SCHOOL pupils in Helensburgh could be set to strike for climate change next month on a day of youth engagement at COP26.

Time for Change Argyll and Bute is looking to rally behind events in the town, as well as in Oban and Lochgilphead on Friday, November 5.

That is the date when younger people will be involved at the COP26 conference in Glasgow, which will see thousands of delegates from all over the world descend on the city.

Events are also planned by Time for Change for the following day, with details to be revealed in due course. The planned school strikes are expected to be peaceful.

A spokesperson for the organisation said: “We’re in the process of organising strikes in Lochgilphead, Oban and Helensburgh on this day so that as many people as possible can take part and show solidarity for the global strikes happening in Glasgow on the same day as well as on Saturday, November 6.

“If you’d be interested in taking part or helping to organise strikes in any of these locations, please email us at timeforchangeargyll@gmail.com.

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“We can’t do this without your help. Keep your eyes peeled for further details and plans.”

Meanwhile, community groups in Helensburgh are being invited to take part in a council-organised event to support COP26 the same weekend.

The conference will take place in the Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre on Saturday, November 6 from midday to 4pm, with Argyll and Bute Council aiming to engage with the community on climate change.

Visitors will have the opportunity to learn what is being achieved within Argyll and Bute and what remains to be done in the ongoing battle.

Also included on the day will be children’s activities such as a kids’ trail, poster competition, recycling/upcycling games, and crafts.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Our aim is to engage different departments within Argyll and Bute Council, local businesses/organisations and external suppliers, to share their climate journey, network, knowledge and ongoing climate projects.

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“There will be a few key speakers hosting drop-in presentations and throughout the venue there will be different zones surrounding climate change themes.

“Information boards and stalls will be displayed in each zone and someone from the council or partner organisation will be present to engage with the public.

“Both council and external suppliers must highlight one proposal each suggesting how the community can support Argyll and Bute to become the first net zero region in the UK.

“We aim to engage with the community on how they can support this objective, while taking part in a fun family friendly event.”

Six climate change themes have been selected for the event – regional carbon footprint, energy/water consumption, transport, waste, environment and food waste.

The council has appealed for anybody involved in a project relevant to any of those themes to get in touch regarding display boards or posters and engaging with the public on the day. Some key speakers are also being sought.

Anybody able to help is asked to contact events manager Caroline De Koning on 01436 658873 or by emailing caroline.dekonning@argyll-bute.gov.uk.