'Green supplement' proposal for Edinburgh's festivals

EDINBURGH'S festivals could be asked to consider a "green supplement" on tickets to help offset the impact the events have on the environment.

Charlie Henderson, an environmental consultant, wants to see the festivals cut back on programmes and flyers, as well as deploying energy-saving devices in their venues and promote less-polluting forms of travel.

Henderson, who runs the Edinburgh-based consultancy Climate Futures, is advocating a voluntary supplement of around 50p on each ticket, with the proceeds being ploughed into environment projects in the capital.

A new report for the city council, due out today, will reveal that the festivals are expected to agree environmental targets for this summer.

Jon Morgan, director of the Fringe, said: "We are always keen to find new ways to improve our environmental awareness."