Ambitious plans to redevelop Fife communities and areas of Central Scotland most vulnerable to the climate threat have received almost £1 million in new funding.

Spanning a region that supports roughly half of the nation's population, the Climate Forests initiative is set to improve tree density and expand woodlands across swathes of Fife, Forth, Clyde and the Lothians.

Set up in 2021, Climate Forests works together with local councils, community groups and landowners in a bid to plant 35 million new trees by 2035, with the aim of also protecting existing woods and expanding tree canopy cover.

Supported by nearly £13 million in Scottish Government investment since its launch, the initiative has successfully planted approximately five million new trees. The programme will have also captured carbon and protected the local landscape while encouraging communities as they become more climate resilient.

Speaking ahead of a parliamentary debate, Climate Action secretary Gillian Martin said: “This latest investment builds on and expands the benefits of Climate Forests to help increase canopy cover in urban and rural areas.

“We want to create greener, healthier, more resilient places where people can live well and connect with nature, offering spaces for people to rest, exercise, and improve their physical and mental health.

“This programme will help contribute towards our national woodland creation targets and, indeed, is central to Scotland meeting its climate targets.

“It is also about fairness and we are targeting investment in the communities with the fewest trees and the greatest vulnerability to a changing climate.”