Skye Cycle Way among 20 Highland projects to receive share in £1.5m funding from SSE Renewable's Sustainable Development Fund to support moves towards net zero future
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A community project to create a safe and accessible active travel path on Skye has been awarded £100,000.
The funding, from SSE Renewables, will help to create the first section of the Skye Cycle Way between the Skye Bridge and Broadford being developed by Broadford and Strath Community Company.
It is among 20 Highland projects to receive a share in £1.5 million awarded by SSE Renewable's Sustainable Development Fund which is supporting local communities to take action after COP26 in Glasgow last November highlighted the growing climate emergency.
The projects show the breadth of activity being taken by Highland communities to tackle climate change.
Finlay McCutcheon, SSE Renewables director of onshore renewables (Europe), said: "We are currently facing a significant climate emergency and communities in the Highlands have shown they are taking serious action to support net zero.
"Highland communities have been at the forefront in their drive to address the climate emergency," he said.
"The funding provides significant opportunities for community development of projects across the region.
"As a region, we face a challenging transition towards net zero. It is heartening to have companies like SSE Renewables take a socially responsible role in the Highlands.
"Our region provides an abundance of natural resources. I hope this forms the catalyst for future commercial and public sector collaboration in delivering a just transition for all Highland residents."
The Highland Sustainable Development Fund is in addition to the local community funds from onshore wind farms owned and operated by SSE Renewables, Stronelairg Wind Farm Ltd, and Dunmaglass Wind Farm Ltd.
The aim of the Sustainable Development Fund in Highland is to support strategic projects in regions where SSE Renewables operates.
The fund brings the benefits of onshore wind energy developments to a wider area and is directed at projects that can achieve significant impacts in local communities.
