The plan brings together the public and private sector working with local communities to deliver more homes where they are needed and help drive sustainable economic growth.

Commitments include:

• supporting affordable and community-led housing delivery
• bringing more empty homes back into use
• providing more homes for key workers
• commissioning research on affordable home ownership in rural and island areas
• addressing challenges with construction supply chains, skills and capacity

Housing Minister Paul McLennan said: “The Rural and Islands Housing Action Plan includes a range of commitments which will be taken forward with public and private sector partners to deliver the right homes in the right places, generate sustainable local economic growth and help rural and island communities to thrive.

“This plan supports Scotland’s long term housing strategy Housing to 2040 and will help bolster the commitment to deliver 110,000 affordable homes up to 2032, of which 70% will be for social rent and 10% in rural and island areas.”

Mr McLennan continued: “It has been informed by extensive engagement with a wide range of organisations representing rural and island housing interests.

“Despite the challenges we face due to Brexit and high inflation, this plan demonstrates our continued commitment to supporting families, communities and businesses, and to unleashing the full economic potential of our rural and island areas.”