Community Recipients of £1million Just Transition PB Fund Announced Across North East and Moray
Following last year’s online public vote, residents in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray can now find out which local eco-friendly projects will receive a share of £1million in funding from the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Participatory Budgeting (PB) Fund.
Details of the 45 projects supported by this year’s funding pot have been released, showcasing initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and community improvement.
From eco-friendly building upgrades to the introduction of community electric vehicles, the projects span a wide range of creative, impactful solutions that support Scotland’s transition to a greener, net zero future.
During November 2024, the process saw thousands of people across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray participate in a public vote to determine which projects were supported, ensuring the final decisions reflect the priorities of local residents.
Maggie Hepburn, Chief Executive at ACVO TSI said: “Every vote cast played a vital role in determining on how the funding was distributed and I’d like to thank all those who took part in the process. We were delighted to see once again the diverse range of projects that were funded this year and look forward to seeing the positive impact these have in our local communities across the North East and Moray.”
This year, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray each received £333,333 to distribute among projects which saw initiatives supported from well known local third sector and community organisations.
One of the recipients in Aberdeen was social enterprise, The Bread Maker, receiving £49,488 to support the installation of new energy-efficient ovens which will significantly reduce the bakery’s carbon footprint while enabling additional investment in training and educational programs for adults with learning disabilities.
In Aberdeenshire, Strichen Community Park was awarded £41,044.56 for enhancements to narrow paths to improve accessibility for all visitors, including wheelchair users.
Keirans Legacy in Moray also benefitted from a funding boost of £50,000 to help purchase an energy efficient van so that it can deliver its unique service as the only charity that supplies lifesaving defibrillators to people in remote, rural areas.
Since its launch in 2022, the Just Transition PB Fund has allocated £3.5 million to 144 eco-friendly projects across the North East of Scotland and Moray. The fund is delivered locally on behalf of the Scottish Government by ACVO TSI, Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action, tsiMoray, Money for Moray and NESCAN Hub.
Dan Shaw, Chief Executive Officer at Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action said: "The range of innovative projects put forward to the public vote continues to showcase the ambition across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray to meet Scotland's net zero goals. The numbers of public votes received throughout the process demonstrates the importance of including communities in collective decision making, and with successful projects in Aberdeenshire ranging from accessible paths to community gardens, the funds will enable a host of third sector organisations to deliver vital services within these communities."
Fabio Villani from tsiMORAY said: “What strikes me is the Just Transition PB Fund is a pathway that has awakened both creativity and compassion in our communities. This is evident in the breadth and nature of the projects funded. This funding programme is the kind of backbone that is needed not only to achieve net zero but also to ensure a Just Transition in the process.”
Alison Stuart, CEO NESCAN Hub said: "It’s been truly inspiring to see how the JTPB Fund is bringing so many community-led projects to life and giving people the opportunity to share their ideas and have a real say through public votes. This success reflects the passion and energy of our communities, and I’ve been truly moved by their commitment.”
For more details about the Fund, and full details of all 45 projects supported in year 3, please visit www.jtpbfund.scot/year3
