More than 1,000 homes for rent have been delivered over the last four years through the National Housing Trust (NHT) initiative, the Scottish Government has announced.

With a total value of £146m, the completion of homes in Westercraigs, Inverness helped reach the milestone.

The initiative is now on track to deliver over 2,000 NHT homes in communities across Scotland.

The Scottish Government, working with the Scottish Futures Trust, developed the original NHT model for councils and developers.

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Under the original version of the model, developers and local authorities jointly fund the purchase of newly-built homes, which are then made available for rent at below market rates for five to ten years before being sold.

Tenants are given priority to buy at the end of the rental period.

Housing Minister Margaret Burgess said: "It is a remarkable achievement for all those involved that more than 1,000 NHT homes have now been completed across Scotland.

"By giving people the chance to have a good quality home at an affordable rent, this ground-breaking initiative is making a huge difference to people's lives.

"NHT is providing affordable homes without the need for grant subsidy and is well on track to deliver over 2,000 new homes in communities across the country.

"The initiative is also boosting our construction sector and wider economy, helping to strengthen communities, promote social justice and tackle inequality."

(LM/CD)