A record number of households have asked for help to winter-proof homes during the recent severe weather conditions.

A Scottish Government hotline has taken over 21,000 calls since the start of December.

During the arctic temperatures, and as the country thaws, the thousands of callers to the Home Energy Hotline have been given practical advice from energy experts to keep homes warm, avoid frozen pipes were possible and lower fuel bills.

In the last month, over 6,000 referrals have been made for free and discounted energy efficient central heating systems, draught-proofing and insulation.

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Almost 3,500 households got advice on switching to cheaper fuel prices, and around 2,600 households were given help to access all the benefits and tax credits they are entitled to.

Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil said: "I'm very grateful for the outstanding efforts of all our hard working staff who made sure thousands of people are getting the help they need.

"We want to ensure people are getting the best help and advice possible to keep their homes warm in what has been the worst weather conditions in over fifty years.

"That's why the Scottish Government has ensured that the Hotline has been kept open all over Christmas and New Year - evenings and weekends - so everyone can call at whatever time is convenient."

Home Energy Scotland is the one stop shop from the Scottish Government, offering information on all Scottish Government home energy initiatives and help and expert advice on how to keep warm and save energy and money in the home.

(GK)