Three Scottish social landlords have been awarded a share of a bumper fund to install more efficient heating systems for their tenants.

Castle Rock Edinvar in Edinburgh, Dumfries and Galloway Housing Partnership and Hebridean Housing Partnership were all named winners in the Renewable Heat Premium Payment scheme.

They were among 24 successful applicants from 125 bids throughout Britain.

The entries were judged by a panel of experts including representatives from the Scottish Government, the Energy Saving Trust and the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

Alex Neil, the Scottish Government's Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment, said: "As fuel bills continue to rise, anything which will help people heat their homes through the winter is to be welcomed.

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"It would appear from the high number of entries to this contest that social landlords are taking a very serious interest in new heating technologies which can help reduce bills and benefit the environment.

"With the recent harsh winters that we have experienced, especially here in Scotland, it has never been more important to ensure that people do not have to give up heating for eating."

Castle Rock Edinvar will use their £127,960 grant to install biomass heating in eight properties in Edinburgh.

Hebridean Housing Partnership will receive £175,000 to provide air source heating pumps for 29 properties.

Dumfries and Galloway Housing Partnership are also receiving £175,000 for a range of greener heating installations.

The fund is part of the Energy Savings Trust's Renewable Heat Premium Payment scheme allowing householders to apply for support for a range of green heating technologies.

For further information contact the Energy Saving Trust on 0800 512 012.

(GK)