Thornton's plastic bag cash is helping the National Trust for Scotland save energy and protect its exhibits
Chocolate maker Thorntons has come up with a different way to spend cashed rasied from the 5p plastic bag charge in Scotland, converting it into energy-efficient bulbs for the National Trust for Scotland (NTS).
Since the bag levy was introduced by the Scottish Government in October 2014, the retailer has raised over £6,000 for the charity, enabling it to install LED bulbs at the Georgian House in Edinburgh, Pollok House in Glasgow and Castle Fraser in Aberdeenshire.
Trust experts have undertaken extensive work to find bulbs which are sympathetic to the heritage setting.
Project conservator Anna Starkey explains: “These bulb replacements are part of a project that is improving how we manage light in our historic properties. This generous donation is perfect as LED lights are a great way to save energy, but they also help care for our historic collections.
“Ultraviolet light is very damaging to collections and LEDs emit little or no ultraviolet unlike many energy saving bulbs. The project plans to use this money to improve the lighting at these properties, allowing us to save energy, care for the collection and improve the overall look and feel of the lighting.”
This project is allowing us to save energy, care for the collection and improve the overall look and feel of the lighting - Anna Starkey, NTS
The Trust is working with supplier Heritage Lighting who have developed a range of lamps and fittings for the heritage sector. As well as being more workable for the Trust’s historic houses, the charity benefits from lower energy charges and rarely has to change bulbs.
Property Manager for the Georgian House, Sheonagh Martin said: “The Trust is thrilled to be benefiting from the generosity of Thorntons and its customers. The funds raised from plastic bags are helping us to save energy and money for our charity instantly.”
Kirsty Wandrum, Regional Manager for Thorntons said: “We are pleased to be able to make a contribution to Scotland’s heritage in this way. Our staff selected the National Trust for Scotland as a cause they thought was worthy of support and we know that our customers enjoy hearing about the beautiful places all their 5ps are supporting.”
