Residents in the Marr area of Aberdeenshire are being encouraged to take advantage of a Scottish Government initiative that could see their loft insulation topped-up for free.

Around 16,500 Marr households could benefit under the Home Insulation Scheme, which aims to reach a total 90,000 households across Scotland. This is in addition to the 100,000 households visited since November 2009.

Following an initial assessment, eligible properties with a certain level of insulation could see loft insulation topped up at no cost to the householder and new loft insulation and/or cavity wall insulation installed at special negotiated rates.

Householders need to already have between 60mm and 160mm of insulation in their homes to receive a top up for free. Under the Home Insulation Scheme, this would be boosted to a maximum of 270mm.

The initiative is being brought forward in the Marr area by Aberdeenshire Council in conjunction with the Energy Saving Trust and the Scottish Government.

Cllr Gurudeo Saluja, chairman of Aberdeenshire Council’s Social Work and Housing Committee, said: “It may seem a bit early to be thinking ahead to the colder months, but we all know how harsh winter in Aberdeenshire can be.

-- Advertisement --

“This scheme provides an opportunity for eligible Marr residents to enjoy the benefits of increased insulation without the worry of finding the funds to provide it themselves.”

Vice-chair Cllr Carl Nelson added: “Householders should be clear that this scheme only provides free top up of existing loft insulation, unless the homeowner is in receipt of certain qualifying benefits. For those that are not in receipt of certain benefits or have no insulation at all, there are special negotiated rates available for new loft insulation and cavity wall insulation.

“I would encourage anybody who thinks they may be eligible to take up the offer of an initial discussion with a Home Insulation Scheme assessor.”

Mike Thornton, Director, Scotland, for the Energy Saving Trust, said: “The Home Insulation Scheme can make a real difference to householders in Marr.

“The Home Insulation Scheme will make it easy for householders in Marr to insulate their home. From providing a home energy check and energy efficiency advice, to installing the insulation, we will guide people through the whole process.

“The scheme is also good value for householders, who can expect free or low-cost insulation measures which will save them money and help reduce CO2 emissions.”

Householders in the Marr area will soon be sent a letter letting them know when to expect a visit from a Home Energy Assessor.

Home Energy Assessors will be out and about in person across Marr in the coming months to provide face-to-face advice about the initiative and to arrange appointments for home surveys. The assessors will be easy to spot – they will be wearing a red Home Insulation Scheme uniform and carrying an ID card.

Home Energy Assessors will also be visiting tenants’ of Aberdeenshire Council properties. Tenants will not receive home insulation through the Home Insulation Scheme, as the council is arranging this separately. However, tenants will be offered energy efficiency advice and benefits checks free of charge.

For more information, please contact the Energy Saving Scotland Advice Centre on 0800 512 012.

(GK)