Thousands of homebuyers in Scotland have benefitted from the Help to Buy scheme since it was launched two years ago.

Figures released yesterday have shown that 6,817 successful mortgage applications have gone through north of the border under the scheme which sees government cash used to guarantee deposits for banks, making it easier for first time buyers to get mortgages and step on to the housing ladder.

This a higher rate than the UK average, meaning Scotland has benefited more than most other parts of the country since the initiative was launched in October 2013.

The Treasury report revealed around 78 per cent of the successful applications involved first-time buyers, and UK-wide more than 56,000 people have been assisted.

Alex Johnstone MSP, Scottish Conservative housing spokesman, said: “The UK government recognised the difficulty that exists, particularly for young people, in getting onto the property ladder.

“This scheme was created, and now we can see the evidence of it helping thousands of people across Scotland realising their dream of owning a property.

“These figures also show that the programme has been more enthusiastically embraced north of the border than elsewhere in the UK.

“People rightly ask what governments do to help those who simply want to own their own home.

“The UK government sets-up practical help which incentivises banks to offer mortgages, while the Scottish Government axes right-to-buy, a popular system which has allowed thousands upon thousands to fulfil that aspiration.”

The relevant table relating to Scotland can be found on p9 of the document online here.