A new matchmaking service has been launched to link would-be house buyers to the owners of vacant properties, making use of the existing housing stock.

The housing charity Shelter claims there are 23,000 private homes across Scotland classed as long-term empty, while 156,000 families and individuals are on housing waiting lists.

Now, councils have come together to link investment buyers with those who have a vacant property for sale, in a project called the Homes Again Matchmaker service.

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Some homes may need renovation.

The service got the backing of housing minister Keith Brown, who said the government was "committed to tackling empty homes".

Local authorities will be helped by the Scottish Empty Homes partnership, run by Shelter and funded by the Scottish Government.

It is hoped councils can act as a go-between to introduce buyers to owners, but they will not be involved in legal negotiations.

Authorities in East Lothian, West Lothian, Scottish Borders and Fife are already involved in the project.

Shelter's Kirsten Hubert said: "There are many reasons why a home might be left empty. Owners can have sentimental attachment to it or they don't have the finances, the time or the skills to complete their plans for the property, or they simply can't find a buyer through conventional routes."

(NE)