The local picture
Home energy in Scottish Borders
A large share of homes in Scottish Borders are off the gas grid, typically heated by oil, LPG or electric heaters. These are some of the most expensive ways to heat a home — and exactly what heat pump and off-gas grants are designed to replace.
That’s about 21,129 of the 60,064 homes in Scottish Borders — higher than the average for Scotland.
Sources: DESNZ, Sub-national estimates of properties not connected to the gas network, 2024 data (published December 2025); DESNZ, Sub-regional fuel poverty data 2026 (2024 data), Low Income Low Energy Efficiency measure.
What’s available
Grants you could get in Scottish Borders
With so many homes in Scottish Borders off mains gas, heat pump funding is often the biggest opportunity — but we’ll check every scheme you could qualify for.
Living in Scotland?
The Boiler Upgrade Scheme doesn’t cover Scotland, but ECO funding does. Scottish households may also be able to get support from Home Energy Scotland.
Eligibility
Who can apply in Scottish Borders?
- You own your home or rent it privately (with your landlord’s permission)
- Your heating is old, inefficient or not on mains gas — or you have no central heating
- Someone in your household receives a qualifying benefit, or your income or postcode qualifies through local criteria
Not sure? Just ask.
Rules differ between schemes, and some depend on where you live in Scottish Borders. Apply online or call 0800 246 1797 and we’ll check your postcode.
FAQs
Grant questions in Scottish Borders
Can I get a free boiler in Scottish Borders?
Yes — homeowners and private tenants in Scottish Borders can apply for government-backed funding. Eligibility usually depends on your heating system and household circumstances, such as receiving certain benefits, and in some areas your income or postcode. A quick application tells us what you could be entitled to.
How many homes in Scottish Borders are off the gas grid?
Around 35.2% of homes in Scottish Borders — roughly 21,129 properties — aren’t connected to the gas network, higher than the Scotland average of 19.5%. These homes can often get extra support, including up to £9,000 towards a heat pump where the Boiler Upgrade Scheme applies.
Is the Boiler Upgrade Scheme available in Scottish Borders?
No — the Boiler Upgrade Scheme covers England and Wales. Homes in Scotland can still qualify for ECO funding through us, and may also be eligible for support from Home Energy Scotland.