Barra and Vatersay today becomes the latest community to take on the challenge of reducing its carbon footprint.

Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead will visit Barra this evening and announce a £62,000 grant to support the islands to grow more local food to reduce the amount of produce shipped over from Oban, plan for a community-owned wind turbine, increase recycling facilities and improve energy efficiency in homes.

To mark the occasion, North Bay in Barra will play host to other remote Scottish communities who want to share ideas and future plans for tackling climate change through the Climate Challenge Fund.

Mr Lochhead said: "There are many things we can do as individuals to reduce our carbon emissions, but by acting and working together as communities we can do much more.

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"That's why supporting communities such as Barra and Vatersay through the Climate Challenge Fund is so important. It will empower people to take action to reduce their carbon footprint and make a real difference to the local and national environment."

The Scottish Government with the Scottish Greens has launched the £18.8m fund to deliver innovative solutions at a local level such as improving energy efficiency, promoting renewable energy and producing local, sustainable food.

Patrick Harvie MSP said: "The Western Isles have a crucial role to play as Scotland starts to tackle climate change. As fuel costs rise, the islands regularly see some of the country's most substantial increases in living costs. Similarly, as sea levels rise and extreme weather patterns become more common, the Western Isles may well bear the brunt.

"People on Barra and Vatersay have a vision for how they can make radical improvements to their quality of life, reduce their costs, and live more sustainably. This project shows they're at the cutting edge on climate change, and their work will inspire others across the country."

(GK/JM)