Climate Action Group

A long track record

CDT has been working on climate action since 2008, when it became a national exemplar project for the Scottish Government's Climate Challenge Fund. An initial grant of £299,650 funded the Comrie Carbon Challenge — employing a Carbon Challenge Officer and support staff to help the community understand and reduce its emissions. A second grant of £176,072 funded the Comrie Delivery Plan, which mirrored the Scottish Government's own plan to reduce carbon emissions by 42% by 2020, scaled to the level of a single community.

That programme laid the groundwork for the practical work now underway. Climate action at CDT is not a new initiative — it is a continuing commitment built over more than fifteen years.

Work at the camp

A 10 kW solar PV array was installed on the Wild Thyme building in 2010 — the first renewable energy installation at the camp. It has generated around 6,000 kWh per year since installation. Against a baseline camp electricity consumption of over 140,000 kWh per year (measured 2012–13), solar met roughly 4% of demand — a starting point, not a destination.

The current plan is a ground-mounted 350-panel array on the north of the camp, developed through a Community Led Local Energy Plan with Local Energy Scotland and the Energy Saving Trust. This would substantially increase the share of self-generated power. Ongoing work also covers insulation upgrades across the camp buildings and feasibility studies for additional renewable options. The 46-acre community woodland forms part of a long-term land-based carbon sequestration strategy.

Community programme

The Climate Action Group runs workshops, talks, and practical sessions open to all Comrie residents. This work is about the whole village, not just the camp: helping local households understand and reduce their own carbon footprints, and connecting people with practical resources and advice.

Join the group

The group welcomes people with all kinds of backgrounds — engineering, ecology, community engagement, education, or simply a strong motivation to act on climate. No specific experience required. Get in touch to find out how to get involved.