Capital lights to go off for Earth Hour

ICONIC landmarks across the Capital are set to switch off their lights for Earth Hour.

Edinburgh Castle, the Scottish Parliament, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the National Gallery of Scotland and the Royal Scottish Academy will be plunged into darkness for 60 minutes on Saturday.

The Balmoral Hotel, Camera Obscura and the National Monument will also take part in the global switch-off.

The annual event is held to mark the World Wildlife Fund’s Earth Hour and raise awareness of climate change.

Since it began in 2007, WWF’s Earth Hour has grown to become the world’s largest public campaign designed to highlight the impact climate change is having on people and nature.

In 2011, millions of people across 134 countries and territories participated and Scotland became the first country to secure support from 100 per cent of its cities and local authorities.

Edinburgh North and Leith MP Mark Lazarowicz said: “WWF’s Earth Hour is a simple idea that brings together ­millions of people across the globe who all care about one thing – our planet.”