Following Scottish Government guidance on returning to construction sites across Scotland, works will be restarting on the EES: ABS scheme across the Highlands
In line with the guidance from the Scottish government, contractors will be undertaking phased restarts and adhering to social distancing to allow workers to return to construction sites.
Contractors have supplied The Highland Council with detailed work plans for safe working, encompassing social distancing, and following all guidance relating to Covid-19.
Additional steps will be in place to address risks and protect workers, families and the general public.
Phased starts will begin 1 July and will initially be focused on insulation and will progress to other energy efficiency measures, including first-time central heating, in line with the construction restart plan.
Work on people’s homes will only restart when householders and workers feel it is safe to do so.
A message from the first minister
Nicola Sturgeon said: “One area where we judge we can make some further progress now, is in the construction industry.
“I can confirm that the sector will be able to move to the next step of its restart plan – which is something that was always envisaged as part of phase 1 of our route map. So it is not a change to phase 1.
“And moving to the next step of the industry plan will now allow workers to return to construction sites gradually while using measures such as physical distancing and hand hygiene to ensure that they can do so safely.”
Funding and grants
The Highlands Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme provides significant grant funding opportunities to Highland owner-occupiers and private rented tenants to undertake energy efficiency improvements to their home.
Works can result in significant savings on household energy bills.
