Reflecting on five years of community climate action - Part 2

As we reflect on the disappointment, we feel following global leaders failing at COP30 to agree on significant global action on climate change, closer to home we are delighted to be able to share a second case study of local climate action from a community that was a part of the Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP) programme between 2021-2023.   

Our first case study featured Camelon and Tamfourhill highlighting their climate action plan, and the fantastic work completed over the last couple of years, please check it out!  

The Community Climate Action Plan programme, funded by the Scottish Government through Scotland’s COP26 community engagement programme, took communities through a series of facilitated workshops to build a climate action plan, written by the community, for the community.  I was honoured to work alongside such inspiring people, and it has been really uplifting being able to hear from those who developed climate action plans, and to hear more about where their journeys have taken them. 

In this piece I asked Mark Slorance, Executive Manager at Getting Better Together Shotts some questions about the on the Community Climate Action Plan programme and what the community has been up to since.  Here is what he had to say: 

What climate action have you undertaken since creating your Community Climate Action Plan? Is this action that was planned in your action plan?  

Since the development of the Shotts Community Climate Action Plan, Getting Better Together Ltd. has made consistent progress in delivering a range of practical climate actions—many of which directly align with the priorities and activities identified in the plan.  

The creation of the new Springhill Community Hub was a major step forward, designed with air source heat pumps, high-grade insulation, and modern ventilation systems, reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.  

These measures directly support the plan’s aims under Energy Efficiency (Community Building) and Sustainable Infrastructure.  

The Hub’s efficient design also acts as a community example of low-carbon building practice.  

Getting Better Together Ltd continues to promote active and sustainable transport, in line with the plan’s travel actions.  

The organisation delivers cycling skills, maintenance training, and e-bike sessions for schools and the wider community, encouraging cycling as a viable alternative to car use.  

Through Active Travel projects and the ‘Get Active, Get Going’ programme, we have introduced e-bike deliveries, community cycle events, and mechanic qualifications (SCQF), addressing goals such as Encourage Cycling and Promote E-bike Benefits.  

Supporting the plan’s Food actions, we have developed community food and growing initiatives, including:  

• Cooking Skills workshops, teaching clients to reduce waste, cook with surplus food, and make healthy, low-carbon meals.  

• Seed and herb distribution, supporting residents to grow food at home and in community spaces.  

We have also facilitated upcycling and repair-based workshops, including sewing, crafting, cycle and creative reuse groups.  

Materials are reused within art and craft sessions, and volunteers are encouraged to source low-waste and sustainable supplies.  

We continue to promote connection with nature through forest wellbeing sessions, outdoor physical activities, and our community garden activities.  

Recent consultations on the Hub’s outdoor space have led to plans for accessible pathways, benches, and outdoor physical activity equipment, aligning with adaptation and nature goals such as tree planting, and outdoor learning.  

We have integrated climate awareness and sustainability across our programmes - from wellbeing days that feature sustainable products, to community events highlighting greener lifestyles.  

We continue to partner with North Lanarkshire Council, Environmental Sub Groups, and local schools, helping maintain the long-term relevance of the Shotts Climate Action Plan.  

What have you learned from being a part of the Community Climate Action plan programme and were there challenges putting any of your actions into place?  

Being part of the Community Climate Action Plan programme has shown us that local climate action works best when it’s community-led and embedded in everyday activities. We’ve learned that small, practical steps - like growing food, promoting active travel, and reducing waste - can build confidence and drive long-term change.  

Partnership working has been key, helping us link sustainability with health, wellbeing, and inclusion. However, challenges have included limited funding and volunteer capacity, the need for wider infrastructure investment, and the time it takes to achieve real behaviour change.  

How important was the Community Climate Action Plan programme in kickstarting further action in your community?  

The Community Climate Action Plan programme was hugely important in raising awareness and creating momentum for climate action in Shotts. It provided a clear framework that helped local groups, including Getting Better Together Ltd., to identify priorities, build partnerships, and connect environmental goals with community wellbeing.  

The process brought residents, schools, and organisations together, giving structure to ideas that were already emerging and inspiring new ones—such as community growing, active travel, and energy-saving initiatives. It also gave our community the confidence and direction to embed sustainability across wider regeneration and health programmes, ensuring that climate action remains a shared, long-term commitment.  

Have you seen any additional positive impacts in the community after undertaking the CCAP programme?  

The Community Climate Action Plan has led to broader social and wellbeing benefits beyond environmental impact. We’ve seen stronger community connections, with local groups, volunteers, and residents working together on growing projects, active travel, and sustainability events.  

As well as our own community gardens, our staff have supported local schools to create usable garden spaces, helping children learn about growing and nature. Paul’s Parcels has also established an independent community garden, further expanding opportunities for local food production. We are also seeing an increase in referrals to the Environmental Key Fund for solar panels, showing greater community awareness and interest in renewable energy.  

Climate-linked activities such as cycling, gardening, and outdoor wellbeing sessions continue to improve physical health, reduce isolation, and support mental wellbeing. Our volunteers have developed new skills in upcycling, repair, and sustainable food practices, building confidence and employability.  

Would you encourage others to undertake creating a Community Climate Action Plan?  

Absolutely. The Community Climate Action Plan process is a powerful way to bring people together around shared goals and turn concern about climate change into practical local action. It helps communities identify their strengths, set realistic priorities, and link environmental aims with social outcomes like health, wellbeing, and inclusion.  

For Getting Better Together Ltd., it provided focus, structure, and partnership opportunities that continue to guide our work. We would strongly encourage other communities to take part—it’s an empowering process that builds local pride, ownership, and real change from the ground up.  

I’d like to thank Mark Slorence for sharing this update with us, it’s fantastic to see that Shotts’ Community Climate Action Plan continues to be drawn upon by the community as they continue to take action on climate change, whilst also looking to improve health and wellbeing.  

To finish up I am delighted to say that we will be partnering with YMCA Scotland to support eight diverse local YMCAS across Scotland to begin climate emergency training and to create community climate action plans with their communities. The project is being funded by National Lottery Community Fund, I’m excited to be supporting more communities to take local climate action!