Residents in Formartine have been told they can get loft and cavity wall insulation installed for free, cutting their fuel bills.

The initiative is under the Scotland-wide Universal Home Insulation Scheme and Aberdeenshire Council are delivering it in conjunction with SCARF (Save Cash and Reduce Fuel) and the Scottish Government.

The scheme will be rolled out to Garioch in June and Kincardine and Mearns in September.

The local authority submitted a joint bid with SCARF and received £710,000 in a third round of funding that could benefit around 60,000 households in Aberdeenshire.


Chief Executive Officer for SCARF Jean Morrison said: "Yet again we are seeing an increase in fuel prices so this is a perfect opportunity to save money. Loft insulation and cavity wall insulation will mean that householders will see a reduction in their fuel bills."

There are three ways to apply for the scheme, which is available until December 2012.

Residents can complete and return the home energy check they will get in the post. The check can be done over the phone with SCARF on 0844 8460551. Home Energy Assessors will also be visiting tenants of Aberdeenshire Council to provide free energy efficiency advice and benefits checks and to help people apply for the insulation scheme.

Council tenants have already received home insulation organised by Aberdeenshire Council.

(NE)