Between July and September this year, the network provided more than 600 pieces of advice in relation to mortgage arrears.

As a proportion of all advice, these queries increased by 38% between this period and the same period in 2020/21.

Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) fears that demand for this type of advice could grow in 2022 as Covid protection measures such as furlough and mortgage payment holidays end, the cost of living increases through rising inflation and energy prices, and stagnant or falling incomes.

Aoife Deery, CAS social justice senior policy officer, said: “The growing demand for mortgage arrears advice is concerning, and we want to help people access all the help they can.

“Mortgage-holders who claimed Universal Credit during the pandemic can only get help with housing costs nine months after they first start their claim. We expect this has contributed considerably to the increasing number of queries about mortgage arrears.

“There is a real risk that this number could grow as people face the end of payment protections, rising prices in the shops, and soaring energy bills alongside stagnant or falling incomes. Following the Bank of England’s decision to raise interest rates, some mortgage-holders may also see their monthly repayments rise.”

She added: “People who are struggling with money should understand they aren’t on their own – the Citizens Advice network is here to help. Lenders legally have to treat you fairly and consider any request you make to change the way you pay your mortgage. They are expected to do everything they can to come to a payment arrangement and repossessing your home should be the last resort.

“People can check our advice online or speak to their local CAB in the New Year. The CAB network helped over 171,000 people during the pandemic, unlocking around £147million in the process.”