Long distances, single-track roads, ferries and exposed weather shape every job here. Suppliers often cover wide areas, so it pays to give them plenty of notice and group work together where you can.
How homes in the Highlands and Islands are heated
Scotland's Census 2022 found the highest shares of households with oil central heating in the islands and the Highlands: Na h-Eilean Siar 30%, Orkney 28%, Shetland 23% and Highland 22%, compared with about 5% across Scotland. Most of Scotland's islands, including Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles, have no gas grid at all (Rural Exchange, Census 2022).
Local rules and things to know in Highlands and Islands
Private water is a big part of life here. The Drinking Water Quality Regulator's 2024 report lists 1,209 regulated private supplies serving about 34,082 people in the Highland Council area, more than any other council in Scotland, plus 1,676 smaller Type B supplies. Orkney has 30 regulated and 209 Type B supplies, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar 17 and 41, and Shetland 2 and 58 (DWQR 2024).
The Drinking Water Quality Regulator's 2024 report says a supply counts as regulated if it serves 50 or more people, provides 10 cubic metres or more a day, or supplies premises used for commercial or public activities, such as holiday lets and B&Bs, and that all regulated supplies must be sampled and tested each year (DWQR 2024). If you let a cottage on a private water supply, plan for that testing.
Part of the Highland Council area lies in the Cairngorms National Park. Applications there go to the council first, and the Park Authority can "call in" any that raise a planning issue of general significance to the park within three weeks of being notified (CNPA).
Common services in Highlands and Islands
Heating oil boilers and tanks
Boiler servicing and replacement, oil tank installation and bunding.
Heat pumps
Air and ground source heat pumps, with grant-eligible MCS installers.
Off-grid power and generators
Standby generators, battery backup and fully off-grid systems.
Private water supplies and boreholes
Boreholes, springs and wells: drilling, pumps, storage, testing and repairs.
Septic tanks and treatment plants
Emptying, repairs, replacement and new treatment plants for off-mains drainage.
Rural and satellite broadband
Fixed wireless, 4G/5G, satellite, community fibre and installation.
Rules and grants that apply in Highlands and Islands
- Heating grants: Home Energy Scotland grants include a £1,500 rural and island uplift on heating and energy efficiency grants, and rural households can claim up to £18,000 (Home Energy Scotland). The Boiler Upgrade Scheme doesn't apply in Scotland.
- Septic tanks: every private sewage discharge needs SEPA authorisation, now under the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations (SEPA). Scottish Water also offers a de-sludging service at set charges (Scottish Water).
- Private water supplies: regulated by local authorities, with the Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland overseeing them (DWQR). Grants towards improving a private supply are available (mygov.scot).
- CO and smoke alarms: Scottish homes must have interlinked fire alarms and, where there's a carbon-fuelled appliance such as a boiler or stove, a carbon monoxide detector (Scottish Government).
- Snow and ice: roads authorities must take reasonable steps on public roads, but not private tracks (Roads (Scotland) Act 1984, s34).
Councils and towns covered
Local authorities: The Highland Council, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Orkney Islands Council, Shetland Islands Council.
We'll look for suppliers who cover the Highlands and Islands, including:
- Inverness
- Nairn
- Dingwall
- Fort William
- Aviemore
- Thurso
- Wick
- Portree
- Ullapool
- Stornoway
- Kirkwall
- Lerwick
The list isn't complete. Enter your postcode in the form and we'll look for suppliers who cover your property.
Other areas in Scotland
Aberdeenshire and Moray · South of Scotland · All of Scotland
Frequently asked questions
Which heating grants can I get in the Highlands and Islands?
Home Energy Scotland grants include a £1,500 rural and island uplift on heating and energy efficiency grants, and rural households can claim up to £18,000 in total. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme doesn't apply in Scotland.
Is heating oil common in the islands?
Yes. In the 2022 census 30% of households in Na h-Eilean Siar, 28% in Orkney and 23% in Shetland had oil central heating, against about 5% across Scotland.