next weekend with a Make do and Mend Café on 7 June in Queensferry Parish church and culminates on Friday 13 June with the Big Green Café in Dalmeny Church Hall.

There are themed events every other day of the week too from Tea ‘n' Tots to book swaps: see www.dqpc.org or Facebook for details.

Eco-Congregation Scotland will hold its annual gathering and AGM on Saturday 14 June, all are welcome and bookings are open at: https://www.ecocongregationscotland.org/event/agm-2025/