Organisations in the north and north-east have secured loans to fund renewable heating schemes.
The Scottish Government has awarded nine projects a share of £2.5million to help reduce fuel bills and carbon emissions.
Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said the Scottish Government was committed to helping homes and businesses stay warm through initiatives that would also create jobs.
The loans are part of a scheme open to local authorities, housing associations, small to medium-sized enterprises and energy service companies.
It was set up to address financial barriers, as borrowing money commercially for district heating schemes can be difficult and expensive.
Crichie Farm near Peterhead has been awarded £200,000 for a wood fuel system to heat seven houses.
A firm called North Fish at Brae, Shetland, has been awarded £220,000 for a proposed wood pellet-fuelled biomass boiler which will heat a leisure centre, medical centre and swimming pool.
Loch Ness Shores camp and caravanning site at Foyers has been given £140,000 for a proposed water-sourced heat pump project to power a utility block, community visitor centre and reception centre.
Mr Ewing said: “By offering these loans, we are helping communities to help themselves, developing affordable, green and locally produced heat.”
The money has to be repaid within 10 years at an interest rate of 3.5%.
New figures show 3.8% of heating in Scotland was generated by renewables last year – 7.2% short of a target set for 2020.
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