The program has seen the installation of ground source heat pumps in eight Highland Council properties in Nigg, Fearn, Avoch, Rogart, Portree and Kyle. None of these areas has access to the mains gas network and subsequently they have limited heating system choices. Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) extract solar heat stored in the ground and release it in the house usually through under-floor heating or a radiator circuit.

The pilot program is being managed by the Energy Saving Trust, on behalf of the Scottish Executive. If the initial trial continues to run well, the pilot will expand across Scotland and involve local authorities, housing associations and private householders.

The installation will be monitored until March 2008 to determine their impact on the comfort of the home and on the tenants’ fuel bills.

So far the pumps have been extremely well received, with some of the tenants of the eight properties saying that they are: "Delighted with it, the pump is not noisy at all, it doesn't disturb us and everything is just fine."

Eddie Boyd, The Highland Council Senior Engineer said: "Installation of these GSHPs will greatly assist the Council in its own evaluations of alternative heating systems for the council housing stock with the aim of improving the standard and efficiency of heating for tenants and reducing the number of those suffering fuel poverty."