A total of 27 community groups across Scotland from Shetland to the Borders have just received a massive boost with the announcement of over £1,494,000 from the Scottish Government's Climate Challenge Fund.

This will result in the creation of 25 new jobs at community level dedicated to a wide range of 'low carbon' community developments including local food allotments and markets; use of electric vehicles; community energy audits using thermal imaging cameras; developing local renewable energy generation; and restoration of old hydro schemes.

"Community Powerdown" is a consortium of 27 community groups led by Community Energy Scotland and the Development Trust Association Scotland(DTAS) and set up to help communities tackle climate change by reducing their carbon dioxide emissions.


This is the largest Climate Challenge Fund award since its inception in 2008, and highlights the significance of the Powerdown programme.

The Powerdown consortium will show that it is possible for communities to develop, whilst at the same time reducing their reliance on fossil fuels. CCF funding will allow project officers to be appointed in each community, giving a massive boost to each community's plans.

Responding to news of the award Nicholas Gubbins, Community Energy Scotland Chief executive, said: "Community Energy Scotland's role in co-ordinating the programme, along with DTAS will reduce the admin burden on community groups and enable a real critical mass of networking and information exchange.

"This information will also be made available to communities outwith the consortium so that the whole community sector will benefit from the expertise and experience built up through the Powerdown programme. This award will equip communities to deal with the challenges of the Peak Oil and Climate Change era."

Eric Larnach from Latheron Lybster and Clyth Community Development Company commented: "Funding from the fund and partnership working with Community Energy Scotland and DTAS will be the ideal vehicle to allow us to develop our local projects to reduce carbon emissions and become more energy efficient.

"CCF funding for a community energy officer post to support the local groups and our community in general will ensure the best possible outcomes for the projects."

(GK/JM)