The Home Energy Efficiency Programme Scotland (HEEPS) scheme allows individual householders to apply for an interest-free loan of up to £15,000 (with a 25% cashback offer), to install a variety of energy efficient measures to help makes homes cheaper to keep warm. Measures include solid wall insulation (internal and external), cavity wall, loft and roof insulation, draught proofing and boilers.

Interest-free loans will also be available to Registered Social Landlords to help them carry out energy efficiency improvements to their properties.

Housing minister Kevin Stewart said: “Keeping heating bills to a minimum is a priority for all of us. Last year we helped over 1700 households save almost £280K in fuel bills thanks to a HEEPS loan. This latest round of funding should help up to 8000 households make their homes cheaper to keep warm.

“We have committed to spending £114m on domestic energy efficiency this year and this latest announcement is yet another step in us helping the most vulnerable people in Scotland heat their homes affordably.”

Individual households or private sector landlords looking for a loan should call 0808 808 2282, or visit www.homeenergyscotland.org.