There is to be a renewed effort to increase the number of affordable homes in Scotland, it has been revealed. Housing minister Keith Brown has said increasing the number of affordable homes in Scotland will stimulate the economy.

He claimed such targeted capital investment will boost this amount, which in-turn will serve to stimulate economic growth and protect jobs. The politician confirmed a commitment - backed by an investment of £600 million - to deliver 30,000 completed affordable dwellings by the end of this Parliament.

Mr Brown explained this approach is being undertaken despite drastic cuts being made elsewhere in the UK. He added: "It is a vital strand of our efforts to build a better and a fairer Scotland, addressing homelessness and affordability issues and continuing to regenerate our most deprived neighbourhoods."

Congratulations should be given to developers, housing associations and councils who have risen to the challenge of providing more affordable abodes in the country, Mr Brown - who has been an MSP for Ochil Constituency since 2007 - went on to point out.