Scottish households should make sure they are using renewable heating devices if they are not connected to the gas grid, according to a new report.

Consumer Focus Scotland presented research at the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations event in Edinburgh last week which showed the benefit of going green.

Trisha McAuley, deputy director of Consumer Focus, said that dealing with high fuel costs is a "daily struggle" for families, particularly those in rural areas.

"The research shows that it is vital that tenants using these systems for the first time get all the information they need so that they can have complete confidence in renewables. We would encourage landlords to gather case study evidence to show the impact on tenants’ bills," she noted.

In February, power companies and local groups met at a convention to discuss how the 'big six' energy suppliers could help those who are struggling to pay their heating bills.

According to research, around one in three households in Scotland struggle to stay warm during the winter months.