Project to warm up old properties

Dec 9 2012

Thousands of homes are to be insulated, double glazed and have central heating installed in a bid to warm up old properties.

The Scottish Government has invested £3.5 million in 19 projects across the country, with the aim of driving down fuel bills by making homes easier and cheaper to heat.

It is being supported by the six main energy suppliers in Scotland, with more than 2,200 properties being targeted, particularly in areas where fuel poverty is a concern. The projects will also support an estimated 150 jobs, the Government said.

The Government money will be part of a total of £27 million going into the scheme, with funding also coming from local authorities, social landlords and utility companies.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "With Scotland's first significant snowfall of the winter this week, we are doing all we can to help people heat their homes.

"Older homes are often the most difficult to keep warm and we are determined to help householders in this situation wherever we can.

"Today's funding will see thousands of homes across Scotland receive new measures like solid wall insulation, double glazing and new heating systems. That is also good news for jobs and the economy, with all of these projects generating work and supporting jobs.

"To help tackle fuel poverty we are actively working with energy companies to ensure that Scotland continues to get its fair share of energy company funding for efficiency programmes like these.

"Individuals and families looking for advice on how the range of energy saving measures on offer could help them should telephone the Home Energy Scotland Hotline on 0800 512 012.

"Independence is the only way to guarantee more concerted action, focused on Scotland's specific advantages - like our vast energy resources - to raise more people out of fuel poverty."