Climate Challenge Fund reopens

THE SCOTTISH government’s popular Climate Challenge Fund has reopened for applications in 2011/12 with a £10.3 million pot to help communities reduce their carbon footprint.

The fund has already invested £27.4 million in 331 community projects since it was set up in 2008 and the government has increased the size of the fund by £1 million since last year.

Shetland projects have received more than £350,000 with assistance going to fund Shetland Amenity Trust’s carbon reduction officer; Powerdown officers in Northmavine and Unst; allotment groups in Mossbank, Sandwick and Unst; a polytunnel project in Northmavine; a district heating scheme in Aith and a renewable energy project on Foula.

Rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead said the final size of the fund was subject to the government’s budget being approved by the Scottish Parliament.

Applications to apply for funding can be downloaded at www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/ccf.