Households worried about keeping their homes warm this winter will have the opportunity to speak directly with energy and benefits advisers at a series of advice surgeries across the Highlands.
Highlands and Islands MSP Maree Todd is organising three drop in sessions in Tain, Dingwall and Aviemore, beginning on Friday 30 October, in partnership with Citizens Advice Bureau and Home Energy Scotland.
The events are intended to help people struggling with heating bills, uncertain about the financial assistance available to them or looking for practical ways to make their homes more energy efficient.
With colder weather approaching, fuel poverty remains a particular concern across the Highlands, where many households face higher heating costs because of older housing, rural locations and limited access to mains gas.
For families relying on heating oil or other alternatives to gas, the cost of keeping warm can be especially difficult to manage.
The surgeries will offer an opportunity to discuss individual circumstances with experienced advisers rather than trying to navigate different support schemes alone.
Help will be available with social security entitlements, energy assistance programmes and practical measures to improve household energy efficiency.
The announcement comes amid renewed political debate about energy prices, with Todd highlighting forecasts suggesting further increases in household bills during January.
She has criticised the UK Labour Government over its election promise to reduce energy costs, arguing that households remain under considerable financial pressure.
The figures cited by Todd are part of that political criticism rather than a confirmed January price increase, with future energy costs depending on market conditions and the relevant price cap.
Todd said:
“In the Highlands, we experience colder weather, and unlike much of the country, many homes are not connected to the gas grid and instead rely on heating oil and other more expensive fuels.
“Despite, Labour’s promise to cut bills by £300, they’re set to be £1,000 higher.
“As we head into the winter months, I know many of my constituents will be extremely worried about how they are going to make ends meet and keep their homes warm.
“I would encourage anyone who is concerned about their energy bills this winter to come along to one of these drop-in sessions.
“I’ll be joined by expert advisers from Citizens Advice Bureau and Home Energy Scotland, who will be on hand to provide tailored advice and help people access the support available to them.”
The first surgery takes place at Gro For You Community Campus on Morangie Road in Tain on Friday 30 October, from 10am until 11.30am.
Two further sessions will follow on Monday 16 November, beginning at Mary’s Room in Temperance House on Tulloch Street, Dingwall, from noon until 1.30pm.
The final session that afternoon will be held at Aviemore Community Centre in Muirton, from 3pm until 5pm.
All three events are designed as drop in advice surgeries, allowing residents to seek guidance on the assistance available for their particular circumstances.
For those already anxious about winter bills, the opportunity to speak face to face with someone who understands the support system could make a practical difference.
The message from organisers is that anyone concerned about heating costs should come along and find out what help may be available before the coldest months arrive.
