Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 21 February 2022
To ask the Scottish Government whether the Islands Energy Strategy will take account of the reportedly significantly higher costs of retrofitting in island communities.
The Scottish Government recognises that island communities can face distinct challenges in the transition to zero emissions heating. We are committed to continuing to make higher levels of funding available per head through our energy efficiency/fuel poverty delivery programmes in remote rural areas, where we know installation and labour costs are higher.
Through our Islands Energy Strategy – of which a draft is due to be published later this year, we will work with stakeholders to take an evidence based approach to explore the need additional support for those rural and island homes which require bespoke and targeted advice for heat and energy efficiency.
Furthermore, our Heat in Buildings Supply Chain Action Plan, due to be published later this year will include a specific focus on developing local supply chains, including in our islands and remote communities, to help bring costs down.