Scottish councils are receiving £4.4 million to improve energy efficiency in homes, businesses, communities and public buildings.

A total of 15 local authorities will use the funding for energy saving measures to reduce emissions and tackle fuel poverty.

Scottish Business and Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse visited Saughton Park in Edinburgh where two large-scale ground source heat pumps are being installed to provide renewable heat to the Winder Garden and new build developments.

According to the Scottish Government, the project is the first of its kind in Scotland.

The funding is being provided under Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Programme (SEEP) Phase Two pilots.

Mr Wheelhouse added: “The SEEP pilot programme is testing new approaches to improving energy efficiency and new ways of working in the public sector.

“A number of these projects will have a material impact on people’s lives, ensuring they have warm homes, businesses and community centres, while others will help develop essential strategies to support the effective deployment of investment to meet our ambitions to expand renewable heat and address fuel poverty.”