Scottish Borders Council (SBC) has announced that a recent application of £218,000 to the Scottish Government’s Sustainable Action Fund has been successful.

The Scottish Government is keen to promote low carbon economies in local areas and a number of the projects that will be completed by the end of March 2013 will provide a sustainable legacy for many communities throughout the Scottish Borders.

Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Paul Wheelhouse said: "The Scottish Government is committed to tackling climate change and doing all we can to help communities reduce their carbon footprint and become more sustainable. I am delighted that we have been able to fund a project of this nature in a rural region such as the Scottish Borders. The Scottish Government recognises that approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions need to be adapted to be appropriate for rural communities.

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"This investment will help local people to grow their own produce and cut food waste. It will also encourage more people in the Scottish Borders to get on their bikes and enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits cycling brings. I am also pleased to see the council will improve the public transport experience through the new bus shelters we're funding in towns and villages throughout the region."

Councillor Stuart Bell, SBC's Executive Member for Economic Development said: "We're very pleased that the Scottish Government is funding these projects and we are confident the works will make a significant difference to communities where the carbon agenda is high on their list of concerns."

Projects include investments in the Peebles-to-Innerleithen and Clovenfords-to-Galashiels cycle paths, as well as funding new bus shelters to encourage people to use public transport. Bikes will be purchased for use by schools taking part in SBC's Education and Lifelong Learning department's 'On Yer Bike' initiative.

(CD)