The grant will be used by Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA), in partnership with Argyll and Bute Council and SSE Energy Solutions to install external wall insulation to mixed tenure blocks of flats across Oban, Bute and Cowal.

Councillor Robin Currie, leader of Argyll and Bute Council, said: “This is fantastic news for the area. This funding will have a long-lasting impact on many, many people’s lives, reducing fuel poverty and carbon emissions, and allowing residents to live more comfortably.

“Over 300 homes in the Oban area have already benefitted from insulation as a result of the Scottish Government’s last round of funding. Again, this was a partnership with ACHA and resulted in improvements to 138 ACHA homes and 164 privately owned properties.

“Proper insulation is a great way to reduce carbon emissions, save money on heating bills and do your bit for the environment. We are 100% committed to creating a climate friendly Argyll and Bute and positive steps like this are enabling us to do that.”

Welcoming the news, Alastair MacGregor, chief executive of Argyll Community Housing Association, added: “We are delighted to receive the news that £2.3m in grant from the Scottish Government will come through the Council to continue our work in energy efficiency through external wall insulation.

“This grant will go alongside £3m of ACHA resources to improve the homes of around 500 tenants and owners in Oban, Bute, Dunoon and the Cowal villages. ACHA appreciate the ongoing partnership working of the Scottish Government and Argyll and Bute Council in tackling fuel poverty head on.”