Older, harder to heat homes are to be transformed into eco-friendly dwellings which are easier and cheaper to heat.

The Scottish government has pledged the initiative as part of its National Retrofit Programme, which will see houses across Scotland benefit from solid wall insulation, double glazing and central heating systems.

This is intended to help to reduce household heating bills, provide opportunities for local businesses and drive down the number of people experiencing fuel poverty.

It is expected the measure will support up to 70 jobs across Scotland.

The Programme will be targeted specifically at areas where fuel poverty is a concern and will be undertaken by authorities and registered social landlords in partnership with energy companies.

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Potential pilot projects were discussed yesterday at a Scottish Government information session in Edinburgh.

Housing Minister Margaret Burgess has put forward an initial £3m in order to get the Programme underway in several pilot areas.

She said: "People living in older, colder homes often struggle to pay their heating bills. We are determined to help them as much as we possibly can.

"Scotland is an energy rich nation, and everyone should live in warm, comfortable homes. We expect that 80% of homes will still be lived in around 2050, so improving the energy efficiency of our older houses is vital if we are to assist those households struggling to heat their homes, particularly over the winter months.

"This £3 million will enable us to focus on plans for next year's National Retrofit Programme to transform older, colder houses into environmentally friendly homes which are easier and cheaper to heat. We expect that this funding will also help lever in significant additional funding from energy companies and other partners."

(IT/GK)