MSP Officially Opens New Boddam Business

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson officially opened a new base in the North-east for Direct Savings on Friday.

The energy-efficiency and insulation company based in Livingston now has a base at the Buchan Braes, Boddam where it employs eight staff and hope to expand to recruit a further four staff by the end of the year.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson said:

Stewart Stevenson MSP; Eileen Smith, Director;
Cllr Stuart Pratt, Peterhead South & Cruden

“I’m delighted that Livingston based Direct Savings have opened up a base to serve the North-east of Scotland here in Buchan.

“This is a positive investment in the Buchan economy and already eight people are employed at the site.

“Energy efficiency is increasingly important with the prospect of escalating energy bills and another harsh winter looming. I therefore wish the Direct Savings team at Boddam every success with their business venture.”

The eight new staff members at the Buchan Braes site, including manager Andy Oglesby, are on hand to help Buchan homeowners eliminate their fuel bill worries this winter and look forward to increasing their customer base even further.

Managing Director, Gerard Smith, is delighted with the firm's new premises, stating:

"We are honoured to have Stewart Stevenson MSP, Minister for Environment and Climate Change officially open our branch at Buchan Braes business centre.

"We have employed eight full-time staff over the past two months and hopefully will be looking to employ more in the foreseeable future."

Further details on the company can be found here: http://www.directsavings.org.uk/

Global Climate Change Experts To Head To Scotland

Scientists from across the globe are set to help Scotland develop a better understanding of the role peatlands could play in meeting climate change targets.

The experts will be in Scotland for an Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) science review meeting which Scotland will host in January focussing on wetland management, including peatland restoration.

Climate Change Minister, Stewart Stevenson, said the meeting would be an important step towards developing the world's understanding of the role carbon-rich peatlands play in contributing to the nation's climate change ambitions.

Hosting the IPCC is just one of many high level events Scotland has been involved in which Mr Stevenson said reaffirmed Scotland's reputation as an international leader in tackling climate change.

Mr Stevenson said:

"Scotland has iconic, internationally significant peatland resources, and we need to manage them not only to help meet our climate change ambitions, but also as important reservoirs of biodiversity that stretch from the Borders to the outer islands of our country.

"That's why I am delighted that we will welcome this Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) meeting to Scotland in January. We are well placed to host this international event on peatlands, a land-type Scotland is considerably rich in.

"The IPCC is currently finalising a programme of work which will look to allow wetland management - including peatland restoration - to be incorporated into international greenhouse gas reporting - a position the Scottish Government fully supports.

"As we look forward to the main UNFCCC conference in Durban, hosting this meeting once again demonstrates the leadership role which the Scottish Government is taking both at home and internationally on the issue of climate change."

Professor Des Thompson, Principal Adviser for Biodiversity in Scottish Natural Heritage commented:

"In Scotland we have some of the very best examples of peatland restoration in Europe, and we are delighted to share this experience with IPCC experts. By improving the state of peatlands we can make a significant contribution to reducing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere."

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ( http://www.ipcc.ch/) was established by the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to provide the world with a scientific view on the current state of knowledge in climate change.

Peatlands are significant stores of carbon, which if allowed to dry out through drainage or disturbance, will release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. It is possible to restore damaged areas of peat, although the process of restoration is complex and variable in effectiveness.

A change to international rules on reporting of greenhouse gas emissions to include the positive effect of restoration measures on damaged peatlands are currently under consideration by IPCC. As part of that consideration, the IPCC meeting to be held in Scotland 24-26 January will focus on a review of the available science and is the second of a series of five meetings to be held in 2011-2013.

Flood Awareness Raised At Flood Fair

Residents affected by recent flooding in the Highlands told Environment Minister Stewart Stevenson about their experiences when he visited a flood fair today.

The Minister heard about the devastating effects of the floods in Smithton and Culloden which resulted in a fatality when a local resident was swept away as he tried to clear a blocked culvert.

During his tour of the flood fair, Mr Stevenson also met Scottish Flood Forum staff to find out about work being done to raise awareness, promote self help measures and protect the public from flooding.

Mr Stevenson said:

"Floods can cause devastation both in terms of damage to property and tragically, as I have heard today, also through a loss of life.

