There has been a recent increase in climate change protests

Campaigners based in the Perthshire town of Alyth have been promoting local green energy projects.

Now they hope to attract public and private organisations in the sector to an event planned for the summer.

It comes as the worldwide debate on climate change and the burning of fossil fuels heats up.

The Alyth Environmental group, which has been in existence for about six years, has already achieved some success, with initiatives including planting and footpath projects.

Climate action charter

Now it wants to step up a gear to encourage larger, local green projects such as micro wind turbines.

The move will follow the Scottish Executive's efforts to encourage new renewable projects and energy-saving measures.

The group's chairman, Clive Bowman, said the energy event, planned for 20 May, will culminate in the signing of a climate action charter by the larger community organisations and businesses in Alyth with a commitment to reduce energy waste.

Mr Bowman, who works for the UHI Millennium Institute, said this could provide a model to be taken up by other local communities.

Local projects

"We think that instead of looking at things from a national viewpoint, it's important for communities to take a look at more local ways of helping to improve the environment," he said.

"If we don't want to be in a position where we'll eventually be importing 80% of gas into the country and if we don't want to go down the route of opening new nuclear power stations, then developing local projects is an important step."

The group is hoping to sign up organisations involved in a range of areas, including waste, recycling, renewable energy, micro renewables and energy saving, for its event.

It also wants to attract those involved in eco-design as well as organic and local food producers.