A programme of major energy efficiency construction works has begun on council and private properties in Montrose Street and Poets Place, Brechin.

The project is being delivered by Angus Council with funding secured through the Scottish Government’s Area Based Scheme (ABS), which supports local energy efficiency retrofits to help reduce fuel poverty and deliver emission savings.

The council has appointed Cardo Ltd as the contractor for the project. Cardo Ltd has already been carrying out detailed surveys in the area, and window replacement works have commenced for some properties in the Montrose Street area.

The scope of the construction and insulation improvements includes:

• Window Replacement: Installation of new, high-efficiency windows to reduce heat loss and improve insulation performance.

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• Cavity Wall Works: Extraction of existing cavity wall insulation where necessary, followed by a refill to ensure the insulation is effective.

• External Wall Insulation (EWI): Application of an external insulation system to add an extra protective layer to the homes, helping them retain heat more efficiently and cut carbon emissions.

These combined measures are intended to make the homes significantly more energy-efficient and comfortable, directly contributing to lower heating bills for both tenants and private homeowners participating in the scheme.

Housing Convener Cllr Jill Scott welcomed the start of the works: "I am so excited that these works have started. Having a warm, secure home is so important and anything that helps get our residents further out of fuel poverty is most welcome. I know it will cause a bit of disruption, but it will be worth it when the whole block gets a much-needed face-lift. It’s also true that Brechin knows better than most places that we absolutely need to pay attention to minimising climate change and do what we can to support environmental improvements."

The council confirmed that Cardo Ltd has contacted residents with detailed plans and aims to keep disruption to a minimum while the essential improvements are carried out.