"However, there are measures which people can take to protect themselves and their property and to minimise any potential impact.

"That's why we have provided £140,000 annually to the Scottish Flood Forum, helping them to support those affected by flooding and raise awareness of the risks posed by flooding and what people can do to protect themselves."

Councillor John Laing, chairman of Highland Council's Transport, Environmental and Community Services committee, said:

"Highland Council has been working hard, in partnership with the Scottish Flood Forum, to try and help residents affected by the recent flooding. This flood fair, and the drop-in sessions which have been taking place, are designed to give local people valuable practical help as well as the support they need.

"The council's flood team have also produced, in conjunction with SEPA and the Scottish Flood Forum, bulletins for local residents to keep them informed about efforts being made to tackle the flooding problem in this area."

Paul Hendy, Director of the Scottish Flood Forum, said:

"The exhibition allows property owners the opportunity to see and handle products, which when fitted, remove much of the fear of flooding.

"The minister's attendance shows just how important it is for home owners to take responsibility for themselves."

Among the residents Mr Stevenson met was Susan Scott who was affected by the recent flooding. The Smithton Burn runs through her garden and the flooding caused significant erosion.

She said:

"I went down to one of the first flood forum meetings and they were really helpful. They came to the house and had a look but said that we were already taking all the right steps.

"I think the flood fair is a good opportunity for people to find out about the help available."

MSP To Officially Open New Boddam Business

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson will officially open a new base in the North-east for Direct Savings on Friday 28 October (tomorrow) at 2.30pm at the Guardhouse, Buchan Braes, Boddam.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson said:

“I’m delighted that Livingston-based Direct Savings have opened up a base to serve the North-east of Scotland here in Buchan.

“This is a positive investment in the Buchan economy and already eight people are employed at the site.

“Energy efficiency is increasingly important with the prospect of escalating energy bills and another harsh winter looming. I therefore wish the Direct Savings team at Boddam every success with their business venture.”

The eight new staff members at the Buchan Braes site, including manager Andy Oglesby, are on hand to help Buchan homeowners eliminate their fuel bill worries this winter and look forward to increasing their customer base even further.

Managing Director, Gerard Smith, is delighted with the firm's new premises, stating:

"We are honoured to have Stewart Stevenson MSP, Minister for Environment and Climate Change officially open our branch at Buchan Braes business centre.

"We have employed eight full-time staff over the past two months and hopefully will be looking to employ more in the foreseeable future."

Further details on the company can be found here: http://www.directsavings.org.uk/

Cairngorms Public Appointment

Minister for Environment and Climate Change today announced the appointment of a new member to Cairngorms National Park Authority.

The new member is Professor Martin Price.

Professor Martin Price established the Centre for Mountain Studies at Perth College, University of the Highlands and Islands in 2000, and has since acted as its Director. He also holds the UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Mountain Development. He has over three decades of experience of applied research in the mountains of Europe and North America and has advised many international organisations on issues related to sustainable mountain development. He has also undertaken numerous projects on mountain themes for the European Commission and the European Environment Agency. In Scotland, he has led research on sustainable upland estates, wild land, mountain forests, climate change and biosphere reserves. As Chair of the Tayside Biodiversity Partnership from 2004 to 2010 he worked with a wide range of communities and businesses to foster biodiversity throughout the Tayside area.

This appointment will be for four years and will run from October 24 2011 to October 23 2015.

This post is part-time and attracts a remuneration of £199.82 for a time commitment of a minimum of two days per month.

This Ministerial public appointment was made in accordance with the previous code of practice published by the Public Appointments Commissioner for Scotland

Professor Price does not hold any other Ministerial appointments.

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees' political activity within the last 5 years (if there is any to be declared) to be made public. Professor Price has not undertaken any political activity within the last 5 years.

Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) is a non-departmental public body (NDPB). CNPA was established in 2003 under the National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000. CNPA is funded by the Government and Board members appointed by Ministers are a part of the full board in conjunction with directly elected and local authority nominated members.

The purpose of the National Park Authority is to deliver the four statutory aims for the National Park in a collective and co-ordinated way.

