SNP MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Alasdair Allan, has welcomed the announcement from the Scottish Government that the Outer Hebrides Climate Hub will receive £123,900 in funding for 2024/25.

This funding is part of a £5.5 million investment in 20 climate hubs across Scotland to help communities reduce their emissions and improve their resilience in the face of climate change.

Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Màiri McAllan announced the funding and highlighted that “tackling climate change is our collective responsibility and will require collaborative action at all levels.”

Climate hubs support communities in a number of ways, such as by delivering climate assemblies to schools, supporting local businesses to reuse and recycle and providing advice for tackling fuel poverty.

SNP MSP Alasdair Allan said:

“It is very welcome news that the Outer Hebrides Climate Hub will be supported by £123,900 in funding for the coming financial year.

“It is our collective responsibility to tackle the climate emergency and the network of climate hubs across Scotland empowers communities to engage and get involved in local initiatives. The Outer Hebrides Climate Hub, for example, plays a key role locally in providing resources, seed funding, training and collaborative opportunities, with a focus on mitigating and adapting to the potential effects of climate change across our islands.

“The Western Isles have some of the highest levels of fuel poverty in Western Europe. This should never be the case in a region so rich in renewable resources. Furthermore, many of our communities are in real danger due to the impact of climate change long-term, particularly with regards to rising sea levels.

“That is why I am pleased to see the Scottish Government continuing to resource communities in the fight against climate change, allowing decisions to be taken at a local level on how best to prioritise this funding.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Community action to reach net zero - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)