Six projects listed for green fund

GARDENERS, cyclists and conservationists from the cash-strapped National Trust for Scotland are among a diverse group of community activists shortlisted for hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of "dream project" lottery cash.

Representatives of six Scottish projects will attend a charity gala at the National Galleries in Edinburgh tomorrow night where the three winners of the Postcode Trust Dream Fund will be announced.

It offers 600,000 over two years - 300,000 this year and again in 2012. Charities and community organisations can apply for up to 100,000 for 12-month projects.

Among schemes hoping for the "green light" is a group of cyclists from Edinburgh-based Bike Station who have created the InnerTube Map detailing 70 miles of off-street cycleways and paths across the city.

Rules of the competition state projects must meet one of three criteria: tackling climate change, getting volunteers involved and getting communities more activew.

The NTS is applying for cash to bring in energy conservation measures in its properties. The other contenders are an allotment project at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh, a land conservation project on South Uist, a micro-hydro scheme on the River Gynack at Kingussie and a "green" mentoring project for businesses.