CHILDREN across East Renfrewshire will be able to grow their own food, thanks to a £30,000 windfall from the Scottish Government.

The cash is being split between nine local projects as part of a new fund that aims to tackle climate change.

Most of the grants from the Community Climate Asset Fund will be spent to help teach kids about where their food comes from and how avoiding waste can help to protect the environment.

Arthurlie Family Centre, in Barrhead, has been awarded a £4,486 grant for food growing equipment, with Barrhead High School handed £977.

Food growing projects at Hazeldene Family Centre, Netherlee Primary and Nursery, St Ninian’s High, Eaglesham Primary and Nursery and Glenwood Family Centre will benefit from grants of £5,050, £4,928, £4,086, £1,925 and £1,248 respectively.

There is also a £5,600 award for the Giffnock Community Hub and The Black Door Shop, operated by the 86th Glasgow Boys’ Brigade, to pay for an electric cargo bike as part of their response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

And a grant of £3,140 has been approved for Woodfarm Education Centre to pay for food growing and waste reduction equipment, as well as bicycles, including an electric one, to promote ‘green’ methods of transport.

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said the Community Climate Asset Fund, which is administered by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful, is delivering “fast, tangible support” to community projects.

She added: “Communities are playing a vital role in responding to the pandemic crisis and in maintaining our resilience, our sense of spirit and our local support network.”