Residents in Balmaclellan and New Galloway are being given the chance to do their bit to tackle the climate crisis.

Glenkens Community and Arts Trust is looking into the potential for renewable energy projects in the two settlements and has recently sent a survey to every home.

The results will be used to discover what sorts of community energy projects could be supported in the area.

The project is being led for GCAT by Gill Warnock from Balmaclellan who has attended a series of Community Energy Scotland workshops looking at how communities can benefit from renewable energy schemes.

She said: “There are a number of projects we can look it.

“It could be things like improving heating in people’s houses or providing solar panels.

“I normally work for Galloway Community Transport so it could also be a car club using electric vehicles, e-bikes or putting in more electric car charging points.

“There is funding available but the way things work these days you need to show there is a demand and support which is why we are doing the survey.

“The what’s in it for me part of it is that, as well as reducing emissions and helping the environment, it will also help reduce their energy bills.

“Fossil fuels are going to run out eventually so it’s better to do something now if funding is available and we have got such a beautiful landscape in this part of the world to protect.”

The survey looks at how people use energy on a daily basis and what projects they’d like to see investigated.

People of all ages are encouraged to complete the poll, with pupils at Kells Primary and members of the youth group at the CatStrand getting involved.

There are no plans in place yet for any schemes but last year GCAT led the way on replacing the dilapidated roof and installing a solar panel on the Men’s Shed in Balmaclellan.

This was achieved thanks to support from Local Energy Scotland, SP Energy Networks’ Green Economy Fund, Blackcraig Wind Farm Community Fund and local funding.

Since coming into operation in March, the panels have supplied power to the Men’s Shed and another building, with excess power going back into the national grid.

Completed surveys should be returned by June 12 and can be dropped off at the CatStrand in New Galloway or the shop in Balmaclellan – or scanned and emailed to Gill at gill energy@pm.me

The survey is also available online at http://tinyurl.com/gcatenergy. Anyone who has any questions can email Gill.