Green Drive funding brings Ryder Cup legacy to the fore

Sustainability and environmental benefits are to be a key legacy of The 2014 Ryder Cup with four ‘green’ projects in Perthshire receiving funding totally nearly a quarter of a million pounds.

As part of the Ryder Cup’s ‘Green Drive’, the four sustainability projects to benefit are:

• Zero Waste Fortnight – an initiative run by Perth and Kinross Council and Zero Waste Scotland to support communities in Perthshire to achieve zero waste to landfill

• Sustainable Golf – led by the Scottish Golf Union, providing practical advice and small grants support for environmental and community projects in golf clubs in Perthshire

• John Muir Trust – engaging people from all walks of life in the conservation of ‘wild’ places and peatlands

• Big Tree Country – conserving Perthshire’s stunning and unique ‘big tree’ landscape

Scottish Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said the benefits will last much longer than the event in September 2014 and include steps to improve local infrastructure.

“It is highly appropriate to drive these projects off in the Year of Natural Scotland. We can utilise The Ryder Cup to inspire communities and businesses, for example through some of the projects in the drive to a greener and more sustainable future.”

Jonathan Smith, Chief Executive of the non-profit Golf Environment Organization, which advises Ryder Cup Europe on sustainability said this was an “opportunity to extend the legacy of the event beyond the boundaries of Gleneagles itself”.

Stuart Brooks, chief executive of the John Muir Trust added: “2014 is the centenary of the life of John Muir, the Scots-born founder of the modern conservation movement who was passionate about wild places and pioneered the protection of Yosemite in the United States and other national parks.

He added: It’s more important than ever to protect our native woodlands, peatlands and wildlife, and to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to discover, enjoy and connect with nature.”