Dan, one of Muirneag’s directors and affiliated with the Point and Sandwick Trust’s Energy Support Unit (ESU), has been honoured for his dedicated efforts in combating fuel poverty at the prestigious Energy Action Scotland – Fuel Poverty Heroes Awards 2023 ceremony. Energy Action Scotland, an organisation campaigning to raise awareness and lobby for positive changes to address fuel poverty, annually recognises individuals who make significant impacts in Scotland. In April 2023, Energy Action Scotland reported that nearly 4 in 10 households in Scotland were in fuel poverty, with higher rates in the Western Isles due to factors such as energy-inefficient housing, modest salaries, and the cost-of-living crisis.
Dan, with a substantial 15-year career in the energy sector, has played various roles, offering services like energy crisis intervention, fuel poverty prevention advice, and personal support to those struggling with energy costs. Co-founding Muirneag Consulting Ltd with Stewart, he established the ESU in partnership with Point & Sandwick Trust, focusing on immediate financial assistance to those in need. Through strategic efforts, including engaging with over 250 homes in nine months, Dan secured £161,000 in fuel hardship grants for 161 homes in the area. His exceptional dedication and success in alleviating fuel poverty were acknowledged with the Fuel Poverty Heroes Award, emphasising his impact on the community.
Stewart praised his quiet determination, while Donald John MacSween of Point and Sandwick Trust highlighted Dan’s targeted and compassionate approach, emphasising the well-deserved nature of the award.
Dan is pictured alongside Frazer Scott from Energy Action Scotland and Gillian Martin, our Minister for Energy, as they present him with the well-deserved award.