Heat Pump Grant Scotland: Home Energy Scotland Guide 2026

Scotland has its own heat pump funding: a grant of up to £7,500 (up to £9,000 with the rural uplift) plus an optional interest-free loan of up to £7,500. Through Home Energy Scotland (HES), the grant and loan together can cover most or all of a typical installation, so some Scottish homeowners pay little or nothing upfront (the loan is repaid over time).

This guide explains how the Home Energy Scotland scheme works, who qualifies, how to apply, and how it compares to the Boiler Upgrade Scheme available in England and Wales.

What Is Home Energy Scotland?

Home Energy Scotland (HES) is a free, impartial advice service funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by the Energy Saving Trust. It helps homeowners improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions — and administers grants and interest-free loans for renewable heating systems including heat pumps.

How Much Funding Is Available?

The loan is optional. You can take the grant alone, the grant plus a partial loan, or the grant plus the full loan amount. You only borrow what you need.

Combined Example

For a typical £12,000 air source heat pump installation:

Monthly loan repayment: approximately £38 over 10 years. Rural and island homes may get a £1,500 grant uplift (up to £9,000), which reduces the loan needed.

Eligibility Requirements

Property Requirements

• Location: The property must be in Scotland
• Ownership: You must own and live in the property (owner-occupier)
• Insulation: Adequate insulation required — HES can fund insulation improvements too
• Existing heating: Replacing an existing system (gas, oil, LPG, electric, or solid fuel)

Installer Requirements

• MCS-certified installer required
• System must be designed and installed to MCS standards

Who Is Not Eligible?

• Tenants (though other energy efficiency support may be available)
• New-build properties
• Properties outside Scotland (see the UK-wide grants guide)

How to Apply for the HES Grant and Loan

Unlike the BUS grant (where the installer applies for you), Home Energy Scotland requires you to initiate contact:

Step 1: Contact Home Energy Scotland

Call 0808 808 2282 (free) or visit the HES website. An advisor will discuss your heating situation, check eligibility, advise on insulation improvements, and guide you through the process.

Step 2: Get a Home Assessment

HES may arrange a free home energy assessment evaluating your property's suitability, insulation levels, heat loss, and best system type.

Step 3: Get Quotes from MCS-Certified Installers

Get at least three quotes from MCS-certified installers. HES may provide recommended installers, and our guide to heat pump installation in Scotland covers what to expect. You can also request a heat pump quote through this site.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Apply through HES with your personal details, current heating details, chosen installer quote, property ownership evidence, and consent to a credit check (loan element only).

Step 5: Approval and Installation

Once approved, your installer proceeds. The grant is paid towards the installation cost, and the loan is set up with agreed monthly repayments.

Additional Support for Scottish Homeowners

Insulation Funding

HES can fund loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, external wall insulation, and floor insulation. Getting insulation sorted first makes your heat pump work more efficiently and cost less to run.

Free Energy Advice

HES provides free, impartial energy advice to all Scottish households — reducing bills, improving comfort, understanding tariffs, and accessing all available support. Scottish homeowners considering solar panels alongside a heat pump can discuss the combined benefits with HES advisors.

Scotland vs England: Grant Comparison

Rural Properties and Off-Gas-Grid Homes

Many Scottish properties are off the gas grid, particularly in rural areas and the Highlands and Islands. These homes are excellent candidates for heat pumps — oil and LPG heating costs are typically higher, the savings from switching can be substantial, and there is no gas network to connect to. Modern air source heat pumps operate efficiently down to -20C.

Rural and island homes may qualify for the £1,500 HES rural uplift, taking the grant to up to £9,000. Heating oil is not price-capped and rose sharply in 2026, so if you heat with oil in rural Scotland, a heat pump funded through HES could save you hundreds of pounds per year. Pairing it with solar panels can reduce your electricity costs further. Use our calculator to estimate your potential savings.

Warmer Homes Scotland

For low-income households, Warmer Homes Scotland provides free energy efficiency improvements including heat pumps. You may qualify if you receive Universal Credit, Pension Credit, income-related ESA, income-based JSA, or tax credits (with income below the threshold). Call HES on 0808 808 2282 to check.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the heat pump grant in Scotland?

A grant of up to £7,500 (up to £9,000 with the rural uplift) plus an optional interest-free loan of up to £7,500.

Is the BUS grant available in Scotland?

No. The BUS covers England and Wales only. Scotland has its own grant and loan through Home Energy Scotland.

Do I have to take the loan as well as the grant?

No. The loan is optional. Take just the grant, or combine grant and loan to cover the full cost.

How do I contact Home Energy Scotland?

Call 0808 808 2282 (free) or visit the HES website.

Can landlords apply in Scotland?

HES is primarily for owner-occupiers. Landlords should contact HES directly for alternative options.

Do heat pumps work in the Scottish climate?

Yes. Modern air source heat pumps work efficiently down to -20C. Ground source heat pumps are even less affected by air temperature.

How long does the application take?

Four to eight weeks from initial contact to approved funding.

Can I get insulation funding as well?

Yes. HES funds loft, cavity wall, external wall, and floor insulation.