It is now simpler and more affordable for people to install climate-friendly heat and energy efficiency measures in their homes.

Homeowners can now apply for a standalone grant of £7,500 from the Home Energy Scotland Scheme to install heat pumps. Previously, applicants were required to sign up for a loan before they qualified for this funding. They can now access the money directly.

The new approach is designed to offer greater flexibility for those looking to make their homes more climate-friendly.

The enhanced measures will also include an extra £1,500 to homeowners in rural areas, in line with a commitment made as part of the Bute House Agreement. A standalone grant of £7,500 for energy efficiency improvements to homes will also be made available.

Christina McKelvie MSP, SNP MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse has responded:

“These enhanced measures are vitally important for my constituents in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse. These changes, which makes it easier to access this funding, creates a wide scope of opportunity for my constituents to implement greener technology into their homes with a significantly reduced financial burden.

“Whilst this will evidently have positive environmental impacts, it will also allow my constituents to heat their homes more efficiently, which is all the more important whilst we are struggling through a cost-of-living crisis, worsened by disastrously incompetent Tory mismanagement.”

Harry Mayers, Head of Home Energy Scotland, said:

“Having a warm home and reducing energy bills are big priorities for households in Scotland. The Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan will help thousands of households make much-needed improvements to their homes to keep out the cold and drive down bills.

“The changes being made mean that homeowners can now apply for grant funding without a loan; this will be a huge help towards covering the cost of making energy efficiency improvements or installing renewable systems such as heat pumps.

“The updated scheme comes at just the right time as we’re going into winter with energy prices at record highs. The rural uplift, which will provide extra financial support for those who live in rural and island communities who often face increased costs for home improvements, is especially welcome.”