Improving lives in Scotland through local climate action

Community projects across Scotland aimed at improving lives through local climate action are set to benefit from a share of £6 million Scottish Government funding.

Scotland's nationwide network for Climate Action Hubs encourage and support climate action unique to their own areas from flood mitigation, repair shops and local energy generation to food growing and tree planting.

There is now a Hub covering every area in Scotland fulfilling a previous Programme for Government commitment to ensure people are empowered to act on climate in their own neighbourhoods.

Acting Net Zero Secretary Gillian Martin confirmed the funding during a visit to Buckie Thistle Football Club which is being supported by Moray Climate Hub to reduce its impact on the environment and raise awareness of climate change in local schools. 

Ms Martin said: “I am very pleased to hear first-hand how Moray Climate Hub has been helping communities in the area support climate action from working with their local football team to identify ways in which they can cut their emissions to setting up a biodiversity garden for adults with learning difficulties.

“Football clubs, like Buckie Thistle, play an influential role in their local community, and their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint will undoubtedly inspire others to do the same, and provide a template for climate action that other clubs can follow.

“Tackling climate change is our collective responsibility and will require collaborative action at all levels. We must also share in the economic and health benefits that protecting our planet for future generations will bring. 

“Communities are uniquely placed to play a critical role in shaping and driving forward the transition to low carbon and climate resilient living and we want to empower people to take action in their neighbourhoods that's right for them. 

“That is why we are proud to continue to support our hugely successful framework of regional climate hubs, which provide a vehicle for communities to come together and engage in collective grassroots action.”

Moray Climate Hub Manager (Moray CAN) Louise Nicol said: “We're delighted to receive continued funding , it means we can keep supporting communities across Moray to take meaningful climate action in ways that work for them. Working with Buckie Thistle has been great, and we are both learning so much from each other. Football is more than a game – it's a community hub, and it's a great way to open up conversations about the environment.”

Buckie Thistle Football Club General manager, Stephen Shand, said: “We're very grateful for the support from Moray Climate Hub – it's helped us get our heads around what we can do as a club to be more environmentally responsible. We're just at the start of the journey, but it's exciting to learn more and see where small changes can make a difference. The help we are getting to find funding has been a huge boost to the club.”  

Background

A total of 24 hubs have been set up across Scotland - fulfilling a 2024 Programme for Government commitment.

Contact information for climate action hubs.

The Scottish Government is providing up to £6 million of funding in 2025 - 2026 for its network of Climate Action Hubs alongside a support package for delivery. This is broken down as follows – with some funding still to be allocated: