Football clubs in Scotland have been urged to follow the lead of Hibernian in setting out bold plans to lower their emissions and tackle the climate emergency by Lothians MSP Alison Johnstone.

Already ranked third in the UK for environmental issues after Forest Green Rovers and Manchester United, Hibs have pledged to build on being “the greenest club in Scotland” by the end of the year, by removing all single use plastics from its catering, switching its car fleet to electric vehicles and introducing vegan food to its matchday kiosks.

Responding, Scottish Greens sports spokesperson Alison Johnstone said: “This is impressive leadership shown by Hibs. Tackling the climate emergency cannot be the responsibility of individuals alone, it needs leadership by government and big businesses to make it easier for us all to play our part. That’s why football clubs, with their position in the hearts of our communities, can play such a ***** role. Hibernian already use renewable electricity and take a lead on recycling, but I congratulate Hibs chairman Ronald Gordon and chief executive Leanne Dempster for showing this leadership and understanding that we need to go further if we are to provide an emergency response. I strongly urge clubs across the country to take inspiration from them.”