Disused church property could be used to house hundreds of families and ease the shortage of affordable housing, according to the Scottish Government.

Disused church property could be used to house hundreds of families and ease the shortage of affordable housing, according to the Scottish Government.

Communities Minister Stewart Maxwell spoke at a meeting of church housing officials and praised efforts to contribute to providing land and accommodation.

It is anticipated that 50 homes a year will be available for 10 years through a partnership of 11 churches in Scotland.

The Church Property and Housing Programme aims to help supplement the mainstream affordable housing programme, and aid in sustaining rural communities.

The programme is expected to lead to investment of £35m in regeneration of areas where church property is supplied.

The Scottish Government's housing grants scheme provides £75,000 of funding for the Churches Homelessness Initiative Programme.

Mr Maxwell said: "The Church Property and Housing Programme has the potential to increase the supply of affordable housing by promoting greater use of surplus church properties and sites."

He added: "We recognise the valuable contribution that the voluntary sector makes in tackling and preventing homelessness and addressing wider housing issues in Scotland.

"Scottish Churches Housing Action plays an invaluable role in addressing these issues with its volunteers providing front-line services that help those experiencing homelessness.

"It is also important that those that have faced homelessness feel part of our communities and this is never more the case than when re-building their lives after experiencing homelessness."

Jacqui Watt, chief executive of the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, said: "We welcome any contribution to easing the current huge demand for affordable housing.

"But the real solution is more money being spent on support for affordable housing, especially in this time of private housing downturn."