An additional £10.3m is being released to help communities across Scotland reduce their carbon footprint.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Paul Wheelhouse said the money would allow the innovative Climate Challenge Fund (CCF) to continue in 2015/16.

The CCF allows communities to take action to cut carbon for themselves and a further 32 projects have been successful with their applications.

Among those sharing £3.6m are:

• the Cycle to the Moon challenge in Cumbernauld (£242,300) - to challenge people within the communities to get on their bikes and 'cycle to the moon'
• the Garden Plate project in East Lothian (£64,208) - which will help five primary schools cut their carbon emissions by growing local food on allotments and cutting food waste
• the Lost Garden of Penicuik project (£31,900) - to restore the garden as a sustainable food source, reducing carbon emissions by cutting food miles
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• the Lismore Hall Energy project in Argyll and Bute (£25,266) - which will insulate and draught-proof the building as well as promote lower carbon travel.

Mr Wheelhouse said: "We know from the landmark report by the IPCC, published last week, that climate change is a serious threat not only here in Scotland but across the globe, that we are more certain that ever before that it is predominantly caused by mankind, and that we need to work together to limit the impacts of it.

"Our local communities are showing a real desire and willingness to do their bit and work together to look at ways they can cut their own carbon footprint and, in turn, reduce Scotland's contribution to causing this most critical global challenge.

"The CCF allows communities to gain financial support and come up with inspiring projects to reduce emission and make Scotland a more sustainable place to live. That is why I am so pleased the announce this further funding and continue this unique scheme.

"The Green Heritage Project showcases the multiple benefits of the CCF. It supports local residents to install energy efficiency measures and grow their own food, and the project is well established and delivering good results for the city.

"We've also recently extended the terms of the CCF to encourage projects which wish to support climate resilience activity alongside carbon reduction, to apply, where these projects are low carbon and contribute to wider climate action."

(JP/CD)