A total of 500 community groups across Scotland have now received an award from the Scottish Government's Climate Challenge Fund (CCF), it has been revealed.

Paul Wheelhouse, Minister for Environment and Climate Change, made the announcement as he visited The Kelpies project in Falkirk.

The investments aim to make Scotland more greener and environmentally conscious. The 500th project to benefit from the funding is the Communities Along The Carron Association (CATCA), which will run the 'CREATES' project. The scheme will cut carbon emissions in the area, with more cycle journeys and a sustainable food initiative in local schools.

This project is just one of 21 to share almost £2m being distributed in the latest round of funding, with initiatives in 11 local authority areas around Scotland gaining support.

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Minister Wheelhouse commented: "I am delighted that more than 500 communities across Scotland have now elected to take voluntary action to address the impacts and causes of climate change within their local areas. This demonstrates an impressive strength and commitment to tackle climate change at a community level, because it is real and because it matters to ordinary people.

"The Climate Challenge Fund was set up in 2008 to encourage community action on emissions but the benefits are much wider, including improving health and well-being by encouraging active travel and boosting community facilities. The CCF also helps reduce domestic fuel costs."

He added: "CATCA CREATES is a fantastic project and is a very worthy 500th recipient of Climate Challenge funding. I look forward to seeing the project succeed and to seeing the undoubtedly positive impact it will have for children and adults alike in the Larbert and Stenhousemuir community. The area is on the doorstep of The Kelpies landmark where it is perhaps only fitting we meet to celebrate Scotland's landmark achievement."

Christine Bell, Project Officer at CATCA, said: "Our partnership with Sustrans Scotland will include activities to help local schools and businesses swap car journeys for those by cycle and foot, reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality and creating safer streets.

"We are also excited to be creating community growing spaces in school grounds which will enable us to nurture the next generation of guardians for our environment as well as reducing carbon emissions."

(JP/IT)