More than £4 million has been unveiled to improve energy efficiency in homes, businesses, public buildings and community projects across Scotland.

A total of 15 councils will receive a share of the £4.4m Scotland's Energy Efficiency Programme (SEEP) funding, which aims to reduce emissions and tackle fuel poverty. Phase two of SEEP is set to launch in 2018.

The funding was announced by Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse during a visit to Saughton Park in Edinburgh.

The Minister helped to install two large-scale ground source heat pumps at the site, which will provide renewable heat to both the Winter Garden and new building developments.

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"The SEEP Pilot programme is testing new approaches to improving energy efficiency and new ways of working in the public sector," he said.

"A number of these projects will have a material impact on people's lives, ensuring they have warm homes, businesses and community centres, while others will help develop essential strategies to support the effective deployment of investment to meet our ambitions to expand renewable heat and address fuel poverty.  

"The Scottish Government funding announced today is helping to unlock a larger package totalling over £12 million covering a wide range of projects across Scotland, and these pilots will ultimately help inform deployment of the overarching SEEP programme that will see an estimated total of up to £10 billion invested in heat and energy efficiency in the period to 2030."

City of Edinburgh Council Leader Adam McVey added: "We welcome this funding announcement, which will enable a series of projects improving energy efficiency across the Capital. As we work toward becoming a low-carbon city, we, along with partners, aim to reduce Edinburgh's dependence on fossil fuels while supporting citizens and businesses to reduce their energy costs."

(LM)