David Attenborough to speak at Edinburgh charity dinner

Sir David Attenborough has been announced as the guest speaker at a charity dinner hosted by Sir Tom Hunter.

The broadcaster and naturalist will attend the event at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh next month.

Previous events held by the Hunter Foundation have attracted speakers including Barack and Michelle Obama and raised more than #1 million for charities.

Businessman and philanthropist Sir Tom said: “The climate crisis is one of the greatest threats to the future of our society, so what better guest to welcome to Scotland than Sir David Attenborough?

“We look forward to hearing his thoughts on steps we can take as a nation to address the climate emergency and reflect on his years as a natural historian and broadcaster.”

All funds raised will go to charities chosen by The Hunter Foundation, which is also hosting a competition offering secondary school pupils the chance to win a table for their school at the dinner.

They are invited to submit a written or filmed piece on what their school would do if given the opportunity to address the global climate emergency.

Iain Gulland, chief executive of competition sponsors Zero Waste Scotland, said: “Young people all over the planet have played a vital role in raising awareness of the need to tackle the climate emergency.

“We saw the passion of Scotland’s school pupils during the recent climate strikes and know they can help us identify the solutions we have to find.

“The world needs fresh ideas for ways we can change our lifestyle and this competition represents a great opportunity for young people to share their thoughts and make a difference.”