The countdown has begun for the final of the Big Green Challenge when 12 youngsters from four schools will tackle head-on one of Scotland's most pressing issues - renewable energy.

There are now just eight days to go to the event which takes place in the Highland Capital and will be hosted by BBC Newsround presenter Laura Jones.

The four schools to have made it through to the final are Lochaber High School, Nicolson Institute, Thurso High School and Keith Grammar.

In front of a specially invited audience The Big Green Challenge takes place at the Centre for Health Science in Inverness on Tuesday June 19 from 4pm until 8.30pm,

The Big Green Challenge has been through a series of local heats involving 38 teams from 22 schools and nearly 100 young people from across the Highlands and Islands.

The finalists will  have their public speaking and debating skills put to the test in front of a judging panel including Friends of the Earth Scotland Chief Executive Duncan McClaren, Highlands and Islands Enterprise Chairman Willie Roe and Amanda Bryan, of Scottish Natural Heritage.