Dornoch couple benefit from insulation scheme
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A couple from Dornoch are among householders in the north who are feeling the benefit of a Scottish Government programme to make their homes warmer and help save money on energy bills.
Last autumn The Highland Council was awarded funding by the Scottish Government to deliver the Universal Home Insulation Scheme (UHIS) in three Highland wards – Badenoch and Strathspey; East Sutherland and Edderton; and Skye.
The scheme offered free surveys and installation to private households identified as needing cavity wall and loft insulation. Many householders were also offered a free home energy audit and free impartial advice to help reduce fuel bills through the Scottish Government’s Energy Assistance Package.
The final outturn figures reported to the Scottish Government show that of the thousands of households who received mail regarding the scheme, 355 households had cavity wall insulation installed and 1433 households benefited from loft insulation.
Margaret Davidson, Chair of The Highland Council’s Housing and Social Work Committee said: “This has been a great offer for householders in these rural areas of the Highlands. Those taking part have not only made their homes warmer but they have also saved money on their energy bills. Lately there has been a lot in the national news about energy costs rising, so any savings that can be made has to be good news.”
Mr and Mrs James Shaw of Dornoch had loft top up insulation fitted which should save them an estimated £100 per year. Not only that, but Mr Shaw also won the prize draw for £500 of vouchers to spend on energy-saving appliances.
Peter Rickard, Centre Manager of the local Energy Saving Scotland advice centre who helped organise the campaign on behalf of The Highland Council said: “It’s encouraging to hear about Mr and Mrs Shaw who are one out of hundreds of people who have benefited from the Universal Home Insulation Scheme. It’s a successful part of our long-term efforts to tackle high energy bills in Highland.
"Although the scheme has ended we still urge householders to call us on 0800 512 012 and speak to one of our friendly advisors about other ways they can save energy and keep their bills down.”
