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Bus tycoon's £100K Donation to tree campaign - Stagecoach has pledged to offset emissions by planting 140,000 trees.Big-hearted bus tycoon Brian Souter yesterday backed The Scottish Sun's tree campaign with a whiopping £100,000 donation.And the 53-year-old Stagecoach founder sowed the first seeds in our Plant a Scottish Sun Forest eco-plan.Perth-born Brian will donate the cash over the next 5 years. It will help plant a staggering 140,000 oak trees at greenknowe Tower, on the Buccleuch Estate near Gordon in the Borders. Once finished, the trees will cover 60 hectares – the same as 70 football pitches. It will offset around 22,000 tones of CO2 produced by buses.And it makes Stagecoach's Fife to Edinburgh network Scotland's first carbon-neutral route.Bus-owner Brian said "I was talking with the Scottish Sun's editor, David Dinsmore, about four months ago when he mentioned the Plant a Scottish Sun Forest project. I thought it was a fantastic idea and it came at the perfect time. Our recent market research showed 65 per cent of our customers say environmental issues are a priority for them. So we jumped at the chance to be involved."Dad-of-four Souter was doing it on behalf of kids from Pitreavie Primary School, in Dumfermline. Around 20 children from the school were on hand to see their new trees being planted.Little Kirsty Tufft is only four but already knows how important it is to protect the environment. She is in the nursery class at Pitreavie where they teach kids how to be eco-friendly. Kirsty beamed "I'm an eco-rep for my nursery class. And we learn lots about nature. I love trees, especially rally tall ones. ANd these will be oak trees so they'll be really big.The schools deputy Sandra Martin added "The children are really pleased to be taking part in the Global Trees initiativ, as part of the Palnt a Scottish Sun Forest campaign. As a Green Flag-accredited Eco-school, the children are very aware of the importance of protecting our environment and reducing our global footprint.The campaign aims to plant as many trees as possible to help fight climate change and to raise awareness of environmental issues. It will run to the end of this school summer term, raising money through events at each school.And charity Global Trees is hoping it is the first step towards making Scotland carbon-neutral. The charity's Louise Andrew said "It's a very important day for us and we're delighted Brian is here. He is setting an example and we're hoping other businesses will follow his lead."But it isn't just about the environment. The school that raises the most money before the summer holidays will be awarded a specially-commissioned steel sculpture by reknowned artist Andy Scott.And every school thattakes part and raises at least £1000 will be awarded a commemorative plaque and certificate.For every £5 raised, Global Trees will buy a tree that will be planted by the Central Scotland Forest Trust in the New Scottish Sun Forest at Carron between Falkirk and Stirling.Peter Grant, founder of Global Trees, said "I can't think of a better way to reverse Global Warming than by schools using sponsored events to hopefully plant many thousands of trees that will breath new life into our environment."Scottish Sun editor David Dinsmore said "it would be great if every school in Scotland too part in the campaign to raise as much money as possible and plant a new Scottish Sun Forest."How you can do your bit to helpThe Scottish Sun is hunting for the greenest schools to help us do our bit to fight climate change. Weve teamed up with our pals at Global Trees to raise moeny to plant a Scottish Sun Forest. And we want the help of schoolchildren to fund the project. All you have todo is think up new and exciting ways to raise cash. Maybe a fancy-dress fun-run or your version of the X Factor. There must be hundreds of wacky ideas out there.We'll be featuring the best of the ideas in The Sottish Sun over the next few months so get your thinking caps on. The school that raises the most money before the summer holidays will receive a specially-commissioned sculpture by world-famous artist Andy Scott. He's the man responsible for the amazing Heavy Horse off the M8 and Kelvingrove Museum's swordsmen. Send your ideas to scotsfeatures@the-sun.co.ukTree-mendous!An average tree provides enough oxygen each year for a family of four for a day. It can pull 100 gallons of water out of the ground and pump it into the air every day.In 50 years, one tree recycles £60,000 worth of water, provides £100,000 worth of air pollution control and produces £50,000 worth of oxygen. By cooling the air and ground around them, the shade from trees helps reduce the Earth's temperature. (text taken from The Sun, April 29th 2008).......... Scotland's first carbon neutral bus network launched - Stagecoach has pledged to offset emissions by planting 140,000 trees. Scotland's first carbon neutral bus network has been launched today by bus operators Stagecoach. The company is planting more than 100,000 trees to offset emissions from its services between Fife and Edinburgh over the next five years. Youngsters from Pitreavie Primary school in Dunfermline joined forces with Stagecoach boss Brian Soutar as part of the company's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. The bus operator is planting 140,000 new trees on the Buccleuch estate in the Scottish Borders to offset emissions on its Edinburgh to Fife route. The trees which will cover more than 60 hectares are being planted to absorb the 21,000 tonnnes of CO2 produced by buses on the Edinburgh Fife network over the next five years. It means that all stagecoach services between Fife and Edinburgh crossing the forth road bridge will be carbon neutral until 2013. Brian Soutar said “A lot of our customers are very concerned about the environment and we did some market research which told us that though they were willing to use public transport they wanted it to be more environmentally friendly. So that's what this is all about. It means that if people use these bus services they will be completely carbon free – not only will they have saved the carbon from the car but they will have saved the carbon from the bus as well.” The trees are being planted in partnership with scottish charity Global Trees which aims to plant 30 million a year to help offset carbon emissions. Louise Andrew from Global Trees said “This is a great day for us and for Scotland to be linked to such a big company and it really does show that it you don't have to do much to reduce your carbon footprint. Small things like this can make a difference.” Stagecoach will be monitoring this pilot scheme over the coming months but if it proves successful there are plans to extend it to take in other bus routes across the country. (text © STV).......... Bus firm branches out to go green - Stagecoach has pledged to offset emissions by planting 140,000 trees.Scotland's first carbon-neutral bus route has been launched with 140,000 trees to be planted to offset emissions on Fife to Edinburgh journeys. Stagecoach claims all its Fife to Edinburgh buses will become carbon neutral for the next five years. The initiative, in partnership with Scottish charity Global Trees, could save 21,500 tonnes in CO2 emissions. It will cover all services from St Andrews, Leven, Kirkcaldy, Glenrothes and Dunfermline. Stagecoach already uses fuel with 5% biodiesel and a hi-tech fuel additive manufactured using nanotechnology to keep emissions from its 7,000-vehicle bus fleet across the UK down. The firm claims the latest move will see the new trees absorb 4,300 tonnes in annual CO2 emissions generated by the Fife-Edinburgh fleet over the next five years. It said that would mean all Stagecoach services between Fife and Edinburgh crossing the Forth Road Bridge would be carbon neutral until 2013. A mix of conifer, broadleaf and native woodlands will be planted as part of the project. Brian Souter, Stagecoach group chief executive, said “This is an extremely exciting initiative, which is setting the standard for greener, smarter bus travel and helping our customers reduce their own carbon footprint. There is an increasing awareness about the impact of people's behaviour on the environment. We hope this innovative project will promote intelligent car use, encourage more people to get on board public transport and help protect the planet.” The trees are being planted on Buccleuch Woodlands estates in the south of Scotland. Peter Grant, founder of Global Trees, said “It is fantastic that an organisation the size and scope of Stagecoach has become involved with Global Trees and has committed to off-setting its Fife to Edinburgh bus network.” (text © BBC) ..........

