Funding approved for Carbon CLEVER projects in Sutherland

Three Sutherland community groups have been awarded funding from the Council for projects which will reduce the carbon emissions, and tackle climate change in  the region.

The Carbon CLEVER Community Grant Fund was been established to help Highland communities reduce their carbon emissions, take leadership on carbon reduction, engage with others, raise awareness of climate change issues and promote low carbon behaviour.

A total of £200,000 was been made available in 2015/16 to fund community Carbon CLEVER projects across the Highlands, with each area provided with a portion of the total fund. 

Over the past few months, Sutherland community groups have been encouraged to apply and at yesterday’s meeting of the Sutherland County Committee, local councillors approved funding to Ardgay Public Hall Committee, Tongue Village Hall, and The Embo Trust.

The Embo Trust will use the £15,989 it has been awarded towards double glazing the extension to Embo Community Centre, which aims to create a village hub with a hall, café and shop.

The £5,852 awarded to Tongue Village Hall will go towards installing interior wall insulation throughout the building and the replacement of double glazed windows.

Ardgay Public Hall Committee are to receive £658 to enable them to reduce the hall’s running costs by installing new draught proofing and ceiling insulation.

Councillor Graham Phillips, Chair of the Sutherland County Committee, said: “There has been a really positive response to the Carbon CLEVER Community grant fund in Sutherland, with a good range of projects coming forward. All three projects will benefit their local communities while helping them save money and tackle climate change at a local level. We wish each group well and hope the measures will make a lasting difference.”