18,000 households in line to receive free insulation

Around 18,000 households across the city could be eligible for free home insulation.

Homes in Liberton, Gilmerton, Colinton, Fairmilehead, the Pentland Hills and parts of Craigmillar can apply for a share of £660,000 in government funding secured by the city council.

The South Edinburgh free insulation offer provides loft and cavity wall insulation to households who contact the Home Energy Scotland Hotline, or receive a visit from a Home Energy Assessor.

Properties lose more than half their heat through the roof and walls.

Loft insulation saves up to £175 a year on heating bills, while cavity wall insulation saves up to £135 a year.

Housing leader Paul Edie said: “Similar schemes in other parts of the Capital have proved successful and resulted in hundreds of families taking up not just advice but also energy- saving measures.”

Eligible households should receive a letter about the scheme.