The Scottish Government has announced it has allocated £4 million in funding to bring abandoned empty homes and buildings back into use.

The Scottish Government's Town Centre Empty Homes Fund will help renovate empty homes and convert derelict commercial spaces into new homes.

Registered social landlords and developers can apply for funding, which will be administered by the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership.

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The Partnership, which is run by the housing charity Shelter Scotland, works with councils to help bring empty private-sector homes back into use.

Housing Minister Margaret Burgess said: "Town centres are a key element of the economic, social and environmental fabric of Scotland’s towns.

"We want town centres to thrive sustainably and meet the needs of residents, businesses and visitors.

"Good quality, affordable housing is at the heart of this vision and transforming empty, disused spaces into comfortable homes makes sense.

"There are an estimated 27,000 long-term private empty homes in Scotland and it makes sense to make the best use possible of these properties when homelessness still exists."

(CD/MH)