1. What is the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan?
The Home Energy Scotland (HES) Grant and Loan is the Scottish Government's main scheme for funding clean heating and insulation upgrades. It is for owner-occupiers, in existing homes only, on a primary residence. There is no income threshold — the scheme is designed to be accessible to most Scottish homeowners.
2. Grant amounts
| Measure | Max Grant | Max Loan | Rural Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air or ground source heat pump | £7,500 | £7,500 | +£1,500 |
| Solid wall insulation | £7,500 | £7,500 | +£1,500 |
| Loft / flat roof insulation | 75% up to £7,500 | £7,500 | +£1,500 |
| Other measures | Specific limits apply | £7,500 | +£1,500 |
3. The Rural and Island Uplift
- Remote and Very Remote Rural (Scottish Government categories 7–8): qualify automatically.
- Accessible Rural (category 6): qualify if your home is off the gas grid.
- All Scottish islands: qualify regardless of classification.
- Maximum total support with uplift: £18,000.
4. Who qualifies?
- You must be an owner-occupier, in your primary residence.
- The home must be an existing Scottish property.
- Landlords and second homes are not eligible for grants — but a separate landlord loan exists.
- There is no income threshold.
5. Installer requirements
Beware of scams
- Heat pumps and renewables: MCS-certified installers (mcscertified.com)
- Insulation: TrustMark-registered installers (trustmark.org.uk)
6. How to apply
- Contact Home Energy Scotland: 0808 808 2282 or homeenergyscotland.co.uk
- Initial assessment (20–30 minutes by phone)
- Free home survey arranged by HES
- Choose an MCS / TrustMark installer and get 3+ quotes
- Grant is paid directly to the installer
7. Combining HES with other schemes
HES can be combined with ECO4 and Warmer Homes Scotland in some cases. Scottish homeowners are usually directed to HES rather than the UK-wide Boiler Upgrade Scheme.
8. Frequently asked questions
Does my EPC rating affect eligibility?+
There's no minimum EPC requirement, but a current EPC helps your installer plan the right measures.
Can I get a grant for a tenement flat?+
Yes — internal wall insulation, draught proofing and heat pumps are all eligible, though heat pumps require a specialist tenement assessment.
Is the loan really interest-free?+
Yes. The HES loan is genuinely 0% APR for owner-occupiers, repayable over up to 12 years depending on the measure.
How long does the process take?+
From first call to installation typically 3–6 months, depending on installer availability and the measure.
What about listed buildings?+
Listed buildings can apply but may need a sympathetic approach (internal wall insulation, secondary glazing). Historic Environment Scotland guidance applies.
Can I combine HES with ECO4?+
Often yes — ECO4 may fund insulation while HES funds your heat pump. Tell both schemes about each other.
Not sure if you qualify?
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