A TOTAL of 21 Scottish projects have been awarded a share of £10 million to help them pursue their green ambitions, SP Energy Networks has announced.

The cash, which comes from the Green Economy Fund, will support a range of innovative projects, including e-bike hire schemes, electric bin lorries, a micro heat network and a community hydropower station.

The move was announced today in Peebles by Olympic cyclist Callum Skinner, who switched his track bike for an e-bike to demonstrate the low-carbon choices available to Scots.

One project receiving funding from the Green Economy Fund, is SoulRiders, a cycling charity based in the Pollokshields area of Glasgow. The funding will allow the charity to launch a fleet of e-cargo bikes, providing Scotland’s first integrated cargo bike delivery and waste service.

Rashid Khaliq, the company’s chief executive, said: “At SoulRiders, our aim has always been to create stronger communities through cycling.

“Thanks to funding from the Green Economy Fund, we are now able to launch our new e-cargo bike service. We believe our project will reduce the number of vans and lorries on our streets and provides a solution to many issues including traffic and pollution in cities.

“We are proud to play our part in Scotland’s thriving green economy and to be receiving this crucial support from SP Energy Networks.”

The Green Economy Fund was established in 2018 to support projects that will help the Scottish Government reach its green targets by supporting projects that promote low-carbon options and education on sustainability.