A MAJOR energy efficiency drive by a group of local communities in the Howe of Fife has been backed by a grant of almost £115,000 from the Climate Challenge Fund.
Nearly £60,000 will also be contributed in free time and resources by local people and Energy Saving Scotland.
The North Howe Transition Toun community group will use the money to promote energy saving measures in homes, such as insulation, double
-glazing and draught proofing.
Project manager, Tom Morton of Arc Architects, said: "We know that rural communities often live in old buildings that can be difficult to improve, as well as relying on non-mains fossil fuels and electricity.
"We will be doing a detailed survey to develop measures that are closely targeted on what will work best for local people."
The programme covers 289 homes in the Collessie, Giffordtown and Monimail community council areas, where there is 24 per cent fuel poverty.
Neil Stoddart of local renewables firm RealTech said: "We will be working to protect people from the rises in energy bills that are coming, as well as reducing the amount of global warming we all cause by heating our homes."
The project will last until March 2011 and involve improvements to three village halls and working with Letham Primary School on educational projects about energy and the environment.
Mike Farrel of Letham Nights said: "This is a great boost towards making Letham Hall a zero carbon building as a hub for the community that is comfortable and has low running costs without damaging the environment."
The project is supported by the Energy Saving Scotland advice centre.
"We will be working with the North Howe Transition group to provide energy audits and advice on grants to local people," said Sitar Ramsay of Energy Saving Scotland.
"It is a very exciting time for projects such as this, supported by the actions of local authorities like Fife Council."
Rebecca Vivers of the Climate Challenge Fund said: "This is a great example of how a local community can act to reduce climate change and make their own buildings cheaper to heat."
Surveys of the community will happen through the autumn as the first step in the project.
Anyone wanting more information, or to get involved with the project, should contact Louise on northhowetransitiontoun@googlemail.com or call 07879 996845.
