Long-term solutions to improve energy connectivity in the Highlands are needed to help tackle fuel poverty in the region, says Conservative MSP Edward Mountain

Long-term solutions need to be found to link more of the Highlands to the National Grid as one way of tackling fuel poverty in the region.

That is the view of Highlands and Islands Conservative MSP Edward Mountain amid warnings from organisations and charities that more Highland households are likely to fall into fuel poverty this winter.

The region is already among the worst-affected in Scotland with 33 per cent of all households living in fuel poverty and 22 per cent deemed to be living in extreme fuel poverty, according to the government’s own figures.

The Inverness Courier has launched its End The Chill campaign to highlight the issue.

"The fact that the Highlands has one of the highest rates of fuel poverty in Scotland is unacceptable," Mr Mountain said.

"The SNP Government promised to eliminate fuel poverty from Scotland by 2016, but they have clearly failed in that mission.

"A long-term solution is improving our energy connectivity and finding ways to link more of the Highlands to the National Grid.

"If we can reduce the number of homes that are off grid, then more people will have a wider choice of energy tariffs available to them.

"The Scottish Conservatives have raised this issue with the UK Government, but serious progress will need a Scottish Government that is open and willing to cooperate with its UK counterpart."

Courier launches campaign to help fight fuel poverty

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