The Highland Council is joining forces with communities across the country to mark Clean Air Day 2025, bringing a fresh spotlight to the hidden dangers of air pollution and the simple steps we can all take to protect our health.
This year’s campaign, taking place on 19 June, is backed by Global Action Plan and Health Equals.
It focuses on one of the most easily avoidable sources of pollution in our daily lives: engine idling.
Many drivers leave their engines running while parked, often without realising the harm it causes.
That harmless-looking plume of exhaust is releasing a cocktail of pollutants into the air, contributing to a growing health crisis that affects people from the moment they are born.
Children are particularly vulnerable, with research showing that exposure to poor air quality can lead to long-term respiratory problems and other serious health issues.
The simple act of switching off an engine when stationary can make a real difference, both for individuals and for the wider community.
To mark Clean Air Day, the Highland Council’s Environmental Health Team will host an information stall at the entrance to the Victorian Market Food Hall in Inverness.
The team will be on hand between 11 am and 3 pm, offering advice and speaking with drivers in the town centre about the impact of air pollution.
The council is also taking the message directly to the next generation.
In the days leading up to Clean Air Day, the Environmental Health Team will visit schools that previously took part in the council’s Air Quality Project.
Their earlier studies revealed noticeable spikes in pollution levels around school drop-off and pick-up times.
Now, pupils at these schools are being empowered to lead their own Anti-Idling Campaigns.
Each school will receive special anti-idling signs for their drop-off zones, as well as banners, information packs and toolkits to help run their campaigns effectively.
The aim is simple: encourage parents, carers and staff to turn off their engines while waiting outside schools, helping to create a safer and cleaner environment for every child.
Teachers will use the opportunity to educate pupils about the importance of clean air, while pupils themselves will become advocates for change in their own communities.
The council’s message is clear.
Every one of us has a role to play in improving the air we breathe.
Turning off the engine when stationary is one small action that, multiplied across thousands of vehicles, can bring a huge improvement in air quality.
For anyone wishing to get involved or learn more, full details can be found on the Clean Air Day website
