Orkney projects to benefit from Climate Challenge fund

Two organisations in Orkney are to benefit from funding from the latest round of the Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge fund.

Orkney Zerowaste is to be given £68,149 while Papay Community Co-operative has been awarded £117,300, so they can undertake projects that will encourage recycling, reduce waste and tackle climate change.

On Monday, the Scottish First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, announced that 113 projects across Scotland would each receive shares of £9.97 million in the 23rd round of grants from the fund.

Orkney Zerowaste has stated that it will use the money for a project developing a series of reuse and repair workshops hosted by local experts to pass on skills and initiatives to decrease food waste and raise levels of composting in the county.

Papay Community Co-operative plan to use the funding for a project installing insulation and energy-saving measures at Beltane House, the island’s community centre and hostel. There also be an eco-workshop set up on the island for local recycling activities with the position of a part-time energy-saving and recycling officer created.

Highlands and Islands Green MSP, Finnie welcomed the awards. He said: “The Climate Challenge Fund provides support, resources and training to community groups taking action on climate change.

“I am delighted that 25 projects spanning all local authorities in the Highlands and Islands have been awarded funding which will support local communities to recycle, reduce, reuse, promote energy efficiency, grow food locally and tackle fuel poverty.”