FROM politicians who have pushed the environment to the top of Scotland's agenda to the brains behind the world's most successful wave-energy device, today's green crusaders are truly inspirational.
The Scottish Sustainable Development Forum has compiled a list of the 50 greenest Scots.
Today, The Scotsman reveals numbers 20 to 11 on the first Scottish Green List.
The winners will be able to celebrate at an awards ceremony at The Scotsman'
s head office in Edinburgh tonight, when the top ten green heroes will be unveiled.
Ahead of the ceremony, Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham said: "The first ever Scottish Green List highlights the fantastic efforts of some of our unsung heroes that are helping to make Scotland a better, cleaner and greener place to live while inspiring others to do the same.
"I want to thank the Scottish Sustainable Development Forum and The Scotsman for taking this initiative, and to congratulate our green champions for their efforts."
20 Robin GourlayChildren through-out East Ayrshire eat more healthily as a result of Robin Gourlay's efforts.
The head of facilities management at East Ayrshire Council adopted the Soil Association's Food For Life targets and as a result the produce on children's plates in schools can be traced back to local farmers.
19 Fatima UygunFatima Uygun has campaigned tirelessly for her local swimming pool in Glasgow to remain open while the director of the Govanhill Bath Communities Trust.
After five years, Glasgow City Council allowed the community to take on the baths and work is now in hand to raise funds to restore them.
18 Adam WatsonAdam Watson – who is known as "Mr Cairngorms" – probably knows more about snow than anyone else in Scotland. As a lifelong campaigner and researcher, his passion for the mountains has been both influential and inspiring. His writings include 15 books and hundreds of scientific and other publications.
17 Richard YemmIf you see a snake-like red device floating on the surface of the sea, Richard Yemm is probably the brains behind it.
He invented the Pelamis wave-energy device – the first commercially viable creation of its kind. Already deployed off Portugal, there are also plans to use the device to create wave farms around the UK.
16 Philip AshmolePhilip Ashmole has played a key role in returning the landscape in the Southern Uplands to that which existed 6,000 years ago.
As co-ordinator of Carrifran Wildwood, he helped raise £400,000 to buy a 1,600-acre valley in the Moffat Hills, where more than 500,000 native trees and shrubs have been planted by volunteers.
15 Andy WightmanVast areas of Scotland are still owned by a handful of wealthy individuals but that is gradually changing.
Andy Wightman, a writer, researcher and campaigner, has pushed the issue of land reform and ownership up the agenda. This has helped bring about reform to legislation to make it possible for communities to buy land on their doorsteps.
14 Lucy ConwayLucy Conway has been one of the driving forces behind efforts to turn the Isle of Eigg green. The island is leading the way in Scotland in its attempt to become zero-carbon, by installing renewable energy devices on homes and across the community. Ms Conway has inspired residents on the island to take action to get involved.
13 Brendan DickPrince Charles is among those with praise for Brendan Dick's achievements.
The director of BT in Scotland has led the company's climate-change programme, and has been the Prince's ambassador for corporate responsibility for the past year. Prince Charles said Mr Dick was a "natural leader" who inspires others.
12 Mark Ruskell, Patrick Harvie, John Swinney, Richard LochheadThese four men, current or former politicians, are responsible for the Climate Challenge Fund. This £18.8 million pot of cash has revolutionised community action on climate change. It is doled out by Holyrood.
11 Mark SydenhamSince it was launched, The Bike Station has kept more than 8,000 bicycles out of landfill – instead, they are being used to help Scots to lead a more active lifestyle.
The bikes have come from skips, ditches or even canals across the Edinburgh area and the charity has taken them in, repaired them and then resold them at affordable prices.
Much of the hard work has been carried out by project leader Mark Sydenham.
Dave du Feu, of cycling campaign group Spokes, said: "He's got an entrepreneurial spirit, but one that aims for the good of the community, rather than his own gain."
THE GREEN LIST
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