Online session will help groups with community-led climate action work

Local groups keen to find out about community-led climate action are being encouraged to sign up for an information session taking place early next month.

It is the first online event hosted by the North Highlands and Islands Climate Action Hub and is scheduled for Thursday, February 3, with a choice of afternoon or evening slots – from 2-3pm and from 7-8pm.

Inverness-based Highland development officer Bethany Lawrie said: "We're excited to hold our information event to talk about what the hub is and how we can assist community groups with providing advice and reducing the bureaucracy when it comes to funding and signposting to the relevant agencies."

The event will feature an introduction to the hub team members, a proposal of their aims and help in identifying funding that groups may be eligible for. There will be a Q&A session at the end.

While the hub, in its pilot period, has the name "North Highlands", the invitation extends to all groups in the Highlands and Northern Isles area interested in community climate action work.

Amanda Coghill, the Highland development officer concentrating on Caithness and Sutherland, said: "Everyone involved is really excited about the future of the hub and how we can help support charities, groups and organisations. Whether they have existing climate action projects that are needing a bit of a boost and some extra support, or any new projects they want to embark on, we will be there to help them in any way we can.

"The information session is a great way to find out exactly what the hub is about, and what we can do for our communities."

In 2020 the Scottish Government announced plans to establish a network of regional community climate action hubs. The two regions selected for the initial pilot phase were the north Highlands and Islands and Aberdeen and shire.

Those wishing to register for the free event can do so via the eventbrite website.

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