The Energy Efficient Scotland: Area-Based Scheme, which is funded through the Scottish Government, will offer energy efficiency and home insulation measures to Shetland homes that are struggling with rising energy costs. The initiative will aim to help these homes to be heated more affordably, making fuel bills more manageable for residents.

In the 10 years since it was founded, Warmworks has supported thousands of people across Scotland to heat their homes more affordably as the managing agent for the Scottish Government’s national fuel poverty scheme, Warmer Homes Scotland.

This has included supporting more than 1,000 homes and families across Shetland, where Warmworks has long-standing relationships with local firms that have carried out a wide range of energy efficiency improvements in properties all across the region.

Warmworks also delivers the Area-Based Schemes for Orkney Islands Council and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, which has seen hundreds of households in these areas fitted with energy efficiency improvements that have led to financial savings and an increase in energy performance.

In addition to the local office spaces that Warmworks has already set up in Kirkwall and Stornoway to support the delivery of the Area-Based Schemes there, it will soon be opening its new office in Shetland, with a firm commitment to be part of the local community.

Warmworks is aiming to begin delivery of the Area-Based Scheme on behalf of Shetland Islands Council in July.

Warmworks’ chief executive, Ross Armstrong, said: “Today’s announcement means that Warmworks will now manage the area-based energy efficiency work for all of the major island-based local authorities in Scotland. We know and understand that these communities have some of the highest levels of fuel poverty in the country, which makes it critical for us to get it right for local people.

“This is a great opportunity for us to increase our impact and help more homes and families in island-based communities, as well as strengthening our long-standing relationships with the proven local firms that will support us in carrying out the work.”

Councillor Moraig Lyall, Chair of Shetland Islands Council’s Environment and Transport Committee said: “We look forward to working with Warmworks who will manage the programme of home energy efficiency works in Shetland in future.

“It’s reassuring to know that they have considerable experience of working in island communities and that they will deliver these improvements through a network of accredited local installers.

“We all want to ensure that more people benefit from warmer, more energy efficient homes and we’re confident that this new relationship will really make a difference.”