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Climate / Government announces ambitious plan to turn Yell carbon neutral by 2040

Yell is home to Shetland's only community owned wind farm. Photo Shetland News

YELL is one of six Scottish islands that have been chosen by the Scottish Government to become carbon neutral by 2040.

Announced by rural affairs and islands secretary Mairi Gougeon in parliament today (Tuesday) the Carbon Neutral Islands project aims to share good practices and learnings from the project with all other Scottish islands.

The other five islands destined to be carbon neutral in 18 years’ time are Hoy, Islay, Great Cumbrae, Raasay and Barra.

North Isles councillor Ryan Thomson said he hoped the community would take ownership of the ambitious project.

“This is a really exciting development,” he said, “I’m delighted to see Yell being chosen by the Scottish Government as one of the six islands chosen to be a Carbon Neutral Island project.

“I look forward to meeting and working with the Carbon Neutral Island team during the coming weeks to ensure the journey to carbon neutral status is driven by the community of Yell with the help and support it requires.

“Finally, while each island in Shetland is unique, the CNI project will be able to offer lessons and inform other islands on how it can reach their own goals.”

Gougeon said a report on the project would be published over the summer.

“Scotland is at the forefront of climate change mitigation and adaptation at the global level, and I’ve always believed that our islands will contribute significantly to the country’s net zero commitment,” she said.

“This project is another testament to Scottish islands being in the vanguard of innovation, leading the way in the journey to net zero while supporting other areas across Scotland.”

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