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Islay’s carbon-neutral goal is edging closer after receiving a share of £1 million from the Scottish Government’s Carbon Neutral Islands (CNI) Capital Fund.

Islay is one of six Scottish islands previously selected by the Scottish Government to become fully carbon-neutral by 2040 – five years earlier than Scotland’s overall goal of 2045. The initiative is part of the CNI Project, aimed at supporting islands to achieve their carbon-neutral ambitions.

To date, the CNI project on Islay, which is managed by Islay Energy Trust and supported by Community Energy Scotland, has worked to produce a Community Climate Action Plan as well as supporting local energy generation.

This latest funding announcement will help support two of the actions in the Climate Action Plan. The funding, which ������ applied for on behalf of the community organisations, will enable Islay Development Initiative to continue to develop their tree nursery on the island alongside a new community orchard at Cornabus. Islay Energy Trust will also support seven community buildings through the installation of solar panels, battery storage and energy efficient heating systems.

The Council’s Policy Lead for Climate Change, Renewables and Net Zero, Councillor Luna Martin, said: “We are committed to tackling climate change and the communities on Islay are to be congratulated on their already impressive efforts in helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and  deliver more sustainable energy on the island.

“This CNI Capital funding is vital in enabling even more projects to happen. The two successful projects will help to reduce carbon emissions and reduce running costs for community run organisations, supporting jobs, promoting local growing and contributing to the national 2045 net zero commitment.”

Tom Skinner from Islay Energy Trust, said: “The Carbon Neutral Islands project is giving us a fantastic platform to help Islay’s transition into the new era of carbon free energy.”

The other Scottish islands included in the CNI project, which were identified following consultation with councils and island representatives, are Hoy, Great Cumbrae, Raasay, Barra and Yell.

Tom Skinner from Islay Energy Trust, said: “The Carbon Neutral Islands project is giving us a fantastic platform to help Islay’s transition into the new era of carbon free energy.”