SNP Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil MSP has announced that up to 750 landlords in Scotland will be able to claim £400 off the cost of a new boiler under a new Scottish Government scrappage initiative. Glasgow MSP Bob Doris has welcomed the move as good news for private rental tenants in Glasgow.

Speaking today, Mr Doris commented: "New energy efficient boilers will slash household energy bills for tenants in the private rented sector by a quarter. This scheme will incentivise landlords across Glasgow to invest in better heating systems for their tenants.

"With winter drawing in, now is the time to be investing in energy efficient boilers and this new scheme will be welcome news for both landlords and tenants."

The saving for tenants equates to around £225 a year for a three bed semi-detached house. And it would also save around a tonne of carbon dioxide, per property, per year.

Landlords can apply for the Boiler Scrappage Scheme by calling the Scottish Government's one stop shop on home energy - the Home Energy Hotline - on 0800 512 012.

Speaking at the Scottish Association of Landlords Conference in Edinburgh on Tuesday (9 Nov), Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil said: "I want private landlords to take advantage of schemes and offers available to improve their properties.

"Importantly, this will also provide a stimulus for the heating industry, supporting jobs at this crucial time."

The scheme will be open to landlords with the most inefficient, G-rated boilers. If eligible, landlords will receive a £400 voucher towards the installation of a new boiler. The scheme will operate on a first come, first served basis. New boilers must be installed within 12 weeks of requesting the voucher.

Home Energy Scotland will issue vouchers for the boiler scrappage scheme It is the one stop shop from the Scottish Government, offering information on all Scottish Government home energy initiatives and help and expert advice on how to save energy and money in the home. The Home Energy Hotline is 0800 512 012.

The Hotline provides a range of advice on schemes for landlords. Landlords can also access interest-free loans for energy efficiency microgeneration measures through the small business loan scheme and get tax breaks through the Landlord's Energy Savings Allowance.