Work has started on a scheme to make homes in the East Lothian area easier to heat.

The initiative will see almost £1.5m of funding used from the Scottish Government's Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland: Area Based Schemes (HEEPS:ABS).

HEEPS:ABS is designed to reduce fuel poverty and carbon emissions by improving energy efficiency.

Keepmoat is the appointed contractor for the scheme has been appointed to the scheme, which will see external wall insulation installed in properties in the Macmerry and Musselburgh areas.

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The insulation work would usually cost up to £11,000, but the Council hopes to make it available at a lower price in areas which qualify under HEEPS: ABS funding. Negotiations are still underway.

In addition to the private homes involved, 46 East Lothian Council-owned properties in the Pinkie Braes area of Musselburgh will also benefit from the improvement work.

Councillor Norman Hampshire, East Lothian Council's spokesperson for housing, commented: "In real terms the appointment of Keepmoat, an experienced installer of external wall insulation, means homes in Macmerry and Musselburgh will be warmer and cheaper to heat this winter."

(JP/IT)