Scottish emergency heating oil fund extended into winter

Energy Minister Stephen Gethins said the fund would help those in greatest need.

He said: “While prices have fallen since the peak in March, ongoing international uncertainty means further increases cannot be ruled out this winter.

“That is why we are extending the scheme so eligible households can still apply for support if prices remain high over the colder months to come.”

Households that use heating oil or LPG have also been encouraged to contact Home Energy Scotland for free and impartial advice on reducing costs.

Head of programme delivery Beth Mukushi said: “As the Scottish government-funded energy advice service, we speak to people in rural homes every day who are looking to make their homes warmer and more energy efficient.

“They may be in off-gas areas, worried about rising energy costs or are in an older property and don’t know where to start. That can sometimes feel overwhelming; but we can help.”

There is no fixed date for how long the extension to the fund will last and it will be kept under review.

Scottish government figures published last year, external found that a third of households in the Highlands were living in fuel poverty. In the Western Isles the figure was 40%.