Woodfuel Officer

RESIDENTS of the Cairngorms National Park have a dedicated professional available to advise on switching to wood heating.

The Cairngorms National Park Authority works with Forestry Commission Scotland, Aberdeenshire Council and Scottish Enterprise to promote the greater use of woodfuel in the north-east of Scotland and in the Park.

By providing specialist advice and support, the partnership is encouraging increased management of small undermanaged woodlands, which will result in more woodfuel going to market.  It also aims to boost the number of woodfuel users through greater promotion and by improving understanding of the technology now available.

Ian Cowe, Biomass Development Officer for Forestry Commission Scotland has been employed to provide one-to-one business support for those wishing to learn more about woodfuel.

"Modern woodfuel boilers are a clean and reliable heating technology,” Ian said. “Automated fuel feed and de-ashing systems, electric auto-start mechanisms and thermostatically regulated heating controls mean that they act in a very similar manner to traditional oil and gas boilers.

“Wood is a great way to heat your home or office and modern woodfuel boilers are reliable and cost effective, especially for rural properties without access to the main gas supply network,” Ian added.

“I would strongly encourage any property owner looking to reduce their energy bills, or looking to replace their heating system to consider a woodfuel boiler. The Renewable Heat Incentive is a generous source of funding that makes using renewable heat affordable. Now is the time to act to achieve real environmental and cost benefits."

If you would like to benefit from this free service call Ian on 01466 794542 or e-mail ian.cowe@forestry.gsi.gov.uk