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Biographies

Michael Fish

Biog - Michael Fish Recently retired as Britain's, and possibly the world's, longest-serving TV weather worecaster, Michael Fish was born in Eastbourne on 27th April 1944 and educated at Eastbourne College.

On joining the Meteorological Office in November 1962, his first posting was to Gatwick Airport. On promotion in 1965, he transferred to the Met Office headquarters in Bracknell to work on research projects. Later, while based at the London Weather Centre, he took a sandwich course in Applied Physics at the City University.

Remaining at the London Weather Centre, his broadcasting career began in 1971 when he started broadcasting for BBC Radio and, in January 1974, he became part of BBC Television's weather team when they were looking for a new 'young' image. At the start there were only 3 live broadcasts a day to the UK, using a mixture of felt-tip pens and magnetic rubber. On retirement, there were well over 100 broadcasts a day to the whole world, using sophisticated computer graphics.

He has made hundreds of appearances on television and radio shows ranging from light entertainment to factual programmes, such as ‘Panorama’ and ‘Sky At Night’. He has also been involved in the training of television weathermen in various African countries. He has written numerous articles on travel and weather and acted as consultant for several meteorological books.

He will always be remembered for the mis-reported 'Hurricane' forecast in October 1987 but there were other highlights such as several years ago when he was voted the 'Worst Dressed' and the 'Best Dressed' man on television!

In December 1996, Michael was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree by the City University, London and, in August 1997, he was granted the Freedom of the City of London. In June 2004 he was made an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours. In July 2005 he was further honoured by an award of Doctor of Science from Exeter University.

In 2004 he received the TRIC award of TV Presenter of the Year shortly before retiring in October. Also in the same year he was pronounced a 'National Treasure' by the Sunday Times!

More recently he has just finished a Provincial tour acting in 'The Play What I Wrote'. Much to everyone's surprise every performance was a sell out and his acting received 'rave reviews'.

Michael, who lives in Middlesex, is married and has two grown up daughters. A Fellow of the Royal Meteorological Society, his hobbies include being a grumpy old man, travel and food and wine.

His time at the moment is spent on the after-dinner and lecture circuit as well as doing voice overs, award ceremonies, writing articles and publicising Climate Change on behalf of Government Agencies.

Bob Holt

Biog - Bob Holt Bob is Chairman and Chief Executive of Mears Group PLC, and Chairman of Wyatt Group PLC and Unicorn Asset Management. He is a non executive of a number of private companies, and a member of the advisory panel for OFEX.

Bob specialises in growing service businesses and bringing businesses to the public markets.

Bob believes passionately in corporate social responsibility and is commited to improving the community for all. It is his passion for this that has led him to personally support many development projects both in the UK and abroad, including the building of schools in India and South Africa.

