Yikes! Yet more energy hikes! But help is still at hand....

As the autumnal damp seeps into the bones, cheery headlines forewarn us of another hefty hit to our pockets this winter from further gas and electricity price rises. At the latest count the top five are planning to increase gas prices by almost a fifth.

Many householders were sensible enough to accept the energy-saving advice from our local experts, offered around the villages over the last year or two. A fair proportion responded by taking advantage of much subsidised or even free insulation measures on offer.

Government funding for the Blane Valley Energy Efficiency Project (BVEEP) has now ended, so in theory this local source of free advice no longer exists. But all is not lost as a key member of the team is still willing to take calls and offer impartial advice over the phone. It will take a bit more persuasion for him to give up his time and spend his evenings crawling around the lofts of the Strathblane, Blanefield and Mugdock, but you can always try.

So if you missed out first time round, try ringing Philip Graves, BVEEP's energy expert, on 07798 935686. The project still has possession of a thermal camera and there are plans to offer a full thermal survey later in the winter to those that want it.