Scotland's Festival of Stewardship takes place at Falkland Estate on July 26 and 27.

Organisers argue that it's time for the environmental movement to come together and renew itself.

Mike Small, programme director of the Big Tent, said: "While most festivals offer green window-dressing and concentrate on the discredited practice of carbon offsetting, the Big Tent offers real solutions for real world problems.

"There has been a collective failure of political leadership for decades.

"We now have a great opportunity with the Climate Change Bill to change that here in Scotland.

"But if we are going to reduce emissions by 80 per cent, that's going to mean some massive changes.

"We need to begin to explore what that actually means, what that would actually be like."

Highlights of the speakers programme include author and activist Alistair McIntosh on his new book 'Hell and High Water'; energy expert Professor Stephen Salter; and food critic Colin Tudge; plus practical workshops on campaigning and the transition movement.

Dr Richard Dixon, director of WWF Scotland, said: "Climate change can be tackled and Scots can, and will have to, play a role in delivering the solutions.

OPPORTUNITY

"The important thing is that the solutions to climate change are already in existence.

"All that is needed is the political will to make it happen.

"The Big Tent weekend will offer participants an excellent opportunity to learn about these solutions and how they can work with others to ensure governments, here and abroad, deliver."

The festival sees the launch of the 350 Campaign on climate change, and offers some alternative practice for other festivals like eco-camping and free public transport from the nearest train stations — and a range of 'Carbon Clinics' offering practical advice on how to reduce your own carbon footprint.

Duncan McLaren, chief executive of Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: "The Scottish Climate Bill is making its way through parliament — and we want it to be a world leader.

"We need to ensure the bill includes all sources of greenhouse gases — including international aviation; places a fair and scientifically based limit on total emissions between now and 2050; and provides strong incentives and sanctions to deliver these cuts.

"Big Tent will be an opportunity to demonstrate public support for these bold measures."