The scheme has helped over 600 households over the past 5 years within Orkney and with the new contract awarded to Warmworks, the scheme aims to make homes warmer and more energy efficient through the installation of energy-saving improvements, primarily insulation.

Eligible households can receive funding for loft insulation, internal Wall insulation, external Wall insulation (for solid wall properties), (under) floor insulation and high heat retention storage heating.

The Scottish Government has awarded the Council with £1.5 million in funding for the scheme in Orkney for 2020 to 2021. Up to £10,000 is available per applicant. However, a higher grant award of £14,000 can be considered in certain circumstances.

Warmworks has been working throughout Orkney since 2015 as the managing agent of the Scottish Government’s national fuel poverty scheme, Warmer Homes Scotland. Since 2015, that scheme has already helped 200 households across Orkney to have more peace of mind about staying warm in their homes and saving money on their energy bills.

Warmworks was joined by Councillor Sandy Cowie, vice-chair of the education, leisure and housing committee, in July to open their new Kirkwall office, situated at The Store, 5 West Tankerness Lane, their first outside Edinburgh.

Councillor Cowie said: “We are very pleased to see Warmworks making this additional investment in Orkney with the opening of their office this week. We want to encourage anyone who thinks they might be eligible for funding to get in touch with Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282 to make sure they do not lose out.”

Ross Armstrong, managing director of Warmworks, added: “I am absolutely delighted that Warmworks has been awarded the contract from Orkney Islands Council to deliver HEEPS: ABS and it’s great to have officially opened our new office in Kirkwall.

“Orkney has already made some positive progress in the field of energy efficiency and new technologies and Warmworks is committed to playing our part continuing those efforts, ensuring that we deliver a first-class service to our customers, and their families, helping them become warmer, happier and healthier in their homes.

“This marks an exciting opportunity for Warmworks as a business to extend our existing presence across Orkney and it also provides us with the chance to support the local community in a meaningful, sustainable way.”

More details about the new scheme will be made available online over the coming weeks and Warmworks plans to work with a range of local partners to identify suitable customers.