Coronavirus / Government gives more details on islands green recovery fund
THE SCOTTISH Government has released more information on how a recently announced £2 million islands green recovery programme will be used to stimulate economic activity in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Islands minister Paul Wheelhouse described the programme as “locally-led” and said it was now open for applications.
The £2 million programme is split into four strands and managed by four partners:
- Zero Waste Scotland fund – £300,000 to introduce packaging free shops;
- Energy Saving Trust fund – £300,000 to support carbon neutral initiatives;
- Inspiring Scotland fund – £900,000 to support community recovery projects and
- Highlands and Islands Enterprise fund – £500,000 to support green economic recovery.
Part of the funding will be used to help independent food retailers and businesses introduce packaging-free shops and remove the need for disposable packaging.
Sustainable travel initiatives, climate change projects and projects to improve local supply chains can also apply for funding, the government said.
Wheelhouse said: “We know that Covid-19 has had, and continues to have, a profound impact on our island communities.
“We want to use the learning from impacts encountered and solutions that have been identified during this pandemic to build the resilience of our island communities.
“We know being environmentally responsible and mitigating the effects of climate change can be more expensive for people living on our islands. This investment will also help reduce that financial burden and back projects that support sustainable, on-island employment.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.