Under the proposals, the First Ministerial candidate said empty properties would be “purchased, or long leased, and turned into housing for key workers and those who need affordable housing in rural areas”.

Mr Yousaf also said he would back an increase to Council Tax on second homes “to encourage them back into full time use”.

He added: “I know how important it is for key workers like our NHS staff, police and care workers to have homes near to where they work and how hard that can be in rural areas where second homes drive up prices.

“Those working in hospitality, tourism or rural communities also face problems finding affordable housing in local communities which can really harm local economies.”

If elected as First Minister, Mr Yousaf said he will commit to taking the necessary action to support affordable and key worker housing by allowing councils to increase the council tax on second homes – either ensuring councils have extra resources to invest in housing or encouraging more second homes back into use by local residents.

“In many cases, it can be quicker and cheaper to buy up or long lease empty homes and bring them back into use than to build new ones,” he said.

“I believe part of this SNP Government’s investment in affordable housing should be used to bring empty properties back to life so we can get more people into good quality affordable housing more quickly.”

Mr Yousaf would commit £25 million of the Scottish Government’s existing investment in Affordable Homes to launch this pilot.

David Alexander, the chief executive officer of DJ Alexander Scotland Ltd, said Mr Yousaf’s rural housing plans fall far short of addressing the real problems in these areas.

Mr Alexander said: “While the intention to provide homes for key workers in rural areas is laudable this proposal will fall far short of what is required. Politicians seem to see empty homes as the answer to all housing problems. Last week it was Anas Sarwar who proposed selling empty homes for a £1 and now an SNP leadership candidate believes that buying some empty properties will resolve the housing issues rural Scotland faces.

“You have to question whether this promise will be fulfilled. The Scottish Government’s most recent budget in December 2022 showed £752m in funding for affordable housing for 2023-24 which is £37m less than its planned spend and almost 10% lower than the previous years’ allocation. They also faced criticism in January this year on their failure to deliver on a pledge to spend £30m tackling the rural housing crisis. In answer to a recent Freedom Of Information (FOI) question, it was revealed that the Scottish government had spent less than £18m on rural housing since 2016-17.”

Mr Alexander added: “Mr Yousaf also states that, along with emergency workers, he also intends to supply homes for people who work in the care sector, hospitality, and tourism. This is a large number of people requiring a lot of homes from a budget of £25m.

“The reality is much simpler. For decades there have been too few new houses being built in these areas to meet demand. While the Scottish Government’s is determined to blame second homeowners and holiday lets and drive them out of the market they forget that the hospitality and tourism sectors require these places for people to stay if the local economy is to thrive.”

David concluded: “Mr Yousaf may believe that this is a workable solution but it is clear that what is required is a long term plan to provide affordable housing for remote and rural areas which ensures the local workforce have suitable homes whilst also delivering policies which maintain and develop the tourism sector.”

Scottish Labour housing spokesperson Mark Griffin said: “It is heart-warming to see Humza Yousaf take on board this important Labour idea – it’s just a shame his track record suggests that he will make a hash of it.”