Orkney Islands Council has secured £670,000 of funding for the 'Stromness Multi Modal Low Carbon Transport and Active Travel Hub' project.

The funding comes from the European Regional Development Fund's Low Carbon Travel and Transport Challenge Fund, a capital fund that aims to facilitate the delivery of active travel and low carbon hubs and paths.

The project involves four key elements, including:

• The installation of a shore power equipment to enable the supply of 'green' electrical power to the MV Hamnavoe whilst in Stromness, drawing off locally produced renewable energy.

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• The installation of an electric bus charger at the Ferry Terminal to open up opportunities for an electric vehicle to be used on the Stromness to Kirkwall route.

• The installation of an electric vehicle charging points for ferry users.

• The procurement of electric bicycles for use by members of the public, plus associated shelters and charging points.

Brian Archibald, Head of Marine Services, Engineering and Transport at Orkney Islands Council said: "Orkney has an excellent reputation for low carbon and renewable energy innovation and I am delighted that this project to remove carbon from the ferry, bus and car transport modes in Stromness has been given recognition and generous financial support from the Low Carbon Travel and Transport Challenge Fund. We very much look forward to working with colleagues across the renewable energy and transport sectors in Orkney and at HITRANS to deliver this innovative work as soon as possible."

(CM)