Communities in the Outer Hebrides can now apply for grants to help improve their facilities or lower their energy bills.

Seven community groups have already benefited from the Outer Hebrides Community Energy Fund (OHCEF) since the initiative began last year.

A total of £50k has been approved so far, with a further 12 projects in the pipeline, but the Council has confirmed there are still grants available for additional projects.

OHCEF provides grants to community groups within the Outer Hebrides area who want to lower their energy bills, make their facilities warmer and more sustainable or look at renewable energy projects. There are funds are energy efficiency projects such as insulation, renewable energy feasibility studies, energy audits and educational projects such as learning visits.

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This initiative is designed to make communities more resilient and self-sustaining through energy related improvements.

Groups can apply for grants up of to £30k for capital work and grants of up to £10k for energy audits or feasibility studies.

OHCEF is funded by LEADER Innse Gall and Highland and Islands Enterprise and is delivered by Community Energy Scotland, the only Scottish Charity dedicated to community renewable energy development.

The fund helps communities to become sustainable by providing monies for community groups who are interested in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

The work funded under the scheme must completed by December 31st 2013.

(JP/CD)