​Scottish Government announces funding boost for energy efficiency home scheme

A further £4 million for the Home Renewables Loan Scheme to help householders cut their energy bills has been announced.

The scheme gives individuals access to interest free loans of up to £10,000 for a range of renewable heat and electricity home technologies.

Since April 2011, it has helped reduce dependency on fossil fuels and has allowed householders across Scotland access to cleaner, greener energy.

First Minister Alex Salmond made the announcement while visiting the Western Isles as part of a series of travelling cabinet meetings.

He visited the Smith family home on the Isle of Lewis which is one of 53 homes in the Western Isles which has benefitted from the scheme.

He said: "Since April 2011, more than 1,188 loans have been issued to householders across Scotland and in particular more than 53 loans across the Western Isles, islanders are clearly leading the charge in choosing efficient green energy.”

The scheme is delivered by the Energy Saving Trust whose director Mike Thornton said: “Since April 2011, households that have received a loan will make total savings and income of over £12 million; figures like these mean we expect many more to take up this Scottish Government loan and reap the benefits of a home renewables system.”