Up to £2.6 million has been awarded to 12 low-carbon energy projects in Scotland.

The funding, part of the Scottish Government's Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme, is being put towards schemes in Glencoe, Callander, Aviemore, Stromness and St Andrews.

Paul Wheelhouse, Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy, said the construction and maintenance of these projects "will also have the added benefit of creating and sustaining jobs".

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"The Scottish Government has set some of the most ambitious carbon reduction targets on the planet – exceeding the requirements of the Paris agreement - and is making excellent progress towards meeting them," he said.

"We have also set our sights on eradicating fuel poverty – which is an unacceptable blight on too many households in Scotland in 2017 - as energy prices have risen steadily, at a time when wages have been depressed due to a weak UK economy and austerity.

"These twin challenges drive our ambition for  innovative local energy projects, such as those for which we are today announcing £2.6 million of funding, as these will provide many consumers, including in some of Scotland's most remote areas, with an alternative, greener, and potentially cheaper energy source."

(LM)