Residents across the Western Isles are benefitting from a heating oil scheme that helps low-income households during the extreme rise in fuel costs.

The Western Isles are known to have the highest levels of fuel poverty in Scotland. This scheme is to aid those in lower-income households to keep their homes heated. Now, the scheme, which was originally meant to end today (30 September) has been extended throughout the winter months.

The Scottish Emergency Heating Oil Scheme, managed by charity Advice Direct Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government, is available to vulnerable families who have oil or Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) heating. Families can receive £300 towards their energy bills.

A mum of three, who wishes to remain anonymous, moved from south of the border to the Western Isles to start a new life with her family.

While grieving the loss of her husband soon after their move, she has opened up about how the heating fund helped her cope with financial worries after her husband’s sudden death.

She said the Scottish Emergency Heating Oil Scheme helped ease the financial pressure she was facing.

The 46-year-old said: “This is such a wonderful place. We wanted to start a new life here, so we moved here from Coventry. It was a dream move, but it turned into a nightmare. My partner died just a week after we moved.

“It has been such a difficult time. We have just been figuring out how to cope. The fund has helped as it eases some of the pressure.

“The price of oil is so expensive. At the start of the winter, we were paying about 83 pence a litre and it rose to £1.38 a litre. I applied after I read about the fund on social media. It was easy enough to do. I would recommend the fund.

“It is definitely helping us as we try to get things back on course.”

More than 6,700 payments have been made to people who applied through Advice Direct Scotland for the Scottish Emergency Heating Oil Scheme since it opened on April 1.

The scheme prioritises low-income households in receipt of means-tested social security benefits, and vulnerable people in financial hardship. 

People who have received £300 towards their oil heating bills have described the fund as a “great help” and “painless and efficient to use”.

Eileen MacPherson, 73, from Stornoway, said: “The fund is a great thing. It means I have more money for myself.

“It is definitely a good thing to have support like this. The price of everything keeps going up and up.”

Leah Devlin, 30, also from Stornoway, said: “The fund is a great help for people and it’s very easy to apply.

“Fuel poverty is a huge issue across the islands. The costs keep soaring and there is no end in sight. People are effectively having to pay £500 to £600 a month and there’s no way most folk can afford it.

“The fund is a really welcome thing because it has allowed people to keep their heating on.”

Rebecca Mahony, project manager at Western Isles Association for Mental Health, welcomed the fund.

She said: “We are very aware of the negative impact the cost-of-living crisis is having on the most vulnerable people in our communities, including those who use our services.

“Initiatives such as the oil heating fund - which is designed to support people experiencing financial hardship, whether they are in work or not - are extremely welcome.

“Many local households that rely on oil or LPG heating have been hit by significant price increases due to events in the Middle East, placing additional pressure on already stretched budgets.

“It is very encouraging that people facing financial difficulty with these types of heating systems can apply to Advice Direct Scotland for up to two grants of £300. This is positive news and we will be actively promoting the scheme and signposting people to access this support.”

Another recipient, Angus McFarlane, 51, who lives alone and is recovering from surgery, said the fund has been essential in keeping his home warm while he is unable to work. 

He said: “I had 500 litres delivered in January for £343, and then another 500 litres in April and it was £280 more expensive. 

“It’s just not quite double but not far off it. Getting the fund meant I could actually afford to get heating oil. My direct debit would have nearly doubled otherwise. 

“It just means I can have the heating on while I am recovering rather than sitting in the cold.”

People who receive Universal Credit, Scottish Child Payment, Housing Benefit, Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-based Employment and Support Allowance, and Pension Credit should apply for the scheme.

Those in financial headship who are at risk of cutting back on heat due to rising costs, and who are classed as vulnerable, may also qualify for the scheme. 

Applications can be made via homeheatingadvice.scot, by calling 0800 048 7413, or by sending a form in the post. Applicants will need to supply evidence of eligibility.

Those eligible who are unable to apply themselves can have someone else apply on their behalf, such as a relative or neighbour.

Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said: “This fund is providing vital support to people who may otherwise struggle to heat their homes, helping to reduce anxiety and improve financial resilience at a time when many families are facing difficult choices. We are pleased that the Scottish Government has extended the fund into the winter months.

“We would encourage anyone who may be eligible to get in touch and explore what help is available.”