The unveiling of the new Scottish Cabinet highlights the "fundamental importance" of home building, according to trade body Homes for Scotland.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has made a number of new appointments to office, including tasking Angela Constance to deliver a government pledge of building 50,000 'affordable' homes over the next parliament.

She will also help implement new welfare powers being devolved to Scotland.

In addition, Kevin Stewart has been appointed the minister for local government and housing, while Jeane Freeman will become the Scottish Government's first dedicated minister for social security.

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The Environment and Climate Change will also have a dedicated Cabinet Secretary for the first time, with Roseanna Cunningham's appointment underlining the Government's plans to further reduce carbon emissions, protect and enhance Scotland's environment and take forward the Government's work on land reform.

Following the reshuffle Chief Executive of HfS, Nicola Barclay, said the organisation was looking forward to working with the First Minister and her new Cabinet.

"With our industry contributing billions to the economy each year and every home built supporting more than four jobs, home building is fundamental to ensuring Scotland's future success," she said.

"As housing impacts almost all policy areas, we look forward to working with the First Minister and her new team to help overcome the numerous challenges that affect the delivery of much needed new homes, particularly in relation to planning and the keenly awaited findings of the independent review panel which we understand will be published over the coming weeks."

(LM/MH)