Rural areas affected by climate plan

People living in rural households and low income families will be hit hardest by Scottish Government plans to make the country eco-friendly, according to council chiefs.

- MARC MCLEAN

Ministers at Holyrood have created a draft Climate Change Plan, which has big ambitions to drastically reduce carbon emissions across Scotland and gradually "transition to net zero" between 2026 and 2040.

This will involve the development of new policies around energy use in homes, businesses, and industries, as well as changes around the handling of waste and introduction of active travel schemes and community energy projects.

With such big changes in mind, the Scottish Government has launched a consultation with all 32 councils in Scotland and is seeking responses to its draft climate change document. Dumfries and Galloway Council has until the end of this month to submit its views to help shape the future of carbon emission reduction efforts - and minimise any negative impacts on local residents.

Council economy and environment officers have responded to 33 questions posed by government officials in the consultation, and have underlined several key issues.