The Highland Council has issued a warning to residents to be wary of cold-callers offering free home insulation.

The council says Trading Standards are receiving calls from residents in connection with a Universal Home Insulation Scheme being operated by Carillion Energy Services within the Highland area.

Reports received by the council suggest some firms are illegally offering 'free installation' under the UHIS scheme when they are not working on behalf of the council.

The scheme only applies in five Council Wards, namely Wick, Landward Caithness, Cromarty Firth, Tain & Easter Ross, Aird & Loch Ness.

-- Advertisement --

The only contractor given permission to carry out the fittings is Carillion Energy Services.

Energy Advice Officer Karen Maclean said: "All households within the selected Wards have received a letter giving information on the scheme and what to do. The scheme does not currently apply to any other Wards within the Highland Council area and no company other than Carillion Energy Services can do the works under the Highland UHIS scheme.

"We are concerned that others whose competence has not been vetted will carry out works and potentially leave the house damaged with no recourse for the householder. The Highland Council will not be held liable for any costs resulting from non-approved scheme works being carried out."

Highland Trading Standards Team Leader Mark McGinty added: "Any business which calls at your door and informs you they are working under a particular scheme when they are not is committing an offence. I would advise all householders to think twice about entering into any contract at home and if in doubt to ask for a copy of the contract to be left to check before deciding to sign."

(IT)