Outlander star Sam Heughan launches ‘call to action’ to young Scots on climate emergency for Edinburgh Festival Fringe

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Sam Heughan has recorded a special video message to launch the “call to action”

Outlander star Sam Heughan has launched a “call to action” to young Scots on the climate emergency to help ensure their voices take centre stage at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

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The actor is joining forces with the Traverse Theatre, where he landed his first major role, to help encourage “the young people of Scotland” to have their views heard on how to save the planet and deal with the climate emergency.

Heughan has recorded a special video message to launch the Last Chance To Save The Planet project, which will see 11-18 year-olds urged to write their own “urgent words of protest."

Young people are being challenged to set out their views in letters, poems, songs, speeches and “pleas to the world”.

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Stars of stage and screen will bring their “desires, appeals, hopes and fears” for the future of the planet to life on stage at the Traverse in a one-off performance in the middle of the Fringe.

An official announcement from the Traverse said: “We want to hear from those whose voices matter. Voices that are the future of our world. Voices that are so often overlooked and sidelined.

“We want to hear from the young people of Scotland to understand how they feel about the future of their planet. Young people will be the most adversely impacted by the climate crisis and yet are so often excluded from the discussions that will shape their future. Last Chance to Save the Planet seeks to change that format and disrupt the dialogue.

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“This project will make young people programmed writers and heard activists, amidst the largest arts festival in the world.”

In his video message, Heughan said: “I've got a very exciting opportunity to share with you from the Traverse Theatre, a place I hold very dear to my heart. Now the Traverse wants to hear from you. If you're between the ages of 11 and 18 and live in Scotland, this is your chance for your voice to be heard on climate change.

"We're asking for your voice, new writing, whatever it is, whether it's poetry, songs, speeches, theatre. We're going to get a group of professional actors from stage and screen to perform these pieces in August at the Traverse.

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"So whatever your writing is, you don't have to be a professional writer or a climate change expert, we just want to hear your voice and make older generations take note.

Sam Heughan. Picture: John DevlinSam Heughan. Picture: John Devlin
Sam Heughan. Picture: John Devlin

"All we ask is that the starting point is the ‘Last Chance To Save The Planet’. I can't wait to hear your voice and help save this beautiful planet.”

Heughan added: "I thoroughly encourage young people across Scotland to occupy their rightful space in this festival with both hands, adding to the powerful and revolutionary act of storytelling, questioning and demanding change.”

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Linda Crooks, executive producer at the Traverse, said: “Using our platform to tell vital stories and connect communities has always been at our core and this is why we’re so delighted that Sam Heughan has added his voice to our rallying cry – Last Chance To Save the Planet.

"Together we hope to engage as many young people across Scotland as possible in not only responding to, but leading this urgent and necessary conversation about the climate emergency.”

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