Bob has recognised the need to replant trees for a number of years, and this year has personally planted 5,000 trees in Ecuador, in addition to those trees planted through Global Trees. As Bob says, ‘Why plant now and why plant myself is simple: I see it as a commitment to do whatever is possible to create a better life for future generations, and my personal and business life DOES seriously consider communities and the environment’.

A keen walker, Bob is a staunch supporter of the Bobby Moore Cancer Research Fund and, amongst other fund raising activities, undertakes an annual walk of the River Thames.

Peter Grant

Biog - Peter Grant Following a career in the newspaper industry and graduating with an MBA from Edinburgh University, Peter and his wife Colette set up Grant Management in 1997 as a one-stop property shop for buy-to-let investors and tenants seeking quality accommodation in key University cities in the UK. The business has grown from its early days to now be regarded as one of the most successful property management companies in the UK, with 1600 flats in 11 cities and a staff of 140.

After hearing an inspirational speech by Bill Clinton in 2006 on Global Warming, Peter decided to do his bit for the environment and subsequently set up Global Trees with business colleague Bob Holt and his wife Colette. As luck would have it, when Clinton’s team picked up in the media on what Peter had done, he invited the Grants out to meet him and his wife in New York to discuss the work of the Clinton Foundation and the issues surrounding Global Warming.

Peter continues to work for Grant Management and is growing on the business in overseas markets as well as giving any spare time he can to the work of the charity.

He is also Director of the Entrepreneurial Exchange in Scotland, having been named in 2005 as ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ in the National Business Awards for Scotland.

Married with two children (13 and 5yrs), his hobbies include sailing and skiing.

Colette Grant

Biog - Colette Grant Colette is the co-founder of Grant Management, one of the largest and fastest growing property and investment companies in the UK.

She heard President Clinton speak at a dinner in Glasgow, and with his emphasis on the importance of fighting climate change, created and invested in an NGO called www.globaltrees.co.uk with her partner, Peter Grant, encouraging people and companies to donate money to plant trees to help prevent global warming.

A true bridge builder with a keen attitude to foster education and knowledge, other initiatives include educational, not for profit businesses, such as www.gostartabusiness.com, a website written for budding entrepreneurs by real life entrepreneurs, which aims to inspire and give advice and practical help for starting a business.

Colette is also an active member of Scotland’s Entrepreneurial Exchange. Alongside her ‘day job’ running the Marketing Dept of Grant Management, she acts as Company Secretary for Global Trees. The Grants’ two children obviously occupy another chunk of her very busy life!

Katie Wood (Director: Global Trees)

Biog - Katie Wood Following a degree in English Language & Literature and a Diploma in Journalism and Communications Katie’s career started as a travel journalist and broadcaster. During her travels to 103 countries, Katie witnessed first hand the impact of global warming, from seeing the melting ice caps in Alaska in the early 90s to the burning of rain forests around the Equator. This spurred her into action.

Having already written over 30 travel guides, she then embarked on a joint project with her husband, a Chartered Forester. Combining her knowledge of travel and tourism with his passion for ecology and conservation, in 1992 they published ‘The Good Tourist’ (Mandarin Paperbacks) which looked at how travellers could reduce their negative impact on the environment. The book went on to win the Sir Peter Kent Conservation Prize, receive a commendation from the European Union Tourism Directorate, and led to numerous environmental consultancies for Katie for the likes of British Airways, the European Union, VisitBritain and VisitScotland. As a result of her work on tourism and the environment, she was awarded a Fellowship by the Royal Geographical Society.

Katie now runs Global Trees on a day to day basis and her mission is to raise as much money as possible, to plant as many trees as possible worldwide.

Married with two adult sons, Katie’s leisure time is spent hillwalking, playing music and travelling, generally to look at remarkable trees!

Dr Charles Russell

Biog - Charles Russell Dr Charles Russell is a Senior Research Fellow in the Caledonian Environment Centre, based at Glasgow Caledonian University.

Currently his research focuses on the development of software tools and providing a wide range of advice in the field of Carbon Management. The purpose of these tools is to provide practical and understandable guidance to professionals in the public sectors and business in Scotland.

Following the completion of his PhD in Environmental Microbiology at Aberdeen University in 1996, Charles worked for Massey University in New Zealand. His research team developed biosensor tools to understand soil carbon, pasture and microbial interactions.

He joined the New Zealand Ministry for the Environment in 2000 where he co-ordinated the implementation New Zealand’s National System of reporting Greenhouse Gases. As a regular team member in the NZ negotiation team on Kyoto (2001 to 2003), he particularly supported the development of reviewer training and auditing. He also developed Carbon models with Forest Research in NZ to assess forest sinks for the NZ government.

Charles left MfE in early 2003 and worked for an educational training company and a bioremediation start-up company, before returning the UK in 2004.

Charles continued working with the UNFCCC in developing training and reviewing progress by Annex 1 parties. He also was a business consultant based in Manchester until he joined Glasgow Caledonian University in June 2006.

In his leisure time Charles is an avid curler, hill-walker, and enjoy mountain biking and skiing.

Global Trees 2006 Registered Charity Number SC037874