The Church of Scotland is offering its full support to the Scottish Government after the launch of its new Climate Challenge Fund.

The multi-million pound scheme was announced this morning at Shawlands Academy, with the aim of giving communities across Scotland a chance to reduce their carbon footprint.

The Kirk, along with Keep Scotland Beautiful, has already proved its willingness to address climate change in Scotland by growing a huge national eco-congregation network, with support from the Scottish Government.

Speaking after today's announcement in Glasgow, the Rev Ian Galloway, convener of the Church and Society council, welcomed news of the new fund: "In our submission to the Scottish Government's proposals for a Climate Change Bill, the Kirk stressed the need for public involvement.

"The church believes that the Government needs to help people in Scotland understand and respond positively to climate change."

The Church of Scotland and other denominations in Scotland support over 180 eco-congregations. These are churches which are committed to tackling climate change through actions in their local communities. Eco-congregations range from Shetland to Dumfriesshire and include both rural and urban parishes that are making an impact on climate change.

Mr Galloway said the Kirk is committed to assisting climate change projects: "The Church is ready and willing to work with the Scottish Government through the eco-congregations programme to help the country meet its target of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases by 80 % by 2050.

"We look forward to discussing this with the Government in the near future."