Remote Scottish islands get funds for energy efficiency
27 August 2008
One of
Scotland's most remote islands has received funds for energy
efficiency measures, which could include insulation, in a bid to
reduce its carbon footprint.
Barra and Vatersay islands, the southernmost in the Outer Hebrides,
were awarded £62,000 to develop various emissions reduction
measures.
Making the homes of the remote community more energy efficient is
among the ways the money is expected to be used.
The Energy Saving Trust has noted that installing insulation is one
of the best ways of improving energy efficiency.
Scotland's environment secretary Richard Lochead was on the island
for a meeting with other remote communities to discuss the
possibility that they would follow Barra and Veatersay.
In order to meet the Scottish government's target of 80 per cent
reduction in emissions by 2050 – which is a higher target than
Westminster's 60 per cent- it has made £18.8 million available
through the Climate Challenge Fund.
Mr Lochead said: "There are many things we can do as individuals to
reduce our carbon emissions, but by acting and working together as
communities we can do much more. That's why supporting communities
such as Barra and Vatersay through the Climate Challenge Fund is so
important."
The funds will also be used by the community to grow more of its
own food and develop plans for a 600kW wind turbine.
