More than £2.8m is to be invested in local communities in Scotland to help tackle the issue of climate change, it has been announced.

The latest awards from the Climate Challenge Fund will see 33 community-led projects benefit from a share of £2.86m.

The awards, unveiled by Climate Change Minister Aileen McLeod, will support local communities to take action on climate change and move towards low-carbon living.

Among those receiving funding, are:

• The McLaren Community Leisure Centre in Callander (£149,827). Energy use and carbon emissions will be reduced through improvements made to the centre's roof insulation and lighting. The project will also offer home energy efficiency advice, fuel efficient driver training, a lift share scheme and promotion of cycling.

• Greenock Morton Community Trust (£106,029). The money will be used to promote lower carbon lifestyle choices in Inverclyde. With support from Beith Community Development Trust, project activities include a sports kit and footwear recycling initiative, an eco-friendly bulk laundry system, promotion of car sharing, public transport and walking together with engagement on climate change with local schools.

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• The Glasgow Nepalese Association (£41,550). This will provide home energy efficiency advice, community workshops and a bicycle club to the local Nepalese community, thus reducing energy use, car travel and fuel poverty.

• Charlie's Plot 2 in Fife (£32,611). The project, led by young people in Methilhill, has been awarded the funding under the Junior Climate Challenge Fund to help the community to make informed food choices, tackle food waste and increase their knowledge of climate change.

Dr McLeod said: "Climate change is one of the most serious challenges to global society and the natural environment both at home and abroad. We know that reducing greenhouse gas emissions isn't easy, but the Scottish Government takes climate change extremely seriously. This is why we have set the most ambitious global targets to cut emissions.

"Some of the best initiatives to reduce carbon are devised and delivered at a local level. That is why I'm delighted to announce the latest round of grant awards. Beyond doubt, the Climate Challenge Fund is making a real difference in our transition to a low carbon future."

Derek Robertson, Chief Executive at Keep Scotland Beautiful, added: "We congratulate the latest projects to be awarded Climate Challenge Fund and Junior Climate Challenge Fund grants and look forward to working closely with them in the implementation of their projects.

"Keep Scotland Beautiful is very proud to support community action on climate change through our management and development of the Climate Challenge Fund on behalf of the Scottish Government and see it as part of our work to help make Scotland clean and green, today and tomorrow."

(JP/MH)