SSE Renewables has awarded over £1m to 20 transformational projects across the Scottish Highlands, to help communities respond to the climate emergency.
The hosting of COP26 in Glasgow in November last year highlighted the growing climate emergency, and now, the Sustainable Development Fund is supporting local communities to take action.
Between them the 20 projects from across the Highlands have received £1.5m in support, ranging from environmental education in Kinlochbervie and decarbonising heat in community facilities in Golspie to active travel in Skye.
The projects show the breadth of activity being taken by Highland communities to tackle climate change.
One recipient is the Thurso Community Development Trust which has received a grant of more than £89,000 to deliver two combined social enterprises, comprising a zero waste refill shop and greenhouses for commercial growing.
The project aims to focus on training opportunities for young people whilst also contributing to the Trust’s vision of making Thurso the first net zero town in Scotland.
Joan Lawrie, Development Manager of Thurso Community Development Trust, said: “The funding from SSE Renewables will be hugely beneficial for the Thurso Community Development Trust.
“It will help us develop our social enterprise Socially Growing which focuses on local food production through our Greenhouses and plastic free shopping, climate change advice and support in our shop.”
In addition, Gro for Good received £75,000 to support the development of a Community Innovation Campus in Tain.
The project supports the transition to sustainable agriculture methods in the Highlands and it will include the creation of a “mini Eden project dome”, which will provide information on consumer awareness and behavioural change surrounding food and drink in relation to net zero.
Hugh Fullerton-Smith, Managing Director of Gro for Good, said: “The SSE Renewables grant has proved an enormous boost for our Community Innovation Campus project and has set a real precedent for other companies to follow suit and sponsor domes.”
Finlay McCutcheon, SSE Renewables Director of Onshore Renewables (Europe), said: “We are currently facing a significant climate emergency and communities in the Highlands have shown they are taking serious action to support net zero.
“Net zero is incredibly close to the heart of what we do.
“We have ensured the funding will help the local community to respond to these unprecedent challenges and help the region deliver on its low carbon ambitions – making a real and lasting difference for many years to come.”