The supply of 'affordable' homes in Scotland rose 19% in 2015 compared to the previous year, according to new figures.

A total of 31,034 homes were delivered, surpassing the government's 30,000 target. Almost 21,000 homes were for social rent, while nearly 5,500 were council homes.

In addition, the number of private sector homes which began development in the year to end September 2015 rose to over 13,300, a 10% increase from 2014.

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Across all housing types, more than 16,000 new homes were completed during the same period, representing a 4% increase on the previous year.

Housing Minister Margaret Burgess said the data represents how increased government investment has "helped stimulate a welcome rise in completions across all types of homes".

"This is a team effort; we will continue to work with all sectors to promote the building of new homes and support jobs in the construction industry," she said.

"We have a strong record on housing, having exceeded our target of delivering 30,000 affordable homes in this Parliamentary term.

"Over the next five years we have committed to delivering at least 50,000 affordable homes, which represents a 67 per cent increase on our current target, backed up with investment of more than £3 billion."

(LM/MH)