Scottish charity Scarf is celebrating a major milestone this year – 40 years of delivering trusted, free energy efficiency advice and working at the front lines of the fight against fuel poverty.
Since 1985, Scarf has supported hundreds of thousands of households across Scotland to stay warm, reduce their bills, and improve the energy performance of their homes. What began as a small, local project has grown into a respected national voice in energy efficiency, with two offices, and active delivery across a wide footprint of Scottish communities.
Scarf’s journey reflects the changing landscape of energy and social policy in Scotland. Over the decades, the organisation has evolved from just community-focused advice into a strategic delivery partner and policy influencer – co-designing schemes, advising local authorities, and now even managing its own support programmes, such as the Scarf Fuel Fund which has issued over £400,000 of vouchers.
David Mackay (Co-CEO), Tricia Gray (HR Manager), Christine Sellers (Business Support Coordinator), and Lawrence Johnston (Co-CEO)
Today, Scarf is a trusted delivery partner for a wide range of national schemes, including ECO4, where it supports over a quarter of Scottish local authorities to roll out the scheme in their area. This makes it one of the largest community-focused ECO4 delivery agents in Scotland.
Recently, Scarf was honoured with the Regional Vulnerable Customer Support Organisation of the Year award, and is shortlisted for Social Enterprise of the Year, recognising its exceptional support for those hardest hit by rising energy costs.
David Mackay, co-CEO at Scarf, said: “This anniversary isn’t just about looking back. With energy costs, climate targets, and household pressures constantly making the news, our work has never been more needed. We’re doubling down on our mission to tackle inequality, decarbonise homes, and bring meaningful support to the people who need it most.”
David Mackay, co-CEO at Scarf
As Scotland pushes forward on its net-zero ambitions, Scarf remains committed to supporting households at risk of fuel poverty while continuing to innovate – combining frontline delivery with strategic insight to shape a fairer, more sustainable energy future for all.
To mark this 40-year milestone, Scarf will continue to grow its reach and impact across Scotland through its proven delivery model. Celebratory plans include the launch of a registered anniversary tartan, an early intervention programme targeting schools, and a new grants scheme opening later this year to third sector organisations.
Scarf is a registered charity and social enterprise that works in partnership with local and national government, private sector and other third sector organisations to help lower fuel bills and carbon emissions. Founded in 1985, the organisation operates from offices in Aberdeen and Dundee to deliver a range of energy-saving services to householders, communities and businesses across Scotland.