Scottish Gas is beginning work on a major project in Greenock that will transform the homes of families in over 500 properties.

The scheme, being run in partnership with River Clyde Homes, will make properties warmer and more energy efficient and should reduce energy bills for hundreds of families.

The £9 million project will also see solid wall insulation added to homes, as well as district heating installed. It will mean people will have warmer homes when the weather turns colder.

It follows a similar scheme in Glasgow in partnership with Cube Housing.

The £10.7m project will renovate multi-story homes in the Broomhill, Maryhill and Gorget areas of the city. The project is expected to take 12 months to complete and will see solid wall insulation added to the outside of over 600 homes. The insulation will reduce the amount of heat escaping through walls and will help homes stay warmer over a longer period.

The work on both schemes is funded by the Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) scheme which focuses on providing energy efficiency measures to low income and vulnerable customers, and those living in homes that are hard to heat.

David Young of Scottish Gas, said: “We’re really pleased to deliver these projects in partnership with Cube Housing and River Clyde Homes, which will transform the lives of many people across West Scotland. It will make homes warmer and more energy efficient for families, and will help reduce energy bills.”

Willie Croft, director of property & development services at River Clyde Homes, added: “Combating fuel poverty for our customers has become a key priority for River Clyde Homes. These Broomhill properties will benefit from a refurbishment that should help people reduce their energy costs by using a system that is both efficient and environmentally friendly.”