Funding from the Scottish Government's Climate Challenge Fund (CCF) is to create 25 new community jobs in projects across Scotland from the Borders to Shetland.

Nearly £1.5 million is to be used to boost communities involved in developing a wide range of "low carbon" projects.

The projects include setting up local food allotments and markets, using electric vehicles, thermal imaging cameras for energy audits, developing local renewable energy and restoring old hydro schemes.

Community Powerdown, is a consortium of 27 community groups, set up by Community Energy Scotland and the Development Trust Association Scotland (DTAS), to help communities tackle climate change by reducing their carbon dioxide emissions.

This is the largest award from the CCF since it was set up in 2008 and will allow project officers to be appointed in 25 communities.

Eric Larnach from Latheron Lybster and Clyth Community Development Company in Caithness said in a statement: "Funding from the fund and partnership working with Community Energy Scotland and DTAS will be the ideal vehicle to allow us to develop our local projects to reduce carbon emissions and become more energy efficient. 

"Our projects include an Information and Education Centre - working with primary schools and secondary schools in Caithness, a polytunnel project for education on locally grown food linked to a healthy eating initiative and a community-owned wind project to deliver renewable energy." 

Nicholas Gubbins, Community Energy Scotland chief executive, said: "There are now 27 very happy community groups across Scotland, eager to begin developing their Powerdown plans.

"Community Energy Scotland is delighted that the Government's Climate Challenge Fund is supporting the consortium as it will bring real and lasting benefits to many communities.

"Community Energy Scotland's role in co-ordinating the programme, along with DTAS, will be to reduce the admin burden on community groups and enable a real networking and information exchange.

"This information will also be made available to communities outwith the consortium so that the whole community sector will benefit from the expertise and experience built up through the Powerdown programme.

"This award will equip communities to deal with the challenges of the Peak Oil and Climate Change era".

Some of the community projects to be helped by this funding include Alness Transition Town, Galson Community Trust, Lauderdale Development Trust, Lochbroom Community Council and the Tiree Development Trust.