The motion celebrates the work of the Western Isles housing and energy agency, noting that it has supported more than 1,000 households facing fuel poverty in 2025-26 alone. 

Ian McCulloch, chairman of TIG, said: “We are delighted that Donald MacKinnon MSP has recognised our 35th anniversary in the Scottish Parliament, and grateful to the MSPs from across the chamber who have supported his motion.

“Since 1991, our purpose has remained the same: making sure that people across Na h-Eileanan an Iar can live in homes that are safe, warm and affordable. Last year alone, we supported more than 1,000 households experiencing fuel poverty, while our Care and Repair team delivered over £442,000 of adaptations, helping older and disabled islanders to live independently in their own homes. Our Housing and Community Development Service also managed 22 projects on behalf of clients, supporting sustainable development and investment across the islands.

“This recognition belongs to our staff, volunteers and partners, from Lewis to Barra. But with fuel poverty in the islands still the highest in Scotland, the job is far from done, and we look forward to working with Donald Mackinnon MSP and colleagues to tackle it.”

Supported by: Colin Beattie, Neil Bibby, Miles Briggs, Victor Currie, Joe Fagan, Paul Sweeney, the motion reads: That the Parliament congratulates Tighean Innse Gall (TIG) on 35 years of helping people across Na h-Eileanan an Iar to live in safe, warm and affordable homes; notes that the Stornoway-based organisation, which was founded in 1991, supported more than 1,000 households facing fuel poverty in 2025-26 alone, in the area that has, it understands, the highest level of fuel poverty in Scotland; commends its Care and Repair team for delivering more than £442,000 of adaptations in the same year, enabling older and disabled islanders to continue living independently in their own homes; notes that its Housing and Community Development service managed 22 projects on behalf of clients, supporting sustainable development and investment across the islands; recognises that its dedicated staff, volunteers and partners, from Lewis to Barra, have made TIG a trusted and highly valued part of island life, and wishes everyone involved with it continued success.

The recognition comes as TIG welcomed the extension of the Scottish Emergency Heating Oil Scheme.

Households that heat their homes with oil or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) can still get help with fuel costs this winter of up to £600 and TIG is encouraging anyone who relies on heating oil or LPG to check whether they qualify now, before the colder months set in.

The scheme supports households facing higher costs for oil or LPG heating. Where possible, payment goes directly to the fuel supplier, so households don’t need to find the money up front.

The need is especially acute in the Western Isles. The latest Scottish House Condition Survey figures (2022–2024) show that 40% of households in Na h-Eileanan Siar are in fuel poverty, well above the Scottish average of 31%.

Around 88% of homes in the islands have no mains gas connection, leaving many reliant on oil, LPG or electricity to keep warm. With winter approaching, TIG wants to make sure no eligible household goes without heat or rations its fuel because it did not know help was available.

Households where oil or LPG is the main heating fuel may qualify for support if they are the bill payer, live in the property as their main home, and have recently purchased or plan to purchase fuel, with automatic eligibility for those receiving certain means-tested benefits and discretionary support available for households facing financial hardship or vulnerability.

Kirsty McLeod, energy advice manager at TIG, said: “Winter is the hardest time of year for households that depend on heating oil or LPG. Fuel must be bought in bulk, often hundreds of pounds at a time, which can push people to cut back on heat when they need it most.

“The extension of the Emergency Heating Oil Scheme means help is there through the coldest months. Whether you’re on a qualifying benefit or simply struggling to afford your next delivery, please check whether you’re eligible. It only takes a few minutes online, or you can pick up the phone and get help applying.”

Ann Beaton (Betty) from the Isle of Lewis, with help from TIG, was successful with her application to the Emergency Heating Oil Scheme.

Ann was delighted with the outcome and said: “I wish to take this opportunity to thank Monique and all the TIG staff who enabled me to access the oil heating grant.

“Unfortunately, due to ongoing health issues, our home requires to be topped up with oil every eight weeks. This obviously creates a continuous financial cycle that is extremely difficult to manage.

“We are incredibly grateful to TIG for stepping in and validating our situation, with the result that we were awarded this grant.

“I would urge anyone in a similar position to contact TIG, as the staff here provide an outstanding level of guidance and expertise.”