About the group:
The UCT Environment & Sustainability Working Group was first established in January 2018 in response the UCT 2017- 2027 Community Growth Plan which detailed the community’s desire to see positive action on environmental issues. The aim of the group is to bring together people within the community who are keen to make a positive contribution to environmental issues such as reducing waste, protecting biodiversity and nature, supporting sustainable ways of living and working, and taking action on climate change.
Projects Completed:
Let’s Go Electric taster day: the group worked alongside Home Energy Scotland to offer members of the community the opportunity to test drive electric vehicles and find out more information about purchase options and e-charging points. A networking event was also held on the day for interested parties and other development trusts to share ideas and strategies.
Climate Action Lochbroom: this was a series that aimed to raise awareness of the carbon footprint of every day items and activities so that individuals could make informed choices to change behaviour and habits to lower their own CO2 emissions.
Current projects:
Highland Community Waste Partnership: The group responded to an invitation by Keep Scotland Beautiful to join 7 other communities across the Highlands in a bid for National Lottery Funding to tackle food waste, single use plastic and to promote reuse and repair. The bid was successful and the 3-year programme (2022 – 2025), the first of its kind in Scotland, received a grant of £1.5m to deliver its aims. UCT employs a part-time development officer dedicated to the programme.
Energy Redress Scheme (Energy Saving Trust): We are in the process (August 2022) of applying for a grant from this scheme, so that we may provide tailored advice, information and practical support to the community across all areas of domestic energy consumption and home insulation.
Join Us
We are always keen to have new members join the group! If you are passionate about making a difference and would like to get involved, please get in touch by emailing amanda@ullapoolcommunity.org or drop into the New Broom and speak to one of the team to register your interest.