New insulation schemes

New insulation grants to help islanders keep their homes warm and save money are being made available in time for winter.

Schemes specifically for the type of houses in the Western Isles have been introduced.

The chilly arrival of the first severe gale of autumn underlines the point there isn't a better time to check out what financial help is on offer.

A free drop-in advice session is taking place at Tighean Innse Gall's offices in Point Street, Stornoway this Thursday.

Advisors will be on hand to talk on how to go about saving on heating bills and the best way to insulate your home.

Measures available include loft and under floor insulation and, for the first time, there's also initiatives for typical Hebridean homes such as insulating internal solid walls, room in the roof, and flat roofs.

When the work is done, your home will be much more warmer and comfortable and your heating bills will drop.

However, these measures are expensive and although the grant funding available is significant, the householder may have make a contribution.

Over the years there have been many schemes and the eligibility conditions is constantly changing so the open day at Tighean Innse Gall is a great opportunity to find out more.

There's no need to make an appointment - anyone can just walk in anytime between 10am to 4pm on Thursday.

If you can't make it, then feel free to call them on (Free Phone) 0800 888 6040 or by e-mail on info@tighean.co.uk

Tighean Innse Gall is a local agency which offers free energy advice. It is currently administering the Scottish Government's Insulation Scheme on behalf of Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar.

Now in its third year, this particular scheme has proved hugely successful in reducing energy costs for island families.

So far, it has delivered over 200 external wall insulation jobs, made 300 rooms-in-a-roof a lot warmer and treated internal walls of 50 houses.

On top of that, it has completed hundreds of smaller jobs which not only significantly improved the thermal performance of the walls, reduce draughts and leaks but also gave many properties a more attractive look.

Tighean Innse Gall says the current project keeps over 50 local tradesmen employed as well as the project staff and surveyors, bringing around £5 million of investment into the Western Isles over the last two years.

Promotional feature: New insulation schemes for island homes will cut heating bills

20 October 2015