Shelter Scotland and arts group Open Aye gave cameras and training in photography to people who rent their homes privately so tenants could show what matters to them.

The images and captions from the photo-voice project are a snapshot of the opinions of renters on what makes a privately rented property feel homely or not. Through these photos private renters articulate feelings of being shut out from good quality affordable housing, and the lack of security prevalent in the private rented sector.

James Battye, private renting project manager with Shelter Scotland, said: “It can be difficult for private renters to speak out about the issues that affect them. This project has allowed people to have their say in a different way. We want to take private tenants’ views and put them directly to decision-makers. This project is a small but significant step in that direction.”

The free exhibition is part of efforts by Shelter Scotland to get more private renters involved in its work to improve practices for people like them.

Among those taking part were members of the Shelter Scotland private tenants’ group and representatives from LGBT Youth Scotland who can find themselves up against discrimination on top of high rents and scarcity of suitable homes.

James Battye added: “These images are just a glimpse at the issues faced by the 350,000 households who rely on privately rented properties for housing. It’s a way of showing what needs to change to make it an option that people actively choose because it delivers good homes.”

The exhibition is on at Aberdeen’s Central library until June 8, after which it will move to Glasgow and then Edinburgh.