Barra and Vatersay today become the latest community to take on the challenge of reducing its carbon footprint.
Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead will visit Barra this evening and announce a £62,000 grant to support the islands to:
* grow more local food to reduce the amount of produce shipped over from Oban
* plan for a community-owned wind turbine
* increase recycling facilities
* improve energy efficiency in homes
To mark the occasion, North Bay in Barra will play host to other remote Scottish communities who want to share ideas and future plans for tackling climate change through the Climate Challenge Fund.
Mr Lochhead said:
"Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing us today, both here in Scotland and across the world. We want Scotland and its local communities to be part of the global solution.
"There are many things we can do as individuals to reduce our carbon emissions, but by acting and working together as communities we can do much more.
"That's why supporting communities such as Barra and Vatersay through the Climate Challenge Fund is so important. It will empower people to take action to reduce their carbon footprint and make a real difference to the local and national environment.
"The Scottish Government with the Scottish Greens has launched the £18.8 million fund to deliver innovative solutions at a local level such as improving energy efficiency, promoting renewable energy and producing local, sustainable food.
"As well as significantly reducing emissions, these measures will also bring wider social and economic benefits to improve the quality of life in communities. This is part of an exciting new era for community empowerment and I'd encourage others who want to make a difference locally and globally to come forward with their ideas."
Patrick Harvie MSP said:
"The Western Isles have a crucial role to play as Scotland starts to tackle climate change. As fuel costs rise, the islands regularly see some of the country's most substantial increases in living costs. Similarly, as sea levels rise and extreme weather patterns become more common, the Western Isles may well bear the brunt.
"However, Barra, Vatersay and the other isles are also uniquely blessed with the potential for renewable energy. Well-sited wind power will bring big rewards, especially community turbines like those being supported today. Larger-scale offshore wind and wave power could generate enough power to keep the lights on across Scotland.
"Greens believe local economies are stronger economies, and this project is no exception. Funding is being provided today to increase local food production and to cut waste. These are measures that could be beneficial across the whole country, but more remote communities like Barra and Vatersay will see even greater benefits from moves of this sort.
"People on Barra and Vatersay have a vision for how they can make radical improvements to their quality of life, reduce their costs, and live more sustainably. This project shows they're at the cutting edge on climate change, and their work will inspire others across the country."
Barra and Vatersay Community Limited is an example of community-led action supported by the Scottish Government's Climate Challenge Fund. Funding will help develop an action plan to look at ways in which environmental benefits could be delivered to all 1,150 residents on the islands.
This follows on from the SEEM (Save the Environment, Energy, Money) project, launched by Barra and Vatersay Community Limited earlier this year, which outlined key areas to develop for the benefit of the local community, whilst reducing the islands' impact on climate change.
Actions already underway include:
* Developing plans for a 900Kw community-owned wind turbine
* Working with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Waste Aware Western Isles and Community Recycling Network Scotland to improve waste management and recycling facilities
* Working with housing associations to improve energy efficiency and reduce fuel poverty
* Working with local food group and North Bay Community Garden to work towards a significant increase in local food production
Launched by the Scottish Government with the Scottish Greens in June, the Climate Challenge Fund totals £18.8 million available over three years (2008-2011).
The fund is open to applications from organisations including voluntary bodies, charities, schools, colleges, universities, local authorities and housing partnerships 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.
