Minister and actress join Perth primary school pupils to launch online celebration of Scottish places

A new initiative was launched today (5 November) to encourage people from all walks of life to celebrate their links with places in Scotland that mean something special to them.

A new initiative was launched today (5 November) to encourage people from all walks of life to celebrate their links with places in Scotland that mean something special to them.

Placebook Scotland is a web-based project created by the Scottish Landscape Forum. It allows people to submit pictures, film, music and writing that capture the essence of their place. This could be their own backyard or street where they grew up, town centre or local feature; anything that gives their place its identity.

The project was launched at Moncreiffe primary school in Perth, where a group of pupils were among the first to log on and tell others about their place. Joining them was Scottish Environment Minister Michael Russell and Scots actress Daniela Nardini.

Minister for Environment Michael Russell welcomed the launch of the website and said:

"Landscape makes a significant contribution to Scottish identity and our rich natural and cultural heritage.

"Placebook Scotland will seek to cover as much as possible of Scotland's landscapes, townscapes and seascapes through the arts and I would encourage everyone to get involved.

"As Scotland gears up for 2009, the year of Homecoming, it is particularly apt that such a resource now exists to remind Scots both at home and abroad of Scotland's beautiful and diverse landscapes."

Reflecting on her upbringing in Largs, Daniella Nardini said:

"I have many fond memories of the Gogo Burn in Largs as I spent many happy hours with my friends when I was young jumping from stone to stone. And we often fell in as well!"

Ian Jardine, chief executive of Scottish Natural Heritage, one of the 22 organisations behind the project, added:

"It's great to see so much interest in this site already, not least the postings by the children of Moncreiffe primary school. We would urge everyone across the country and beyond to share their place on the website. Together we can create a huge archive of material that will celebrate the close links between people and places. That's what Placebook Scotland is all about."

Conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland is supporting PlaceBook Scotland by playing host to project officer Irene Watson for the duration of the project. Robin Turner, Head of Archaeology for the National Trust for Scotland and Scottish Landscape Forum member said:

"The Trust is lucky to care for some of Scotland's truly awe-inspiring places, from the impressive peaks of Torridon to the dual World Heritage Site of St Kilda. We know the deep connection people can have with places like these, but also with the more everyday places where they live and work. PlaceBook Scotland is a fantastic opportunity for people to express their feelings about Scotland's landscapes and townscapes, and show how much they mean to their sense of place. We hope the project helps people feel inspired by their landscapes, so that they can be protected and enjoyed by everyone."

From today people can submit their material to the Placebook Scotland website at www.placebookscotland.com as well as browse the other entries.