Scottish Government pledges £7m for communities facing climate change

Communities affected by climate change are to receive more than £7m in Scottish Government support.

The funding for 2026-27 comes ahead of Scotland’s climate change plan being presented to Parliament.

Some £6m will be used to implement Scotland’s national network of climate action hubs, which encourage and support climate action unique to local authority areas.

A total of £1.05m will allow local authorities, health boards, community groups and businesses to work together to identify and plan how to mitigate climate risks such as increased flooding, coastal erosion, extreme heat and water scarcity.

Schools across the country will also benefit from £250,000 which will be ringfenced for climate education programmes, including Eco Schools and Climate Ready Classrooms.

Climate Action Secretary Gillian Martin announced the package of funding during a visit to Dronley community woods, which are managed by Angus climate hub.

She said: “For people to support climate action it is vital that they understand and see the benefits that reducing emissions and becoming resilient to the disruption climate change can bring can have on our everyday lives.

“From ensuring neighbourhoods can cope with events such as flooding and drought, to projects aimed at educating and empowering people of all ages on action to reduce emissions, this package of funding will provide even greater opportunity for communities to come together and engage in collective grassroots action.

“It will not only support them to develop projects in their local areas that’s right for them but support Scotland in meeting its target of net zero emissions by 2045.”

A total of eight projects will also benefit from a share of £275,000 of climate engagement funding.

The project is designed to enable people to increase their understanding of the impacts of a rapidly changing climate and explore how it relates to their lives and local climate action.

Angus climate hub manager Kate Munro said: “I’m thrilled we’ve secured funding for another year. The hubs are an indispensable source of understanding and action helping communities navigate the crisis we face.

“The people of Angus already know the deep and lasting impact of climate shocks on homes, families, jobs, food security, energy and infrastructure.

“The climate crisis is the cost-of-living crisis. The magnitude of what we are living through is immense.

“The work of the hub is dedicated to help the people of Angus to navigate these difficult times with knowledge, skills and practices that support more of us to thrive.

“This way forward is not only possible but achievable when we all work together.”