Orkney Islands Council has secured an additional £300k from the Scottish Government to improve home energy efficiency for homeowners across the county.
The funding, delivered locally by Warmworks on behalf of the council, follows urgent representations to the government after Orkney’s allocation was slashed by £750k compared to the previous year.
The council and Warmworks estimate the extra funding will help improve around 30 more homes that were already assessed and waiting for support.
Warmworks operates from its Kirkwall office, working alongside local contractors to install vital energy-saving measures.
Councillor Gwenda Shearer, Chair of the Council’s Education, Leisure and Housing Committee, welcomed the boost but warned that demand continues to outstrip available funding.
She said the council was pleased the government recognised Orkney’s strong track record in delivering home energy improvements where they are needed most.
She stressed that the £300k funding will allow work to continue at pace to tackle Orkney’s shocking fuel poverty levels.
However, she highlighted that the county is still facing a £450k shortfall compared to last year’s allocation.
Shearer made it clear that many households remain on the waiting list for assistance.
She pointed out that the council and Warmworks could deliver at least another £200k worth of energy efficiency measures before the end of the current funding period.
She urged the Scottish Government to reallocate underspends from other areas as soon as possible to maximise impact.
She also called for a fairer funding model where councils receive allocations based on demand and past performance.
This would provide local supply chains with greater certainty and make the scheme more efficient.
Homeowners looking to improve their property’s energy efficiency are encouraged to contact Warmworks for advice and assistance.
The Kirkwall Warmworks team can be reached on their freephone number 0800 038 6022 or by email at orkney@warmworks.co.uk
Alternatively, residents can visit the Warmworks office at 2 West Tankerness Lane, Kirkwall, KW15 1AL without an appointment.