Stevenson Supports Energy Saving Week

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has given his backing to Energy Saving Week, which takes place from 24th – 28th October. The week is in its fifteenth year and will be focusing on households and how you can “Take back control of your energy bills”.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr Stevenson said:

“The average home can save up to £250 a year by being energy efficient and with the cost of energy bills on the rise, there’s no better time than now to take back control of your bills.

“Simple changes can make all the difference such as insulating cavities, checking that your fridge freezer door seals are working properly, install an insulating jacket for hot water tanks and remember to close your curtains at dusk.

“For those wishing for more information you can call the Energy Saving Trust Scotland on 0800 512 012 or by visiting the website: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Scotland.”

Stevenson Welcomes progress On Replacement Prison In Peterhead

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed the announcement that the Scottish Prison Service has announced its intention to award the construction contract for HMP Grampian to Skanska Construction UK Ltd. This announcement marks another significant step forward towards construction work starting at the site, with the tendering phase of the project now completed.

In accordance with EU legislation, there will be a standstill period before the contact is formally awarded in early November, at which point further details on the project are expected to be released.

Commenting, Mr Stevenson said:

“The SNP Government has made clear its firm commitment to building a new, replacement prison in Peterhead to provide facilities which will greatly improve working conditions for prison staff. Today’s announcement of an intention to award the construction contract to the successful bidder is an important milestone and demonstrates the progress that is being made.

“Our prison staff do a tremendous job under very difficult circumstances and my priority is that they should be provided with facilities which are fit for the 21st century.

“Today’s announcement is a positive sign of progress and I am looking forward to further details of the successful contract being made clear in the weeks ahead.”

Stevenson Welcomes Scrutiny Of Broadband Services

News that the Scottish Parliament's Infrastructure and Capital Investment Committee is inviting views in relation to the availability and roll out of broadband in Scotland has been welcomed by Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson.

The Committee is conducting a scoping exercise to assess the coverage, availability and uptake of broadband across Scotland.

They will also consider the ways in which different local areas are working to promote access to broadband and what work is required to expand Scotland's digital infrastructure.

The committee is seeking the public's input on this subject which can be submitted via the Scottish Parliament website at http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/CurrentCommittees/42944.aspx  

Highlighting the committee's work Mr Stevenson said:

"The situation for too many communities in the North-east is one of poor internet provision.

"The availability of effective broadband in smaller communities such as those in my constituency is essential for both commercial and residential users alike.

"I would encourage any constituent affected by substandard broadband to make representation to the committee."

Stevenson Approaches Sainsbury's With 'Come To Buchan' Message

Local MSP Stewart Stevenson says he is encouraged by a response he has received from the Chief Executive of Sainsbury’s Supermarkets that the company would be interested in locating in Peterhead “should the right site come forward”.

The SNP MSP had written to Sainsbury’s asking them to consider locating in the town when the company next considers its expansion plans. The response from Sainsbury’s indicates that the company has previously looked at Peterhead as an option but felt there were no suitable sites. With the recent closure of Focus and the continued non-development of the Kirkburn Mill site, Mr Stevenson believes the time is right for Peterhead to be looked at again.

Writing to Mr Stevenson, Sainsbury’s Chief Executive Justin King said:

“We consider every opportunity and should the right site come forward in Peterhead we would happily explore this but at present we believe there are no feasible sites for a supermarket.”

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

“I think we can take some encouragement from this because it obviously means that Sainsbury’s have indeed been looking at Peterhead as a location for a new outlet.

“While Sainsbury’s concluded that there were no suitable sites available, things have moved on with the closure of Focus, that may be one potential site. Aldi seem to be reluctant to develop the former Kirkburn Mill site and may be amenable to selling the site on to someone who actually wants to do business in Peterhead. So I think there are a number of possibilities which need to be explored and, to that end, I have asked the council’s Economic Development Department to make early contact with Sainsbury’s to discuss possible options.”

Stevenson Welcomes More Help For First Time Buyers

ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR SHARED EQUITY SCHEME

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed a cash injection boost to a Scottish Government scheme helping first time buyers get a foot on the property ladder.

The SNP Government has announced an extra £4.65million has been allocated to the Open Market Shared Equity (OMSE) Scheme to help those on low to moderate incomes into home ownership.

