Home Energy Scotland Heat Pump Grant — Complete Guide
Standard Package
£7,500 grant + £7,500 interest-free loan
Rural / Island Uplift
£9,000 grant + £9,000 interest-free loan
What Is the HES Heat Pump Grant?
The Home Energy Scotland (HES) heat pump grant is the Scottish government's primary funding scheme for homeowners switching from fossil fuel heating to renewable heat pumps. Unlike England's Boiler Upgrade Scheme (which doesn't apply in Scotland), the HES package combines an upfront non-repayable grant with an optional interest-free loan.
Grant Amounts 2026
Standard Package (Most of Scotland)
- £7,500 non-repayable grant (you never pay this back)
- Up to £7,500 interest-free loan (0% APR, repayable over agreed term)
- Total package value: £15,000
Rural / Island Uplift
- £9,000 non-repayable grant (£1,500 uplift)
- Up to £9,000 interest-free loan (£1,500 uplift)
- Total package value: £18,000
- Applies to properties not on mains gas network
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Home Energy Scotland heat pump grant, you must meet all of the following:
- Owner-occupied property in Scotland — you must own and live in the property (not landlords, not tenants)
- Currently use fossil fuel heating — gas, oil, LPG, coal, or electric storage heaters
- EPC rating of D or better — your property must have reasonable energy efficiency before heat pump installation
- MCS-certified installer — work must be carried out by an MCS-registered company (like Scottish Energy Efficiency)
If Your EPC Is Below D
If your property has an EPC rating of E, F, or G, you must improve insulation first. Warmer Homes Scotland or ECO4 may fund these improvements for free if you meet income criteria. Call 0141 230 0198 for advice.
How to Apply
Contact Home Energy Scotland
Call Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282 to register your interest and confirm eligibility. They'll explain the process and send you application forms.
Get Quotes from MCS Installers
You must use an MCS-certified heat pump installer. Scottish Energy Efficiency is MCS-registered and handles HES applications daily. Call 0141 230 0198 for a quote and grant application support.
Submit Application
Your installer will help complete the application, including technical specifications and quotes. HES will review and issue approval.
Installation
Once approved, installation can proceed. Grant is paid to the installer, reducing your upfront cost. Loan (if taken) is arranged separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the HES grant if I live in Edinburgh or Glasgow?
Yes, the HES heat pump grant is available throughout Scotland including all cities, towns and rural areas. If you're in a city on mains gas, you get the standard £7,500 + £7,500 package. Rural areas not on mains gas qualify for the £9,000 + £9,000 uplift. Call 0141 230 0198 to confirm your property's eligibility.
Do I have to take the loan, or can I just get the grant?
You can take just the grant (£7,500 or £9,000) without the loan. The loan is optional and helps bridge the gap between the grant and total installation cost. Many homeowners take part or all of the loan as it's 0% interest. Call 0141 230 0198 to discuss your options.
Is this the same as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS)?
No. The Boiler Upgrade Scheme operates in England and Wales only — it has never been available in Scotland. The HES heat pump grant is Scotland's equivalent. In many cases, the HES package is more generous (especially the £18,000 rural uplift). Don't be misled by information about BUS — it doesn't apply here. Call 0141 230 0198 for accurate Scottish grant information.
Can I combine the HES grant with ECO4?
Generally no — you can't combine HES grant with ECO4 for the same work. However, you may be able to use ECO4 for insulation improvements to reach EPC D, then use HES for the heat pump. Rules are complex. Call 0141 230 0198 for advice on the best funding route for your circumstances.
What if my property is in a conservation area?
You can still get the HES grant, but you may need planning permission or conservation area consent for external heat pump units. {HUB_NAME} has experience with conservation area installations in Edinburgh and other historic areas. Call 0141 230 0198 for specialist advice.
How long does the application process take?
From initial contact with Home Energy Scotland to approval typically takes 4-8 weeks, depending on current demand. Installation can then be scheduled. Working with an experienced MCS installer like {HUB_NAME} speeds up the process as we handle the technical paperwork. Call 0141 230 0198 to get started.
Ready to Apply for the HES Heat Pump Grant?
Call our MCS-certified team for a free quote and grant application support
Call 0141 230 0198Or visit Scottish Energy Efficiency