Home is first in village to fit mains gas

The first person in Pathhead to have mains gas installed in his home says the connection is “absolutely marvellous”.

James Cameron who lives on Main Street says his two-bedroom Midlothian Council home is now at a perfect temperature.

He says: “It’s lovely and warm and I’m hoping it will also save me money on my heating bills.”

Mr Cameron, a retired haulage driver, said he was delighted to make local history when his council house was connected in December.

His home now boasts a new combi boiler with radiators in every room and a permanent supply of hot water. Previously, the home had storage heaters which, he says, were not as efficient as the new gas central heating.

Mr Cameron said he would thoroughly recommend gas central heating to his neighbours. The job of installing his system was completed in a matter of hours.

The new gas connection will help deal with fuel poverty and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to tackle the threat of climate change. It will also help improve the air quality in Pathhead as fewer households will burn fossil fuels.

Private home owners can apply for a Fuel Switching grant through their heating installer to help them install their gas central heating systems.