Islay approaches carbon neutral goal after landing £1m boost

Islay is one of six Scottish islands previously selected by the Scottish Government to become fully carbon-neutral by 2040 – five years earlier than the country’s overall goal of 2045.

Islay has been leading the charge in the project, which has also seen Hoy, Great Cumbrae, Raasay, Barra and Yell make strides towards a greener future. 

The initiative is part of the CNI Project, aimed at supporting islands to achieve their carbon-neutral ambitions.

To date, the CNI project on Islay, which is managed by Islay Energy Trust and supported by Community Energy Scotland, has worked to produce a Community Climate Action Plan as well as supporting local energy generation.

This has included the installation of many forms of renewable energy, significantly from commercial businesses on the island.

Islay’s many distilleries have been taking measures to lessen their environmental impact, installing things like biomass energy centres, solar panels and waste capture technology. 

The funding, which Argyll and Bute Council applied for on behalf of the community organisations, will enable Islay Development Initiative to continue to grow their tree nursery on the island and allow a new community orchard to take root at Cornabus.

Islay Energy Trust will also support seven community buildings through the installation of solar panels, battery storage and energy efficient heating systems.