THE Scottish government has unveiled a package of more than £7 million to support communities facing the effects of climate change.

Climate Action secretary Gillian Martin announced the package of funding on a visit to Dronley community woods, managed by Angus climate hub, ahead of this week’s publication of the Scottish government’s climate change plan.

The fund will provide £250,000 to schools for climate education programmes and £1.05m will be made available to councils, health boards, community groups and businesses for joint work to identify and mitigate climate change risks, such as increased flooding, coastal erosion, extreme heat and water scarcity.

There will also be £6m provided to support a national network of climate action hubs.

Ms Martin said: “For people to support climate action it is vital that they understand and see the benefits that reducing emissions and becoming resilient to the disruption climate change can bring can have on our everyday lives.

“From ensuring neighbourhoods can cope with events such as flooding and drought, to projects aimed at educating and empowering people of all ages on action to reduce emissions, this package of funding will provide even greater opportunity for communities to come together and engage in collective grassroots action.”

Angus climate hub manager Kate Munro said: “The hubs are an indispensable source of understanding and action helping communities navigate the crisis we face.

“The climate crisis is the cost-of-living crisis. The magnitude of what we are living through is immense.

“The work of the hub is dedicated to help the people of Angus to navigate these difficult times with knowledge, skills and practices that support more of us to thrive.

“This way forward is not only possible but achievable when we all work together.”