A CAMPAIGN is hotting up to get people to insulate themselves from ever rising heating bills this winter.

Inverclyde has one of the lowest uptakes in a scheme which offers grants of up £5,000 for home owners and private sector tenants towards new boilers and central heating systems, as well as wall and loft insulation.

Now MSP Stuart McMillan has joined forces with Home Energy Scotland to promote their payments, at special Challenge Poverty surgeries in the Oak Mall shopping centre.

Residents were also able to access fuel vouchers at the surgeries.

But the organisers want to raise the profile of the Warmer Home Scotland grants and boost uptake, which will cut hundreds of pounds off of people's bills every year.

Mr McMillan said: "This could really make a difference to a lot of people in Inverclyde.

"These surgeries have been a huge success and we have managed to get help for people who need it most.

"I am happy to bring everyone together and to make them a regular event."

Home Energy Scotland's Emma Howe is keen for people in the area to take advantage of the programme.

She said: "The grants are there to be used, the eligibility criteria has widened and we can help."

The eligibility scheme was opened up in August this year to allow more households to benefit from the grants.

Mr McMillan and the Home Energy team were joined by Social Security Scotland and employability support experts from Fair Start Scotland at the latest Oak Mall surgery this week.

Social Security Scotland local client support adviser Lisanne Torrance said: "It is great to be able to get help directly to people who didn't think there was any available.

"People don't always think they are entitled to help and sometimes they are too proud to ask.

"But there is help out there."

To find out more about Home Energy Scotland call 0808 808 2282 or for advice on other support contact MSP Stuart McMillan's office on 01475 720930 or email stuart.mcmillan.msp@parliament.scot