Climate Challenge Fund

COMMUNITY groups across Shetland are being invited to a special event next week to find out how to apply to the latest round of the Scottish government’s Climate Challenge Fund.

Twelve Shetland projects have already benefitted from the fund, which is just being opened for its latest two year funding round worth £10.3 million a year.

In total 399 projects have received more than £44 million of CCF funding to reduce their carbon footprint, save money and make community improvements.

The latest Shetland project to benefit is the Foula community polycrub, which aims to create a space for local year round food growing and to teach young folk about growing your own.

The Shetland event will be held on 5 February at the museum in Lerwick with one session from 11am to 3pm and a second from 6pm to 8pm, and people can claim travel expenses to attend if necessary.

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Groups can apply for 100 per cent funding up to £150,000 a year.

Shetland Islands Council environment and energy team leader Mary Lisk said: As well as a presentation, there will be opportunities for community groups to chat through project ideas one-to-one with a CCF development officer.

“There is no need to book for the event – just turn up on the day.”

She added that there would be help putting together bids for projects available from her departmental staff.

Highlands and islands independent MSP Jean Urquhart urged groups to go along, saying there had been a drop in bids from the northern isles in recent months.

“Hopefully, these events will help encourage more applications from our island communities as we do our best to help tackle climate change,” she said.

Details about the fund can be found here.