28th March 2026
For years, households in rural Scotland have been treated as second‑class citizens when it comes to heating our homes. Most of us are off the gas grid. We rely on heating oil — an unregulated fuel with no price cap, no consumer protection, and no limit on sudden price spikes. Meanwhile, people in towns with gas boilers enjoy regulated prices and government intervention whenever the market turns volatile.
This winter exposed the unfairness more clearly than ever.
When the government mishandled the Winter Fuel Payment, rural pensioners were left in limbo. Only after public pressure did they reverse course. But even now, the deeper issue remains: off‑grid households have no protection at all from oil price shocks. We pay the same taxes as everyone else, yet we face higher costs, colder weather, and a fuel market that can double in price overnight.
Many rural pensioners have already cut back their heating. Some are running one room. Others are stretching the last few inches in the tank because they simply don't trust the next delivery price. This isn’t "choice". It’s what happens when a whole section of the population is forgotten in energy policy.
Rural Scotland deserves equal treatment. Not special treatment — equal treatment.
As candidates come knocking for votes, we should be asking them directly what they plan to do about this. The days of rural areas being polite and patient while policy after policy overlooks us are over. We have every right to demand clear answers.
Below is a list of fair, reasonable questions that every candidate should be able to answer. I encourage readers to use them at hustings, in emails, or on the doorstep. If a candidate cannot give a straight answer, that tells its own story.
Rural Scotland has been left behind for too long. It’s time to put this issue front and centre.
The help announced so far may help only people in receipt of benefits. But many more will not qualify for any help - it very unfair compared to treatment for people using electric or gas heating.
QUESTIONS FOR HUSTINGS OR CANDIDATE EMAILS
These are neutral, factual, and focused on fairness — suitable to ask for any party or candidate.
1. Will you support a price‑protection mechanism for heating oil users?
Gas and electricity customers get a regulated price cap. Oil users get none.
Do you support ending this inequality?
2. What will you do to ensure rural pensioners are not left behind in future energy crises?
Recent decisions caused real anxiety in off‑grid communities.
What safeguards will you put in place?
3. Do you support a Rural Heating Rebate for off‑grid households?
A simple, fair payment recognising higher heating costs in rural Scotland.
4. Will you commit to regulating the heating oil market?
Oil prices can double overnight with no oversight.
Should that be allowed to continue?
5. What is your plan to ensure rural Scotland receives equal treatment to urban Scotland in energy policy?
Not special treatment — equal treatment.
6. How will you address the long‑term structural disadvantage faced by off‑grid homes?
Rural households pay more, face colder weather, and have fewer alternatives.
What is your long‑term solution?
7. Will you support investment in rural energy resilience?
This includes insulation, alternative heating options, and fair access to support schemes.