Aileen Campbell, SNP MSP for South of Scotland, has welcomed the announcement from the Scottish Government that two Clydesdale projects will benefit from nearly £170,000 of from the Scottish Biomass Heat Scheme.

Coventry for Fencing will received £34,306 for its Carstairs showroom and warehouse, while the Newmains District Heating Scheme, run by Douglas and Angus Estates will benefit from investment of £134,405.

The projects, among 16 across Scotland sharing a total of £1.1million of investment, will help to reduce energy costs, secure jobs in forestry and deliver annual savings of over 7,000 tonnes of carbon - equivalent to taking 3,000 cars off the roads.

Commenting, Aileen Campbell MSP said:

"This is very welcome news which will not only help reduce the carbon footprint of the Clydesdale area, but will help boost jobs and the local economy.

"Scotland is lucky to have the forestry resources and the skills to make a real success of this kind of initiative, and there are many opportunities for businesses to use more biomass heating, especially in areas off the gas grid.

"These Biomass Heat Scheme grants will help a range of different businesses reduce emissions and cut costs, while securing green jobs. The use of more woodfuel will build sustainability into our economy."