In the past four years the Low-Cost Initiative for First Time Buyers (LIFT) shared equity schemes, which OMSE is part of, has helped over 5,600 people buy a home.

The new funding allocation almost doubles the OMSE budget from £4.75million to £9.4million and means that the Scottish Government can aim to help over 250 more first time buyers in Scotland to buy their first homes under the scheme.

Through the Open Market scheme, buyers can own a home, but only pay for a proportion of it - between 60 and 80 per cent of its value - with the Government funding the remainder through taking an interest-free equity stake.

The buyer does not pay any charges on the equity stake, but pays the Scottish Government a proportion of the sale price at the time of sale, or earlier if they wish.

There are limits set on the price of homes that can be bought under the open market scheme to ensure that only 'starter' properties are available through the scheme.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

"The Scottish Government has already ploughed millions into a variety of shared equity schemes to help people get onto the property ladder as this will benefit not only those potential new homeowners, but will also help the Scottish housing market.

"We remain committed to continuing support to assist first time buyers under our Low-Cost Initiatives for First Time Buyers shared equity schemes.

"Once in the property, buyers then have the option to increase the share they own over time and eventually own the property outright."

Further information is available at www.scotland.gov.uk/LIFT

Encouraging Interests To Work Together

Scotland's salmon farming industry and wild fish organisations have agreed to enter a facilitated discussion process to support the development of a positive way ahead for both sectors.

Environment Minister Stewart Stevenson said:

"Scotland is blessed with some of the best salmon fishing rivers in the world and has an international reputation that draws visitors from near and far. We are also known for producing premium quality farmed salmon, and the aquaculture industry makes a key economic contribution, particularly in fragile rural communities.

"I believe that both sectors can exist and develop in harmony with each other, and I am therefore greatly encouraged that both wild fish interests and the salmon farming industry have agreed to this new process with a view to working together more constructively in the future."

Dr Alan Wells, Policy and Planning Director of the Association of Salmon Fishery Boards said:

"We recognise that the salmon farming industry makes an important contribution to Scotland's rural economy and that it is here to stay. However, wild salmon and sea trout are also important to the west Highlands and Islands.

"Accordingly we welcome the intervention of Stewart Stevenson to encourage both wild fish interests and aquaculture interests to enter discussions with a view to working together more constructively in the future, and enabling both sectors to prosper".

Scott Landsburgh, Chief Executive of the Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation, which represents the salmon farming industry, said:

"We are pleased that the Minister has taken a lead in establishing these discussions. We welcome the recognition by all parties in the process that salmon farming plays a vital part in Scotland's rural economy and has a long term future. We look forward to joining with our colleagues in the wild fisheries sector in these discussions."

Paul Knight, Chief Executive Officer of the Salmon and Trout Association, said:

"We too welcome this initiative from the Minister and we intend to work to constructively to enable Scotland's iconic wild fisheries to prosper alongside a successful fish farming industry."

Andrew Wallace, Chairman of the Rivers and Fisheries Trusts of Scotland, added:

"For the past decade we have engaged in dialogue on many levels with the salmon farming industry and this fresh initiative is certainly worth exploring."

Phil Thomas, Chairman of the Scottish Salmon Producers' Organisation, said:

"These discussions offer Scotland's aquaculture and wild fisheries sectors a valuable opportunity to build constructive dialogue going forward."

The parties will have an opportunity to meet with an independent facilitator shortly to discuss how the process might work and what outcomes should be sought.

Aquaculture accounts for almost 40 per cent of the value of Scotland's food exports, with production worth around £434 million per year. Alongside Norway and Chile, Scotland is a top three global producer of farmed Atlantic Salmon.

Figures for 2010 show that Scotland's total rod catch for salmon was the highest on record, with 110,496 salmon and grilse caught, up 31 per cent on the previous five year average. Of these 70 per cent were caught and released by anglers (rising to 86 per cent for spring salmon).

Game and coarse angling brings in over £113m annually to the Scottish economy and helps sustain over 2800 jobs around Scotland. Salmon and sea trout angling in Scotland accounts for more than 500,000 angler days.

