The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations will today launch a major new campaign to create a lasting legacy to Robert Burns in his home country, by seeking to start work building 10,000 new affordable homes for rent this year - called the Year of the Home Coming Campaign.

Building 10,000 new homes for rent would help meet spiralling demand for affordable housing, which housing associations are struggling to meet, at the same time as giving the economy, and Scotland's beleaguered construction industry, a well-timed boost.

The call comes as the UK and Scottish governments hotly debate the details of the Budgets for the UK and Scotland in 2009-10, with major capital investments planned to kickstart the economy.

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SFHA Chair Brian Gegan said: "This year, the year of the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a meaningful and lasting legacy for the people of Scotland.

"The SFHA's Year of the Homecoming Campaign seeks to build a wide consensus for action among politicians, housing organizations, local authorities and financial institutions to deliver 10,000 much needed affordable rented homes for Scotland."

Deputy Chief Executive Andrew Field said the housing associations are desperately struggling to meet demand, we are entering a recession and the construction industry has been decimated - now is the time for a large-scale capital expenditure on building new affordable housing.

"We'd like to see even more focus on affordable housing, from across the political spectrum to really make this a year to remember. Let's work together to make 2009 the Year of the Homecoming – for the people of Scotland," he said.

Mr Field said it is something Robert Burns "champion of the ordinary man and woman" would have appreciated.

(GK/JM)