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Yesterday, 130 projects have been announced as the latest community initiatives to receive awards totalling over £8 million from the Climate Challenge Fund (CCF).

Since 2008, 345 communities the length and breadth of Scotland have received a share of the £37.7 million made available under the popular CCF initiative to help reduce their carbon footprint.

Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Roseanna Cunningham today announced the 130 successful projects. Successful applications include:

• The Tarland Development Group will complete the Tarland to Aboyne Cycle Path in Aberdeenshire. Completion of the cycle path will enable Tarland residents to safely cycle the six miles to Aboyne to use the many facilities in the town reducing car use and consequently reducing the local 'Carbon Footprint'. This project is awarded £84,860
• The Balanced Bountiful Buckhaven programme creates a platform for transforming this community into a more self-reliant transition town. The programme seeks progressive reductions in carbon emissions through mobilising local volunteers and groups to promote energy efficiency, grow local food and enhance waste collection and recycling. This project is awarded £74,940
• The new Housing Association working in Bridgeton in the east end of Glasgow is leading the way in demonstrating how putting people at the heart of local decision-making can reduce carbon emissions. Bridgeton Energy Efficiency Project (BEEP) will enhance the energy efficiency of local housing by helping residents to better manage their energy use and reduce their fuel bills. This project is awarded £95,420

Ms Cunningham said:

"The Climate Challenge Fund (CCF) continues to inspire communities all over Scotland and underlines the nation-wide commitment to reduce our carbon footprint and meet our carbon reduction targets.

"Since CCF launched, it has attracted huge interest and I am delighted that our decision to extend the initiative into 2011-12 has encouraged so many high quality applications. CCF really does help communities to act on their desire to do more to enhance the environment and develop our low carbon economy.

"CCF has empowered 345 communities since 2008 to tackle their carbon emissions at local level. I have found it truly inspiring during my visits to several CCF funded projects to see community spirit in action, tackling climate change from the grass-roots up."

Simon Pepper, OBE - CCF Grants Panel Chair said:

"These exciting projects illustrate the high level of commitment to tackling climate change in communities throughout Scotland. They show just how strongly people feel and how keen they are to make a difference in their own locality. Their example is simply inspirational."

Full list of projects to receive funding under round eight of the Climate Challenge Fund

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