Windmills, solar panels and even hydro-electric plants could be seen at Scotland's schools and community centres under a new initiative.

The plan, which will be outlined on Tuesday, forms part of a Scottish Executive scheme to both save money and teach children about renewable energy.

Environment Minister Ross Finnie is expected to announce a multi-million pound funding package for schools and community projects to build their own power plants.

Mr Finnie is keen for renewable energy to play a bigger part in the nation's energy needs in the future and not just on a large scale.

Ross Finnie wants people to think green

He will appoint 10 renewable advisers to visit schools to help them apply for grants to build micro wind, hydro and solar energy plants.

Some schools like Portobello High in Edinburgh already have solar panels and a wind turbine.

Gullane Primary in East Lothian even has plans to supply the national grid.

The expected announcement comes the day after Mr Finnie told Scots to do their bit to save the planet for future generations.

He said people living in Scotland had to "take ownership" of sustainable development and insisted that the environment could be saved through "small, everyday actions".

'Quality of life'

He spoke out at the start of the second Scottish Sustainable Development Forum in Edinburgh.

Mr Finnie said: "It is essential that all Scots take ownership and responsibility for promoting sustainable development.

"Sustainable policies are about ensuring a good quality of life now, and for future generations.

"The drive towards improved resource use will not just involve big policies and big targets."

He added: "It will be the sum of small, everyday actions, including simple steps such as walking rather than using the car for short journeys, and switching off lights in the home."