Up to £25m is being made available to help councils identify affordable homes for key workers in rural communities.

Announced this week, the five-year initiative, set out in the Scottish Government’s priorities for the next three years, will enable local authorities and registered social landlords to acquire or lease properties which can be used to provide homes to meet the needs of their communities.

From the Affordable Housing Supply Programme £25m will be made available from 2023-28 to help to make best use of underused or empty properties by making them available for key workers and others in need.

Housing Minister, Paul McLennan, said: “Opportunity, equality and community are vital to everyone no matter wherever they live, and we recognise that a tailored approach is needed for our rural areas.

“Good quality affordable housing is essential to attract and retain people in rural communities, particularly in areas where key workers are needed.

“That’s why we are making up to £25m available in a dedicated fund to make affordable homes for key workers, such as those working in the public sector and emergency services.

“Delivering affordable homes is a priority for this government. We have committed to delivering 110,000 affordable homes across Scotland by 2032 – with at least 10% in remote, rural and island areas.

“Our upcoming delivery plan will set out actions to support our rural and island communities including areas such as transport, repopulation and economic development.”

The pilot project builds on the work of the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, funded by the Scottish Government and hosted by housing charity, Shelter Scotland.

It estimated there were more than 43,000 long-term empty properties in Scotland – defined as a property that has been empty for six months or longer and liable for council tax. Of these 15,912 had been empty for anywhere between six and 12 months, and 27,584 had been empty for over 12 months.

Gail Matheson, CEO at Highland Housing Alliance said: “Important to future proofing and strengthening the Highland economy is the availability of high-quality and well-priced homes for local workforces. Without the provision of more housing, we risk jeopardising attracting and retaining skilled workers across the region.

“Working with Cairngorms Partnership, HHA has helped to provide homes available at mid-market rent in Aviemore and Kincraig specifically for local workers.”

The partnership said it brought 1152 homes back into use in 2021/22 and encourages every local authority in Scotland to have a dedicated Empty Homes Officer.