More businesses will be able to feel the warmth of renewable heating that cuts emissions.

26 projects across Scotland have been awarded a share of £1.6m under the Scottish Biomass Heat Scheme to install biomass heating systems and district heating systems in small businesses like hotels and offices.

The news comes as a new round of the Scottish Biomass Heat Scheme is open to applications from today.

An extra £1.3m of European funding has been allocated - on top of the original £2m, the total available under the Scheme is £3.3m

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Energy Minister Jim Mather said: "Almost half of the energy used in Scotland goes towards heating and hot water.

"Scotland must lead the fight against climate change and our ambition is to become the green energy capital of Europe. To do that, we need to build a viable renewable heat sector.

Mr Mather believes we have the forestry resource and the skills and there is a huge opportunity for Scottish business to use more biomass heating, especially in areas not connected to the gas grid.

"Business can reduce emissions and potentially cut costs, while creating new green jobs and supporting rural economies.

"The use of more woodfuel will help build a more sustainable economy and contribute to a low carbon Scotland," he said.

(GK/JM)