The Scottish Parliament

Questions and answers

Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP to the Scottish Government or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. The questions provide a means for MSPs to get factual and statistical information.

Written questions must be answered within 10 working days (20 working days during recess)

Other questions such as Topical, Portfolio, General and First Minister's Question Times are taken in the Chamber

Urgent Questions aren't included in the Question and Answers search. There is a SPICe fact sheet listing Urgent and emergency questions.

Question reference: S7W-03451

Asked by: Tim Eagle, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Monday, 21 September 2026
Current Status: Answered by Stephen Gethins on 1 October 2026

To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that, due to factors including larger floor areas, detached construction, older building types and installation costs, rural and island homes are typically more expensive to retrofit for energy efficiency and heating decarbonisation than urban properties.

We are aware that Scotland has a large number of pre-1919 built houses in rural and island communities compared to urban areas. These properties are typically detached and are 32% to 38% larger by floor area than urban dwellings of the same age. These buildings can be more complex to decarbonise and insulate than modern buildings due to increased risk of mould or dampness if the “breathable” nature of the building is compromised.

Due to the complexities of these buildings, the owners, especially in rural and island settings, can see a cost premium due to logistical challenges and characteristics, such as age, size and construction.

The 2024 Scottish House Condition Survey also reflects the challenge to improve energy efficiency of pre-1919 houses in both rural and urban settings, with only 23% achieving an EPC band C or better.

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Question reference: S7W-03451

Answer