Fuel poverty continues to cast a long shadow across the Western Isles, where high energy costs, low incomes, an ageing population and cold, damp weather combine with many poorly insulated homes. As a result, around 80 per cent of households in the Western Isles are living in fuel poverty, one of the highest in the UK.

The Energy Support Unit, funded by Point and Sandwick Trust (PST) and operated by local firm Muirneag Consulting, provides practical help to households in its local community.

Since its launch in 2023, the ESU has distributed more than £374,000, supported over 600 households and carried out energy assessments in 485 homes. The team continues to find that the extent of fuel poverty in the area is 82%, with the depth averaging 27%, meaning many households spend around a quarter of their income on energy costs alone.

This year’s Fuel Hardship Grant scheme is again funded through community wind farm revenues from Beinn Ghrideag, the UK’s largest community-owned wind farm, operated by PST. Households in the Point and Sandwick area that are struggling to meet energy costs are encouraged to contact the ESU for confidential advice and support.

To coincide with the launch of this year’s grants, PST has released The Long Shadow, a short film created in partnership with Muirneag Consulting to raise awareness of the human impact of fuel poverty. Filmed by Luke Wilson Media on the Isle of Lewis, it follows the story of an elderly resident facing the difficult choice between heating or eating, and the mental load that brings. The film highlights not just the statistics, but the lived experiences of people across the islands.

Chair of Point and Sandwick Trust, Norman Mackenzie, said: “Fuel poverty remains one of the most urgent challenges facing our community. Through the Energy Support Unit and the expert knowledge of the team at Muirneag Consulting, we’re providing direct help to those who need it most while raising awareness of the wider issue. The Long Shadow captures the reality behind the figures and reminds us why this work is so important.”

Stewart Wilson of Muirneag Consulting added: “We wanted to make a film that reflects real lives and difficult choices. By telling one person’s story, we hope to give a voice to the many others facing the same struggle and to highlight the importance of the support provided by the Energy Support Unit and other agencies across the country. We encourage anyone living in the PST area to get in touch and we will do our best to help.”

Filmed on location in Point and featuring local actor Domhnall Ruadh Smith, The Long Shadow will be aired at An Lanntair screenings in December and January and can be viewed online on YouTube here.