A housing and homelessness charity has praised the Scottish Government's protection plans for tenants whose landlords fail to pay mortgage.

Graeme Brown, Director of Shelter Scotland, the housing and homelessness charity, said the Scottish Government was right to take the steps.

"Tenants in rented properties that are repossessed are the forgotten victims of the recession. It’s unjust that tenants should lose the roof over their heads through no fault of their own," he explained.

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"The main proposal put forward by the Scottish Government would give more negotiating time for tenants who might not know their homes were about to be repossessed. But, other than extra time, it does not really extend the options available to them.

"Lenders say repeatedly that they do not want to be taking back properties which they then have to sell at a knock down price. If that is true, and they have tenants in place who are happily paying the rent, then what is to stop them allowing the tenant to see out the tenancy?"

He added: "With some commentators predicting a double dip recession, now is the time to take action to protect people from losing their homes."

(GK/BMcC)