Wednesday 18 May 2022

Six Scottish islands to become carbon-neutral by 2040

Six Scottish islands have been selected by the government to become carbon-neutral by 2040.

They are Hoy, Islay, Great Cumbrae, Raasay, Barra and Yell, which were chosen to be part of the Scottish Government's Carbon Neutral Islands project.

A report will be published over the summer and plans will be developed for individual islands in collaboration with key partners and the communities involved.

The project will align with the Scotland-wide net zero work and contribute to the government's 2045 net zero commitment.

Rural Affairs and Islands Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “Scotland is at the forefront of climate change mitigation and adaptation at the global level and I’ve always believed that our islands will contribute significantly to the country’s net zero commitment.

“I was pleased to announce at COP26 that we are taking this ambition further than the original commitment, now aiming to support six islands in their journey towards carbon neutrality by 2040.

“This project is another testament to Scottish islands being in the vanguard of innovation, leading the way in the journey to net zero while supporting other areas across Scotland.”