According to the MCS data dashboard, so far this year, Scotland has installed more than 5,000 MCS-certified heat pumps, which is a 34% increase on the same period in 2023. This puts the nation on track for a record-breaking year for the technology.

This demonstrates that more homeowners are making the switch to low-carbon heating, supported by initiatives like the Home Energy Scotland (HES) Grant & Loan, which offers consumers £7,500 towards the installation of a heat pump, with eligible households in rural areas receiving up to £9,000.

When it comes to heat pump uptake in Scotland, Na h-Eileanan Siar is the top-performing local authority in Scotland with 1 in 5 (20.45%) households having a certified heat pump installation. The Orkney Islands follow with 14.71%, then Argyll and Bute with 8.81%.

Ian Rippin, CEO of MCS, said: “Our data shows that a growing number of homeowners across Scotland are investing in heat pumps which are one of the most efficient and sustainable heating solutions for homes and are a vital part of Scotland’s plans to reach Net Zero by 2045.”

“Government incentives, such as the HES Grant and Loan, make the switch to greener and cleaner energy more accessible and affordable, whilst ensuring the quality of their renewable installation.”

“These results from MCS show that with the right grant support and regulation, people can have the certainty they need to make the switch to cleaner, greener forms of heating.”

Claire Daly, head of policy and advocacy at WWF Scotland, said: “These figures are very encouraging. It’s particularly welcome to find areas currently experiencing high levels of fuel poverty, such as Scotland’s rural areas and islands, making the switch to renewable heating. 1 in 3 Scottish households are currently in fuel poverty while our reliance on fossil fuel heating is creating damaging carbon pollution. The recently announced Heat in Buildings Bill should help accelerate the move to cleaner heating that will free households from unstable fossil fuel prices and make the most of our ever-cheaper renewables.

“These results from MCS show that with the right grant support and regulation, people can have the certainty they need to make the switch to cleaner, greener forms of heating.”

Overall, in 2024, Scotland has delivered more than 23,000 renewable installations, including heat pumps, solar PV, and battery storage. This brings Scotland’s all-time certified installation count to 230,000 which accounts for 9% of households in Scotland with an MCS-certified renewable installation.