Green Opportunity On The Road To Durban

Member states should view climate as an economic opportunity rather than a problem, says Environment and Climate Change Minister Stewart Stevenson.

Speaking today from the Environment Council in Luxembourg Mr Stevenson said:

"Opportunity is the key word in tackling climate change. Our evidence demonstrates the jobs, investment, trade and economic growth opportunities for Europe - not just Scotland - presented by the low carbon economy.

"The changing dynamic of energy markets in Europe presents opportunity for clean, green alternatives. By 2020 we will be generating twice as much electricity as Scotland needs - just over half from renewables - demonstrating the viable export commodity renewable energy truly is.

"I welcome the EU work on climate change, which is also supported by the UK Government. But this is clearly a global issue and we must continue to press the matter beyond the EU boundaries, as well as with member states.

"David Cameron has expressed thanks for Scottish Ministers support for higher EU emissions reductions targets. Mr Cameron also commended the Scottish Government on the low carbon investments and policies that have created jobs and growth - and these are the working examples that I want to share with European colleagues."

While in Luxembourg, Mr Stevenson will hold further bilateral meetings with Ministers from Romania, Bulgaria and Estonia to discuss the potential economic benefits of low carbon.

Mr Stevenson will meet:

• Ms. Nona Karadjova, Bulgarian Minister of Environment and Water
• Ms. Keit Pentus, Estonian Minister of Environment
• Mr. Laszlo Borbely, Romanian Minister of Environment and Forests

Mr Stevenson also recently met Ministers from Denmark, Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, Latvia and Malta to promote the economic opportunities for Europe of low carbon.

In line with its growing international role on climate change, the Scottish Government has been increasing its support for developing countries through its partnership with the Maldives, projects in Malawi, work with the Inter-American Development Bank and Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute, and Manifesto commitment to a Scottish International Climate Adaption Fund.

Stevenson Checks Health Of Fraserburgh Development Trust

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson visited Fraserburgh Development Trust (FDT) on Friday and found the organisation was in excellent health.

The MSP was taken on a tour of The Hub in the town's High Street by directors and management of FDT and took the opportunity to have a quick 'health check' at the NHS Grampian Healthpoint located there.

The Hub was previously a semi-derelict building which FDT have completely refurbished with funding from the Scottish Government's Town Centre Regeneration Fund.

The Fraserburgh Development Trust is a membership-led charity, formed by the Fraserburgh community for the purpose of improving, sustaining and regenerating the local community.  The main goal of FDT is to work with the community to bring improvements to Fraserburgh and its surrounding area. 

Commenting after his visit, Stewart Stevenson MSP said:

"The members, directors and management at Fraserburgh Development Trust are to be congratulated on what they have achieved here at The Hub.

"A previously semi-derelict building in the town's High Street has not only been transformed to a vibrant community facility but has substantially improved one of the most visible run-down buildings in the centre of Fraserburgh.

"FDT also briefed me on their current projects and future plans, all of which are very exciting indeed.

"In common with many other towns across the country at the moment, Fraserburgh is not without its problems, but the key to addressing these is positive community engagement of exactly the sort we've seen from FDT.

"I wish them continuing success with their efforts on behalf of Fraserburgh and district."

Stevenson Warns Of Bogus Doorstep Collectors

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson is alerting constituents who give unwanted goods on their doorstep to charitable causes to be careful when doing so to ensure that the goods reach genuine beneficiaries.

The MSP is supporting the ‘Give with Care Campaign’ launched by the Institute of Fundraising and the Fundraising Standards Board.

Clothing and textiles is the fastest growing area of household waste at around 2 million tonnes per annum. Of this, as much as 1.2 million tonnes ends up in landfill. Charity collections are an important way of not only reducing waste and preserving our environment, but of generating vital funding. Clothing collections raise an estimated £250 million for UK charities each year. Some charities collect goods themselves, others (particularly smaller charities and those without the necessary infrastructure or reach) use commercial organisations to collect on their behalf.

