Council Leader welcomes funding for Highland climate action projects

Leader of The Highland Council, Councillor Drew Hendry has welcomed the Scottish Government’s latest round of Climate Challenge Fund (CCF) awards which will see 2 Highland community-led projects receive a £263,704.76 share of £2.63 million.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Paul Wheelhouse has confirmed the 16th round of CCF awards, supporting 23 community projects across Scotland to take action to cut carbon emissions themselves.

The Highland applications receiving financial support are:

Leader of The Highland Council, Councillor Drew Hendry said: “We welcome the CCF funding for the Greening Kyle initiative and Sustainable Ardgour project which complement the Council’s commitment to attaining a Low Carbon Highlands by 2025.

“Through the Council’s Carbon Clever Highlands initiative we aim to both reduce our own carbon emissions and working with partners, stakeholders, and the people of Highlands to reduce the carbon footprint of the region.”

Announcing the latest CCF awards, Mr Wheelhouse said: “Climate change is a serious issue both here in Scotland and further afield and all work carried out to limit the impact of this global issue is to be welcomed. Some of the best initiatives to reduce carbon emissions are devised and delivered at a local level.

“The Climate Challenge Fund is a unique scheme providing financial support for communities, both urban and rural, to reduce emissions and make Scotland more sustainable. Those receiving support this time have demonstrated a real desire to make a positive impact on our collective efforts to make Scotland greener, with projects that are both innovative and inclusive.

“Earlier this year, we extended the terms of the CCF to encourage initiatives aiming to support climate resilience activity alongside carbon reduction. I’d like to remind communities throughout Scotland that there is still nearly £11million of Climate Challenge Funding available for future projects.”

For further information on the 23 projects to receive funding see the Scottish Government website.

6 Jan 2014