The Association was successful in bidding for the Scotland-wide Plugged-in Households Grant Fund which is funded by Transport Scotland and administered by the Energy Saving Trust for a 12-month pilot project. The project aims to give local residents an opportunity to experience the benefits of electric vehicles and car-sharing and increased freedom without having to become car-owners.

The Association has contracted Co-Wheels Car Club, which operates throughout the UK to deliver the scheme. The cars will be supported in Orkney by local specialist Eco Cars.

The Association has also secured funding as part of the project to offer a fantastic deal for their tenants of 25% off the hire charges for the first 12 months. The cars will be located in Holm, Dounby and Kirkwall following the installation of rapid chargers, due in September.

Craig Spence, OHAL chief executive, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our tenants and residents to have access to a vehicle without the costs of car ownership, the cars can be hired by the hour or for a full day at very reasonable rates.”

He added: “We hope that the project is a success and that it can continue well beyond the initial one-year pilot.”

The cars will also be available to view and trial at the official launch at OHAL’s AGM at Orkney College on September 18 from 5.00pm.

Free workshops and a webinar have been released to support prospective applicants develop their proposals in line with desired programme outcomes.

A webinar which was recorded on July 5 is available here. While Applicant Workshops will be held:

• Wednesday 7 August, 10.30-12.30: Best Western Queens Hotel: Perth
• Thursday 8 August, 10.30-12.30: Energy Saving Trust, Edinburgh