An Edinburgh church has won a top award for its environmental work.

Members of Greenbank Parish Church were presented with an Eco-Congregation Scotland Gold Award.

The church’s Eco-Group were commended for the wide range of work that they have been involved in for many years that benefits people at home and abroad in sustainable, practical ways.

Members were praised for “thinking outside the box” for their environmentally-friendly focus, such as installing a hydrogen-enabled boiler and inviting guest speakers to preach on Sunday about a variety of eco topics to encourage discussion and action.

The award’s assessors commended church members including Karen Young who collected 217 bags of rubbish from the side of a busy road during the lockdown.

Mrs Young also created a nature garden in the Blue Zone for The recent COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow, elements of which will go on display in the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh.

Fellow church member Alison Muirson, was also commended for her work with Edinburgh City Council and the National Heritage Lottery Fund Scotland on the £8 million award winning renovation of Saughton Park and Walled Garden.

The church on Braidburn Terrace has Fairtrade status and has run a stall for 10 years which sells teas, coffees and a wide variety of other products to help producers make a sustainable living.

During the Fairtrade Foundation’s 2021 ‘Virtual’ Fairtrade Fortnight, award assessors noted that the Eco-Group had highlighted the impact of climate change on the world’s poorer nations, explaining the challenges faced by small-scale, low income farmers in particular.

Those attending were also encouraged to read a document produced by Fair Trade called “A Climate of Crisis: Farmers, Our Food and the Fight for Justice”.

Award assessors also noted that church members participated in the Kilombero Rice Challenge in support of African rice producers to market their product.

“We are delighted to have been recognised for our efforts to make a difference in the fight against climate change,” said David Jack, a member of the church’s Eco Group.

“The crisis is one of the greatest challenges of our age and the consequences are severe for those in low income parts of the world who have done the least to cause it.

“We all have a small but crucial part to play to try and prevent or minimise the devastating effects of climate change on our brothers and sisters.”

Judith Macleod, Eco-congregation Scotland programme co-ordinator, said: “We really were very impressed with the Greenbank Eco-group and feel they thoroughly deserve the gold.”