Perth & Kinross Council has launched a new loan fund to help bring empty buildings in the region back into use.

The Empty Property Loan Fund is designed to help owners of long-term empty buildings to repair or convert them for use as affordable housing.

Funding can be used for any property which has been empty for at least six months, with loans ranging from £5,000 to £15,000. Higher valued loans can be considered for larger-scale projects.

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So far, 200 properties have been brought back into use across the region, with the new fund prompting interest from local property owners.

Councillor John Kellas said: "Empty properties left in poor condition can cause a blight on our rural villages and our town centres alike.  This innovative loan fund which has been financed by the Scottish Government, can help to reverse this trend, and provide much needed affordable housing which will help support both rural communities and shops and businesses within our town centres."

Kristen Hubert, National Manager for the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, added: "The launch of the Empty Property Loan Fund in Perth & Kinross is great news. The area already benefits from highly effective Council support and this new fund will help bring even more empty property back into use as much needed homes."

(LM/MH)