Five islands secure funds towards carbon neutral projects

Five islands have secured Scottish government funding to help them towards becoming carbon neutral.

Raasay has received £207,000 to convert a disused ferry store into a community-owned venison processing facility, and for the planting of 4,000 native trees to restore habitats.

Barra will use £182,000 to cut energy costs at its Northbay Hall and Gàradh a' Bhàgh a' Tuath cafe, while Islay has been awarded £75,000 for solar panels, battery storage and heating upgrades across community buildings.

On Great Cumbrae £144,500 will cover the cost of renewable energy upgrades for 17 homes, and on Hoy an award of £140,000 will pay for improvements to its YM Community Hall.

The Scottish government hopes the islands can reduce their carbon emissions to zero by 2040.

It has invested almost £5m in its Carbon Neutral Islands programme since its launch in 2021.

Climate Action and Rural Affairs Secretary Gillian Martin said: "Island communities face real challenges such as cost of living, higher energy costs and the growing impacts of climate change.

"This investment will help thousands of residents build stronger, more self-sufficient communities fit for the future.

Tom Lusink, of Raasay Development Trust, said the new venison plant would help to support deer management on the island.

He said the habitat restoration work would also tackle invasive plant species.