Island projects boosted by new £2m programme

A new £2million government programme aims to help communities on Scottish islands.

Funds have been set up to help with green projects including low carbon transport, food sustainability and zero waste.

Announced by the Scottish Government, they are designed to help support economic recovery after the coronavirus.

The Islands Green Recovery Programme was announced in the Programme for Government by the SNP. It is now open for applications and is managed by four partners. The Zero Waste Scotland fund will be in charge of £300,000 to introduce packaging free shops. The Energy Saving Trust fund will deliver £300,000 to support carbon neutral initiatives. The Inspiring Scotland fund will offer grants totalling £900,000 to support community recovery projects, while the Highlands and Islands Enterprise fund has been awarded £500,000 to support green economic recovery.

Part of the funding will be used to help independent food retailers and businesses introduce packaging-free shops and remove the need for disposable packaging.

Sustainable travel initiatives, climate change projects and projects to improve local supply chains can also apply for funding.

Paul Wheelhouse MSP, the Islands Minister, said: ‘The Islands Green Recovery Programme will stimulate new economic activity across our islands, helping businesses recover from the impacts of the pandemic and creating new, quality jobs. We know being environmentally responsible and mitigating the effects of climate change can be more expensive for people living on our islands. This investment will also help reduce that financial burden.’

Celia Tennant, chief executive of Inspiring Scotland, said: ‘We are delighted to support this programme which will contribute to the economic, environmental, and social well-being of island communities. We welcome the opportunity to fund and support locally-led green projects and look forward to working with businesses, sole traders, charities and community groups.’