Grant boost for green energy

Mr Finnie has announced grants designed to help community groups and householders develop renewable energy projects.

Advisers will help groups apply for up to £100,000 to build micro wind, hydro, solar, wave, geothermal and biomass technologies.

Support will extend to projects using renewable energy to produce heat, electricity or both.

Mr Finnie said: "We recognise the growing interest in renewable energy among communities and householders.

"This new funding will enable communities and householders across Scotland to benefit.

"It will reinforce the message that renewable energy is a practical, environmentally responsible solution in both rural and urban areas."

The new grant scheme, under the Scottish Community Renewable Initiative (SCRI), will provide £3.7m over the next three years.

The executive is contributing nearly £1m to the SCRI advisory service over three years, supported by its partners the Energy Saving Trust and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.