One organisation making an impact is Climate Action Strathaven, which has supported a wide range of community initiatives over the years. It recently ran Retrofit Strathaven, a project to help local people make their homes warmer, more comfortable and more energy efficient.

The project offered practical support and advice on draught-proofing and insulation measures to reduce heat loss and lower household energy bills. Alongside this, training sessions at the group's community hub provided residents with the skills and confidence to carry out simple energy-saving improvements in their own homes.

Programme Manager Alison Harley said: "We wanted to make energy-saving measures accessible to everyone in the community. By helping people reduce energy use in their homes, we supported households to save money while creating warmer and more comfortable places to live."

"The funding we received enabled us to offer free draught-proofing support to low-income households and expand the training opportunities available to local residents."

The project received funding from the Scottish Government's Community-Led Local Development Fund and South Lanarkshire Council's Renewable Energy Fund.

Councillor Norman Rae, Chair of the council's Climate and Sustainability Committee, said: "Across South Lanarkshire, community groups are delivering innovative projects that are improving people's lives while helping create a more sustainable future.

"Climate Action Strathaven is a great example of how local people can come together to address challenges in their area, supporting residents, strengthening communities and delivering lasting benefits for future generations."

As the weather becomes colder, many people start thinking about how to keep their homes warm and comfortable while managing energy costs. For practical tips and advice, visit Home Energy Scotland.

Inspired by this story? If you have an idea that could improve your local area, support residents or help create a more sustainable community, there may be funding and support available to help bring your project to life. More information can be found on the climate action advice and community funding opportunities pages.