Martha is making a real difference to lives all across the islands.

The Energy Action Scotland Fuel Poverty Awards 2021: Exceptional People, Exceptional Times was presented to Martha Macleod, of The Energy Advisory Service (TEAS SCIO), the advice arm of local housing and energy agency Tighean Innse Gall.

The criteria for the award was to recognise and share the contribution made by exceptional individuals.

Energy Action Scotland wanted to hear about the colleague, the volunteer, the community member, the neighbour or the family member who went above and beyond to help vulnerable people and communities during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Martha was nominated by several agencies, including the financial inclusion team of the Comhairle and Home Energy Scotland, reflecting the partnership approach of Gluasad Còmhla – Moving Together for action to support vulnerable people across the Western Isles. This hugely successful partnership approach saw support provided to those who needed it on the topics of essential energy advice, help with pre-payment meters, white goods replacements and the warm home discount applications process.

On receiving the award (virtually) at the Energy Action Scotland national conference, Martha said: “I can’t take all the credit though, because without the support and vision of colleagues in TIG, I wouldn’t be able to do this job.

"It’s a privilege and very humbling, in equal measure, to be able to do a job I truly love, and knowing that each and every day we’re able to make a real difference to clients’ lives all across the islands here in the Western Isles.”

Stewart Wilson, Chief Executive Officer at Tighean Innse Gall, commented on Martha’s award: “During this crisis my team, exemplified in Martha, have worked extremely hard to help those most in need.

"We have helped hundreds of people facing catastrophe, literally keeping the lights on, capacity for food to be stored and cooked whilst ensuring people are also kept warm at home. Those readers who have been helped will know that Martha played the essential role in making this so. Well done Martha and well deserved.”