Tourism businesses in the Outer Hebrides sought for free energy-saving support

300 tourism businesses in the Outer Hebrides are being sought to receive free support to improve their energy efficiency, thanks to an innovative partnership between Outer Hebrides Tourism and Tighean Innse Gall.
The project, dubbed “The Energy Isles”, has received nearly £500k in support from the Coastal Communities Fund and is being launched to tourism businesses in May. Any tourism-related business that is a member of Outer Hebrides Tourism (OHT) is invited to put themselves forward for a free Energy Audit, worth £150+, and then to receive specific investment in their business of around £750. Businesses could benefit from new LED lighting, replacement of old inefficient appliances, new loft insulation and many other measures. The Energy Audits will be carried out by TIG trained energy experts and all measures will be installed through them. Quality assurance will be conducted through the TIG team of 5 staff working in the project.
In addition Outer Hebrides Tourism has appointed 2 members of staff to help businesses apply for the support, and to carry out other project work in the Outer Hebrides. Mairi Thomson is covering Uist and Barra, and Cait Wooll is covering Harris and Lewis. Cait said, “With over 700 accommodation businesses alone in the Outer Hebrides we are expecting a big demand for support.” Mairi added, “We are particularly keen to make sure that businesses from all part of the islands benefit from the project, but as we can only help around 300 at the moment, we are encouraging businesses to sign-up promptly on the go live date.”
Outer Hebrides Tourism has a dedicated web page on www.outerhebridestourism.orgwith more information, and full details of how to apply and how to contact Mairi and Cait for more information.
Applications are due to open at 1pm on 18 May 2015, and Mairi said, “Interested businesses are being urged to make a note in their diary, or risk missing out on this amazing opportunity. Any business not currently a member of OHT can join up online before the launch date and make sure they can take advantage of this innovative scheme.”
Donald Nicholson, Chair of Tighean Innse Gall said, “This is a fantastic opportunity to work with Outer Hebrides Tourism helping businesses improve their energy efficiency. We have built up a reputation for delivery and we look forward to making this project a great success.”

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