Iain Johnstone recently attended the Active Travel, Active Hope event at St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh, taking part in a relay around the perimeter of the cathedral. The relay symbolised the individual and collective energy needed to address the climate and ecological crisis and to transform the land within our care into a place of healing and renewed hope. Iain describes the day below.
The event was an incredibly uplifting experience and a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when communities come together. As a member of the Net Zero team, it was particularly encouraging to see such a wide range of people, organisations, and creative voices engaging with climate issues in a way that felt both accessible and action-oriented.
The event had a real sense of energy and optimism – there was a clear buzz throughout the day, with meaningful conversations happening at every turn. One of the highlights was the opportunity to connect with local artists and performers, whose work brought a thoughtful and human dimension to the climate conversation.
Alongside this, practical support was on offer through initiatives like “Dr Bike,” helping people make simple, tangible changes to reduce their carbon footprint through active travel and to make the most of their bikes.
It was also great to engage with organisations such as Eco-Congregation Scotland and Extinction Rebellion, each bringing their own perspective, experience, and passion. The Bell Ringers added a distinctive and joyful presence, contributing great views from the Cathedral and the local history.
A particularly moving element was the Each Child a Light exhibition – a collaborative fabric arts project creating a quilt in memory of the children killed in Gaza. This space invited reflection and reminded attendees of the wider global context in which issues of justice, climate, and human dignity intersect.
What stood out most was the depth of engagement from those attending. These were not surface-level interactions – people were asking important questions, sharing ideas, and exploring what action looks like in their own lives and communities. There was a clear appetite not just to talk about change, but to be part of it.
Events like this are vital. They create space for connection, learning, and inspiration, while also helping to build the relationships and momentum needed to drive meaningful progress. There is a real opportunity here to continue supporting and growing this kind of work – ensuring that the enthusiasm and ideas generated can be translated into lasting impact.
Overall, Active Travel, Active Hope was a positive, thought-provoking, and energising event – one that highlights the strength of community-led action and the importance of continuing to invest in these shared spaces for dialogue and change.
Next steps for A+E and St Mary’s Cathedral include the first public dialogue inspired by the Phoebe Anna Traquair murals on the Song School, asking the question ‘what does a Song of Creation look like, sound like, taste like, smell like, feel like, and move like today?
To find out more and join the conversation, see link below:
Iain Johnstone, Sustainability Officer
