Community groups in Scotland are to benefit from an additional £1.5m of funding to reduce the country's carbon footprint.

The money will top up the Climate Challenge Fund (CCF) and will allow for more carbon-cutting projects with a local focus to be established.

The additional funds takes the total budget for 2014/15 to £11.8m.

Eighteen recipients across Scotland will share the money and include:

• The Room to Roam Green Travel Hub in Aberdeenshire (£171,327).

The project aims to reduce car use and carbon emissions in and around Huntly by developing a car club, e-bike rental scheme as well as promoting public transport alternatives to the car.

• The Carbon Crib in North Ayrshire (£58,764).

The Junior Climate Challenge Fund project sets out to transform an area of derelict land in Beith into a food growing space.

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• The Greener Living Coupar Angus in Perth & Kinross (£158,728).

This initiative, run by Forward Coupar Angus will help the community tackle climate change by working with local farmers to sell produce as well as providing workshops and space for residents to grow their own food. Greener travel options will also be created through a car club, bike festival and cycle training.

• Greenproofing the Kyle Centre in Highland (£67,545).

Run by North Coast Connection, the initiative aims to make the Kyle Centre in Tongue more energy efficient.

• The Leith Community Food Project in Edinburgh (£98,650).

The scheme by Leith Community Crops in Pots will help locals grow their own food at sites including Leith Primary School, Stanwell Nursery and Dr Bell's Family Centre.

Welcoming the news, Minister for Environment and Climate Change Paul Wheelhouse said: "We know from the landmark report published by the IPCC earlier this week that climate change is a serious threat not only here in Scotland but across the globe. We need to work together at international, national and local level to tackle this most serious of issues.

"It's great that so many communities around Scotland such as St Boswells are showing real desire and commitment to making a difference and I'm delighted to confirm funding for a further 18 new, diverse range of projects through our Climate Challenge Fund.

"Each will contribute to making Scotland a more sustainable place to live and that's why I'm so pleased to announce the £1.5 million extra funding for future projects."

(JP)