Director's keynote speech discusses year ahead for Forum

Director Martin Rhodes focussed on Fairtrade Towns and the year ahead in his keynote speech at this year's Campaign Day in Stirling. Whilst praising the achievements of the past twelve months, the importance of the year ahead was also emphasised. Highlights of the summary of the past year included descriptions of Fairtrade Fortnight, World Fair Trade Day and the local successes seen in Fife, East Lothian, Cambuslang, Rutherglen, Forth Valley College and Queen Margaret University. Looking towards the future of the Forum, focus was placed on the importance of increasing the number of Fairtrade Towns and the consequences of Scotland's application to become a Fair Trade Nation. Regarding the exciting developments expected this year, the conference delegates also enjoyed hearing about further campaigning with young people through the Scottish Youth Parliament and the growth of the Fairtrade Cotton School-wear Campaign.

The roll-call of A-list Scottish celebrities who have recently come out to pledge their support for the Campaign included Sir Sean Connery, Sir Alex Ferguson, The Proclaimers, Shirley Manson, DJ Mylo, Nicola Benedetti, Tom Kitchin, Iain Banks, Billy Boyd and his band Beecake. As 2012 draws ever closer we would love to hear about your pledge to do your bit for the campaign to make Scotland a Fair Trade Nation. Please send your pledge to info@sftf.org.uk and we will add it to our Countdown Calendar.