Plan for fuel poverty task force unveiled in Orkney

Plans to set up a task force aimed at tackling fuel poverty in rural areas of Scotland have been announced.

Housing Minister Margaret Burgess unveiled the plans in Orkney.

The latest Scottish House Condition Survey statistics found 58% of households in Orkney were classified as being in fuel poverty, compared to the national level of 39%.

The figure is based on households spending more than 10% of their income on fuel costs.

The Scottish Rural Fuel Poverty Task Force will be charged with coming up with a range of ideas to help people in remote parts of the country to reduce their fuel costs and keep their homes warm.

Ms Burgess said she wanted the new group to produce its recommendations within the year.

Margaret Burgess, pictured in Orkney, called for recommendations within the year