Insulation assistance

SHETLAND Islands Council has been allocated £812,000 from the Scottish government to help fight fuel poverty in the isles for another year.

The funding will allow the SIC to provide home insulation grants of up to £7,500, however Shetland’s funding is less than two thirds of the amount allocated to Orkney and little more than half being given to the western isles.

The cash is part of a £94 million government energy efficiency programme to make homes warmer and cheaper to heat.

A council spokesman said the grants would be available for private houses in council tax bands A, B and C.

“We will be prioritising those with the greatest social need, such the elderly and disabled, and homes with young families,” he said.

Shetland has been given significantly less than the two other Scottish island councils Orkney (£1.343 million) and the western isles (£1.53 million).

Housing minister Margaret Burgess said that since 2009 more than 700,000 households have received government help towards new boilers or insulation.

“With winter weather taking hold across Scotland, I’d encourage anyone to seek free and impartial advice on how they can reduce their energy costs,” she said.

Householders who think they may be eligible for assistance can contact the SIC on 01595 744850 or email environmentandenergy@shetland.gov.uk