This week  Orkney Housing Association Ltd launched its deal with Co-Wheels EV car sharing.  This may encourage other Orkney organisations to apply for the third round of funding encouraging low carbon transport from the Energy Saving Trust.

Co-wheels car club comes to Orkney

Public, community and third sector organisations can now apply for £13.25 million of available ERDF and Scottish Government support to help deliver innovative active travel and low carbon transport hubs, delivered through Energy Saving Trust.

Any award requires match funding however “applications can cover 70% or 80% of the total project costs depending on location.”  It is also hoped to encourage a wider range of applicants this time round.

Ellie Grebenik, Senior Programme Manager at Energy Saving Trust said:

“It is intended to provide local communities with greater and easier access to active travel and low carbon transport hubs and paths.

“These projects work to support the Scottish Government’s objectives of reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality and encouraging improved health outcomes through boosting the use of active travel.”

It is intended to hold workshops to further encourage greater take up of the scheme. The application process closes on 25th of October. You can find out more information here: Energy Saving Trust Challenge Fund

Michael Matheson,  Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity in the Scottish Government said:

“For some applications, only a 20% funding contribution would be required to be eligible for Challenge Fund support.

“This is therefore a fantastic opportunity for public, community and third sector organisations to bring forward their plans for sustainable transports solutions that encourage walking and cycling, promote the uptake of electric vehicles and provide further sustainable transport options across Scotland.”

£8.5million has been awarded to projects and this year over £13million is available through the ERDF and the Scottish Government.