Monday 28th September | 1pm–3pm, Ormidale Pavilion – Brodick
Thinking about a heat pump? Not sure where to start?
As the colder, darker months approach, now is a great time to think about getting your home ready for winter. A few simple changes can make a real difference to how warm and comfortable your home feels, help you manage your energy use and bills, and reduce the risk of common winter problems such as condensation, damp and mould. Our free Preparing Your Home for Winter event will be a practical session looking at some of the simple, low-cost measures that almost every household can consider. We’ll have demonstrations and examples on display, so you can see how different measures work and how straightforward many of them can be to install at home.
What will we cover?
Keeping heat inside your home. We’ll look at ways to reduce heat loss, including:
Draught proofing around doors and windows
Making better use of curtains and blinds
Fitting radiator foil
Insulating loft hatches
Lagging pipes
Checking hot water cylinder jackets
Smaller measures such as letterbox brushes and rugs on hard floors
Condensation, damp and mould
We’ll explain why condensation forms, why windows can become wet, the difference between condensation and a leak, and the conditions that allow mould to develop. We’ll also talk about:
Humidity and ventilation
Extractor fans
Drying clothes indoors
How to use a dehumidifier effectively
Understanding and controlling your heating
We’ll take a closer look at thermostats, timers and thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs), as well as oil heating, storage heaters and heat pump controls. We’ll explore some of the ways you can get the best from the heating system you already have.
Managing energy use and costs
With winter energy bills also on many people’s minds, we’ll share practical information about managing your energy use and costs, including:
Heating one room versus the whole house
Hot water settings
Appliance running costs
LED lighting
Standby electricity use
Smart meters
Understanding your energy tariff
The aim isn’t to tell you to sit in a cold house or stop using the energy you need. Instead, we want to help you understand where energy can be wasted, what small improvements might work for your home, and where you can go for further help and impartial advice. Everyone attending will receive a Winter Home Checklist to take away, as well as information about further trusted support, including Home Energy Scotland and the Arran Eco Savvy Sustainable Directory. Whether you rent or own your home, use oil, electricity or a heat pump, or simply want a few ideas for making your home more comfortable this winter, come along and join us.
The event is completely free and open to everyone.
Sign up to attend the Energy Event by emailing: sofi@arranecosavvy.org.uk
Eco-Savvy: Energy Prices Are Rising This Winter. Is it time to check your tariff?
Energy prices are rising again this winter. From 1st October 2026, the Energy Price Cap will rise from £1,663 to £1,723 a year for a typical dual-fuel household paying by Direct Debit — an increase of around 3.6%. But it’s worth looking a little further ahead too. The Price Cap changes every three months, with the next change coming on 1st January 2027. While that figure hasn’t been confirmed yet, the latest forecasts reported by MoneySavingExpert suggest it could rise by around 25%, taking the typical annual figure to approximately £2,152. These are early predictions and could change significantly before Ofgem confirms the January cap in November.
What should you do?
If you’re currently on a standard variable tariff, it could be a good time to check what you’re paying and compare the fixed deals available to you. Remember, fixing your tariff means fixing your unit rates and standing charges, not your total bill. The more energy you use, the more you’ll still pay. Already on a fixed tariff? Don’t rush to leave it. Check when your deal ends, what rates you’re currently paying and whether there are any exit fees before making a change. And remember, the Price Cap isn’t a cap on your total bill. It limits the amount suppliers can charge per unit of energy and in standing charges. Your actual bill will depend on how much energy you use.
With colder weather approaching, now is a good time to:
Check whether you’re on a fixed or variable tariff
Compare your current rates with other available deals
Take a meter reading
Check your Direct Debit is appropriate for your usage
Look at simple ways to reduce heat loss and energy use at home
We also offer free, impartial energy advice via: sofi@arranecosavvy.org.uk
Chatterbox Group
The Chatterbox Group meets every Tuesday at 10:30am at the Glenisle Hotel. Originally established for people with sight impairments, the group is now open to everyone. It provides a friendly and informal opportunity to enjoy a chat and a cuppa while sharing thoughts and experiences about life and everyday issues.
For further information, please contact ChatterboxOnArran@gmail.com.
Inspiring a Nation
Inspiring a Nation meets every Thursday at 12 noon at the Glenisle Hotel. The group offers an opportunity for people to meet, enjoy a cuppa and have an open and friendly discussion about Arran and Scottish politics.
The group is intended for general discussion and conversation, with no party politics, movements or campaigns.
For further information, please contact InspiringANation.Arran@gmail.com.
Heather Lodge What's On
Dementia Connect
Dementia Connect is a free, personalised support service from the Alzheimer’s Society that helps anyone affected by dementia access the right information, advice and local services. It offers support by phone, online and face-to-face, connecting people with trained Dementia Advisers who provide practical guidance, emotional support and help to navigate services at every stage of the dementia journey. The aim is to ensure people get the right support at the right time, helping them to live independently for longer and feel less isolated. Click here to access May's newsletter or here for further contact information.
Food Share: The Food Share is open to all Arran residents, to help prevent short life food from going in the bin. Take a look at when the Food Share is in your village from the schedule below.
Lochranza Country Inn
When the weather’s grim and even the sheep look unimpressed, the Lochranza Country Inn invites crafters to bring their projects to the pub. Every Sunday from 4–6 pm, tables are set aside for a relaxed, social tabletop crafting session. Knitting, crochet, embroidery, sketching, jewellery-making, or any unfinished project is welcome. There are no workshops or exams — just drinks, easy conversation, and the soothing click of needles while the weather does its worst. Visitors can drop in, craft a little, enjoy a laugh, and stay for the Sunday roast if they wish — no booking or pressure required.
Peace of Mind North Ayrshire
Peace of Mind is designed to fill a “gap” in the existing self-directed support or social care arrangements within
Scotland. Many people who need social care support and have very small hours of support, struggle to recruit or keep
Personal Assistants (PA’s) or to use their social care support package to engage with other people from their communities or friendship groups.
Peace of Mind, an innovative programme aimed at reducing social exclusion and isolation with particular emphasis on people who do not receive statutory services but still need support.
To find out more about the project click the click below
If you’re struggling with your mental health over this time, please reach out to someone. If you feel you can’t talk to someone you know, the organisations below can offer free, confidential support and a listening ear - without judgement. Useful advice and a series of self-help guides can also be found here:
We are a local charitable organisation that provides a range of information and office services to voluntary and community organisations operating on Arran.
