A total of 232 communities the length and breadth of Scotland have received a share of the £27.4 million Climate Challenge Fund (CCF) to help reduce their carbon footprint.

Today, 90 new projects received awards totalling over £5.5 million.

Over the last three years, CCF has invested to save an estimated 691,028 tonnes of carbon, the equivalent of 225,000 cars off Scotland's roads or filling Murrayfield Stadium 345 times.

Successful applications include:

-Kilfinan Community Forest Company, Argyll, will receive over £164,500 in the hope to reduce carbon emissions by 207 tonnes. The community aim to buy the forest to deliver jobs, training, leisure and recreational initiatives, as well as wood-fuel, and timber products from the forest.

-Park Ecovillage Trust, Moray, will receive nearly #241,500 to enhance sustainability education in the region’s schools, aiming to cut 2,452 tonnes of carbon. Providing 'hands-on' eco kits will show how whole sustainable systems work so that pupils take action in their own schools and at home.

-- Advertisement --

-Shettleston Community Growing Project, Glasgow, will receive nearly £172,800 for a resident led initiative to grow food locally and raise awareness of food miles, food waste, recycling and energy consumption. The project will also address the wider poverty issues of poor health and nutrition. The estimated carbon saving is 1,286 tonnes.

Over the three years of CCF grants 970 applications were received.

Making the announcement, Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead visited the PEDAL -Portobello Transition Town project, which will receive nearly #183,000 from CCF.

Mr Lochhead said: "The Climate Challenge Fund (CCF) has captured the imagination of communities all over Scotland and demonstrated nation-wide commitment to reduce carbon footprint.

"Since CCF launched it has attracted huge interest and I am very encouraged by the high level and quality of applications. We have tapped into communities desire to do more to help the environment and I look forward to seeing what will be achieved long-term through this exceptional fund.

"CCF has empowered 232 communities to tackle their carbon emissions at local levels, which after today is now estimated to be a carbon reduction equivalent to 225,000 cars off the road. We believed that tailored approaches reflecting local needs delivers best results and we have seen some truly inspirational ideas brought to the table."

Green MSP Robin Harper said: "The Climate Challenge Fund is a chance for communities to innovate and lead, and to find opportunities instead of problems. Portobello, like many other communities across Scotland, has risen to this challenge, and I am proud to be here on the day the Portobello Transition Town project receives this crucial funding. They are pioneers in the true sense, setting an example which will be followed by other communities both across Scotland and beyond."

(GK/BMcC)