Islands to cut carbon footprint

Barra and Vattersay will use the cash for a variety of green initiatives

Two Scottish island communities have been awarded £62,000 to help them cut their carbon footprint.

Barra and Vatersay will use the cash to grow more local food and reduce the amount shipped over from Oban.

They also have plans for a community-owned wind turbine, increase recycling facilities and better energy efficiency in homes.

Funding for the proposals is coming from the Scottish Government's £18.8m climate challenge fund.

Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead will formally announce the grant during a visit to Barra on Tuesday.

He 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.

"It will empower people to take action to reduce their carbon footprint and make a real difference to the local and national environment."