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Thirty seven projects across Scotland today received £3.5 million to tackle climate change in their communities.

Collectively, the projects will reduce carbon emissions by over 250,000 tonnes - the equivalent of taking over 83,000 cars off the UK roads.

Successful applicants in round five of the landmark Climate Challenge Fund (CCF) include an organic garden in Bothwell, a carbon reduction scheme on the small Orkney island of Eday and an eco-friendly education centre in Markinch, Fife.

Today's announcement brings the total number of CCF projects to 157.

Announcing the successful applicants at a CCF event in Stirling, Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said:

"The Climate Challenge Fund is a groundbreaking initiative that arms communities the length and breadth of Scotland to deliver a range of innovative solutions to reduce their carbon footprint.

"I am delighted and encouraged to announce the latest round of funding.

"Over 150 communities across Scotland have benefited from almost £12 million to date. As well as the environmental benefits, the grants have created local jobs.

"It is heartening to meet successful applicants here today, the real trailblazers of climate change, and see exactly how communities are confronting carbon emissions. I want to see even more communities stepping up to the challenge of reducing their carbon emissions and their impact on the local and global environment.

"CCF is a three year project and I would urge more communities to confidently come forward with their own proposals to tackle climate change, one of the biggest environmental and economic threats facing Scotland."

Patrick Harvie MSP, said:

"I'd like to heartily congratulate all of the projects that have received an award from the Climate Challenge Fund. They are amongst a growing number of communities across Scotland that are proving to be this country's best source of innovation on tackling climate change.

"The people behind these projects are true climate pioneers, doing work we can all be proud of. If Scotland is to meet the 42 per cent carbon reduction targets Parliament set last month, we will need to scale up projects like these and learn from their experiences.

"When the Greens in the Scottish Parliament first proposed the Climate Challenge Fund, we were confident we'd see imaginative and ground-breaking applications of this sort, but the number and quality of applications have exceeded even our high expectations."

Launched by the Scottish Government with the Scottish Greens in June 2008, the Climate Challenge Fund totals £27.4 million available over three years (2008-2011). The fund is open to applications from organisations including local voluntary bodies, not-for-profit organisations and schools to fund projects which demonstrate a significant reduction in emissions. It is part of a wide range of efforts by the Scottish Government to reduce Scotland's carbon emissions by 80 per cent by 2050.

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