As the days become shorter and temperatures begin to fall, many households start thinking about heating costs, keeping warm and making their homes more energy efficient.
To help island residents prepare, Arran Eco Savvy has launched a new programme of free energy events running from August 2026 through to April 2027. Whether you’re looking for impartial advice on lowering your energy bills, understanding heat pumps, improving insulation or exploring electric vehicles, there’s an event designed for you.
Our programme combines expert talks, practical demonstrations, informal drop-in sessions and opportunities to hear directly from local residents who have already made energy improvements to their homes.
All events are completely free to attend and are open to everyone.
Why We Are Running These Energy Events?
Making changes to your home can feel overwhelming.
Many people tell us they aren’t sure:
- where to start
- which improvements make the biggest difference
- whether heat pumps are suitable for their property
- how much improvements actually cost
- what grants or funding are available
- who to trust for impartial advice
Our aim is simple: to provide independent, practical information that helps people make informed decisions without any sales pressure.
Whether you’re planning a major retrofit or simply looking to reduce your winter heating bills, we hope these sessions will give you the confidence to take the next step.
August: Understanding Heat Pumps
Tuesday 25 August
1–3pm | Ormidale Pavilion, Brodick
Heat pumps continue to generate plenty of discussion, but they also raise lots of questions. That’s why two of Home Energy Scotland’s Renewable Energy Experts are coming over!
This session is designed to explain how Air Source Heat Pumps work in plain English and help people understand what makes a system perform well.
During the afternoon we’ll explore:
- how heat pumps actually work
- what an efficient installation looks like
- how heating controls affect performance
- common mistakes that reduce efficiency
- what to expect before, during and after installation
- questions to ask installers before making a decision
- where to find trusted advice and ongoing support
We’re also hoping to include local homeowners who can share their own experiences of installing a heat pump, including what worked well, the challenges they faced and what they wish they had known beforehand.
Our aim is to bring together trusted, independent expertise alongside genuine local experience.
September: Preparing Your Home for Winter
Monday 28 September 1-3pm | Ormidale Pavilion, Brodick
Preparing your home before winter arrives can make a huge difference to comfort, energy bills and even prevent problems such as condensation and mould.
This practical session will include demonstrations, displays and simple improvements that almost every household can consider.
Topics will include:
Keeping Heat In
We’ll look at practical measures including:
- draught proofing
- curtains and blinds
- radiator foil
- loft hatch insulation
- pipe lagging
- hot water tank jackets
- rugs on hard floors
- letterbox brushes
We’ll also have examples available so people can see how simple many of these improvements are to install.
Condensation, Damp and Mould
We’ll explain:
- why windows become wet
- the difference between condensation and leaks
- how mould develops
- humidity levels
- ventilation
- extractor fans
- drying clothes indoors
- using dehumidifiers effectively
- when tenants should contact their landlord
Understanding Your Heating
We’ll also cover how to get the best from:
- thermostats
- timers
- thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs)
- oil heating
- storage heaters
- heat pump controls
Winter Energy Bills
Practical advice will include:
- heating one room versus the whole house
- hot water settings
- appliance running costs
- LED lighting
- standby electricity use
- smart meters
- understanding tariffs
Everyone attending will receive a Winter Home Checklist and information about further sources of trusted support, including Home Energy Scotland and our Sustainable Directory.
Home Energy MOTs
Tuesday 8 September | 12-2pm | Kildonan Hall
Wednesday 16 September 12-2pm | St Molios Church Hall
Tuesday 6 October 12-2pm | Kilmory Hall
Wednesday 7 October 11-1pm | Corrie & Sannox Hall
Saturday 17 October 11-3pm | Brodick Hall
Tuesday 27 October 12-2pm | Lochranza Hall
Throughout autumn we’ll also be offering Home Energy MOTs.
These are free 30-minute one-to-one appointments designed to provide personalised advice based on your home.
Bring along whatever information you have, such as:
- a recent energy bill
- your EPC
- photos of heating controls
- floor plans
- photographs of problem areas
Together we’ll create a simple action plan covering:
- three quick wins
- medium-term improvements
- available grants and funding
- recommended next steps
These sessions will take place alongside several of our community events and Zero Waste Cafes.
October: Energy Surgeries
Same as dates above.
Throughout the programme we’ll be hosting informal Energy Surgery sessions during our Zero Waste Cafes.
These relaxed drop-in sessions are the perfect opportunity to enjoy a cuppa while chatting through any energy-related questions you might have.
Topics can include:
- understanding energy bills
- switching tariffs
- insulation
- draught proofing
- heat pumps
- solar panels
- battery storage
- grants and funding
- damp and condensation
- improving energy efficiency
There is no presentation, just friendly, impartial advice tailored to your questions.
We’ll also be bringing our Energy Surgery to International Repair Day, where visitors can combine repair advice with practical home energy support.
November: Energy Knowledge Swap
Tuesday 24 November 2-4pm | Ormidale Pavilion, Brodick
Rather than listening to presentations, this event is all about learning from each other.
Our Energy Knowledge Swap will bring together local residents who have already made improvements to their homes.
Come along to hear honest conversations about:
- what worked well
- unexpected challenges
- lessons learned
- installation experiences
- costs
- practical tips for others considering similar projects
Sometimes the most valuable advice comes from someone who’s already been through the process.
February: Thinking About Going Electric?
Wednesday 10th February 1-3pm | Corrie & Sannox Hall
Thinking about buying an electric vehicle?
Join us for an informal afternoon exploring what EV ownership is really like on Arran.
We’ll discuss:
- how electric vehicles work
- charging at home and on the move
- running costs
- battery range
- travelling beyond Arran
- grants and support
- common myths
We’re also hoping to have locally owned electric vehicles on display so visitors can look around them and chat directly with owners.
March: Community Retrofit Panel
Thursday 2 March 5-7pm | Corrie & Sannox Hall
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s actually like to improve an older home, this event is for you.
Our Community Retrofit Panel will bring together several local homeowners who have completed different types of energy improvements.
Each speaker will share their own retrofit journey before taking questions from the audience.
Topics may include:
- insulation
- heat pumps
- solar panels
- ventilation
- whole-house retrofit
- balancing costs and comfort
Real experiences often provide the most useful insights.
Looking Ahead to Spring
Our programme doesn’t stop in winter.
We’re also planning additional events in 2027, including a Solar and Battery Information Session in April.
During Arran Environment Week 2027, we hope to deliver a wider programme of retrofit-focused activities, including a Retrofit Roadshow and Open Home Tours. These events are still being developed, so we’ll share full details once dates have been confirmed.
Book Your Free Place
All of our events are free, but booking helps us plan seating and refreshments.
To reserve your place, please email:
We look forward to welcoming you to one of our events this autumn and winter.
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