Hello everyone,

I’m Simon Spare, and I have the privilege of serving as the Community Energy Officer for the Gairloch and Loch Ewe area since August 2025. In my role within the Highland Energy Community Partnership, I focus on advising vulnerable individuals and those experiencing fuel poverty about the most effective strategies to reduce their energy bills while ensuring their homes remain warm and comfortable.

To equip myself for this important work, I am currently engaged in a comprehensive training programme. The first phase involved completing the City & Guilds Level 3 Energy Awareness course. This online course covered a wide range of topics related to domestic energy efficiency, including boiler control, understanding energy bills, and managing condensation. I also learned about government grants available for boiler replacements, heat pumps, insulation improvements, and other measures that can significantly enhance energy efficiency and lower heating costs.