Stewart Stevenson MSP is urging constituents to:

1. First & foremost to Keep Giving - beneficiaries need you to donate goods that charities can sell on. Use the following checks before you give to doorstep collectors. Or, if you can, donate directly to your local charity shop.
2. Check for a Scottish charity number and look for the FRSB’s “tick” logo on a charity’s literature.
3. Look for a working telephone number which any legitimate collector will display.
4. Some collectors may not be registered charities but still collect for legitimate good causes in your area. Bogus collectors will often promote vague causes rather than specific charities or local good causes.
5. If you are still in doubt, contact The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator on 01382 220446 or by clicking www.oscr.org.uk.

Commenting on the need for vigilance Mr Stevenson said:

“It is a sad reality that some bogus firms are in operation collecting doorstep donations and misleading the public into believing that they are being sold for charitable causes, or in some instances stealing goods intended for charities.

“Doorstep collections form an important part of the business of genuine charities I want to encourage those who donate to carry on doing so, but to also take care to ensure they are giving to legitimate charities.

“The Institute of Fundraising and FRSB have outlined these helpful checks and I welcome the opportunity to endorse this approach.”

Scottish Environment Minister Highlights KIMO International’s Achievements

Delegates from northern Europe attending the KIMO International conference last week, hosted by Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City Councils, were told how the organisation’s lobbying and projects continued to drive environmental awareness in the maritime sector and help clean up our seas.

Scottish Environment and Climate Change Minister Stewart Stevenson MSP opened the Conference by praising the work KIMO is undertaking on projects such as Fishing for Litter and its leading role in bringing issues such as marine pollution to the fore.

He said,

“The Fishing for Litter scheme in Scotland is an excellent example of what can be achieved through imaginative solutions and partnership working. It is a credit to KIMO, the fishing industry and its other partners that 160 Scottish vessels in 18 harbours participate in the scheme.”

During the 2002-2004 Save the North Sea project KIMO helped to pioneer environmental awareness courses for crew on commercial ships, participants in Aberdeen were told how these courses had now been ratified by the International Maritime Organisation under the SCTW Convention, which meant that they would now be a mandatory training requirement worldwide.

More recently KIMO has been lobbying the European Parliament, EU governments and shipping companies to reduce the number of containers lost at sea. The meetings heard that the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) were now calling for measures to reduce the number of lost containers from shipping, a call that mirrored many demands made by KIMO.

Climate Challenge Fund

The Climate Challenge Fund (CCF) which supports community-led action to reduce emissions, along with a Junior CCF for under 18s, has officially opened for business today.

Announcing the £10.3 million extended Scottish Government scheme, Environment and Climate Change Minister Stewart Stevenson met with P4 and P5 pupils from Churnside Primary at Lambhill Stables in Glasgow.

Lambhill Stables previously received over £360,000 to create a community hub providing training and educational opportunities to local residents in the areas of gardening, renewable energies and sustainable transport.

Mr Stevenson said:

"The Junior CCF is an exciting addition to this overall project and I look forward to seeing the innovative ideas put forward by Scotland's children to reduce our carbon footprint. The ambition of Junior CCF is clear - to provide the means for the next generation to make a real difference on an issue we know they are passionate about.

"Since 2008, 345 individual communities across Scotland have received awards through CCF and their contribution in tackling climate change is greatly acknowledged. Our Economic Strategy and Spending Review makes strong references to the importance of grass roots action such as this if we are to move towards a truly low carbon economy.

"Lambhill Stables is a great example of how CCF offers real community benefits. It has brought the practical benefits of low carbon living into this area making it relevant and making a positive difference to people's lives."

David Cruickshank, Executive Director at Lambhill Stables, said:

"CCF funding has granted Lambhill Stables a revenue stream allowing us to run a programme of sustainable activities from the newly refurbished B-listed Stables Building and the Community Garden.

"This has enabled us to involve the community in a spectrum of activities ranging from active transportation such as healthy walks and cycling, energy awareness, community gardening, home grown food production and preparation, and the everyday actions we can all take to tackle climate change. In turn this programme has contributed to the development of a sense of community ownership and cohesion."

The Scottish Government has confirmed the commitment to CCF at £10.3 million each year over the Spending Review period.Junior CCF will aim to award ten per cent of the CCF towards carbon reducing projects working with young people (18 and under).

This is the ninth round of CCF funding.