Termed the “Installer Experiences in Remote and Rural Communities”, the report was compiled by the Highland Energy Community Partnership (HECP). 

The HECP was formed to address fuel poverty in the Highlands and has got nearly £1.5 million from The National Lottery Community Fund. 

The report looks into the present obstacles for home upgrades in remote and rural areas within the Highlands and Islands.

Mhairi MacSween from Changeworks, the lead partner of the HECP, said: “We know from past projects that improving energy efficiency in the Highlands can be challenging.

“So firstly, we wanted to understand exactly what these challenges are, by listening to the local tradespeople and businesses who do the work. We were keen to find out what would help businesses and tradespeople feel confident enough to take on more work. 

“They had lots of ideas, and these provide a really solid basis for moving forward with energy efficiency upgrades in the Highlands and Islands. We’ve now got a clear picture of both the difficulties and opportunities of delivering warmer, cheaper to run homes in the region.”

Looking forward, the HECP has set up a launch event for the report at the University of Highlands and Islands. 

The report is based on the experiences of local installers, tradespeople and small businesses. The research signifies how alterations including easier accreditation routes and stronger local coordination could enable more homes to access insulation, renewable heating and wider upgrades. 

On 12 August, the research will be discussed at the launch event on 12 August.

To get a copy of the report or to attend the launch event for the report, go to www.changeworksinfo.org/supply_chain_report or email marketing@changeworks.org.uk.