Adventurer Mark Beaumont backs Scottish energy campaign

HE may be “The Man Who Cycled the World”, but it seems Mark Beaumont still has a soft spot for his Scottish roots.

As temperatures plummet and people are feeling the winter chill, the adventurous cyclist today backed a campaign to help Scots cut their energy bills and stay warm through the winter.

The 28 year old, who has experienced extreme temperatures and brutal conditions on his travels, is encouraging Scots to ring the Scottish Government’s Home Energy Scotland Hotline to find out if they are eligible for free or discounted insulation to keep the heat in and save money on utilities.

Growing up in a Tayside village, Mark is keen to urge rural households to get advice as they are more likely to experience the chill this winter:

“Coming from a rural background, I’ve experienced Scottish winters’ first hand.  It’s really important to be prepared for the most severe Scottish weather, which can be a great deal more extreme than we think.  Scots should make the call and take advantage of the assistance on offer as temperatures worsen.

“Last year, I cycled from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, whilst this year I was in the Canadian Arctic, and during both expeditions I experienced the most inhospitable of weather conditions.  I quickly realised that being prepared for harsh climates and keeping warm was vital.”

With research revealing that two out of three Scottish lofts currently don’t have enough insulation and more than one million homes in Scotland do not meet the recommended insulation levels, Scots are being urged to make the call to the Home Energy Scotland Hotline on 0800 512 012.

The campaign promotes the advantages of installing cavity wall and loft insulation, which- along with being more energy efficient – can save home-owners up to £280 per year.

Energy-saving spokesperson for the Home Energy Scotland Hotline in rural Scotland, Bruce Wares, added:

“Having loft or cavity wall insulation installed couldn’t be easier. One phone call is all it takes to find out what sort of discount you could be eligible for. Tailor made energy advice will be available to each caller based on their own home and circumstances.

“Homes in rural areas of Scotland are often hit the hardest by dipping temperatures during the winter, and I would advise these particular households to give the hotline a call to find out the level of help that they could receive.”

People looking for advice on keeping their homes warm this winter can call the Home Energy Scotland Hotline on 0800 512 012 or visit homeenergyscotland.org.uk