Scottish Liberal Democrats have revealed there are over 70,000 empty properties in Scotland.

The Liberal Democrats want to bring these properties back into use, which would stimulate the economy through building and renovation work, and provide homes to thousands of people.

Answers to Parliamentary Questions lodged by Jim Tolson MSP reveal that there were 70,320 empty properties in Scotland in September last year. The figures also show that there were 18,743 empty properties under local authority and housing association control in March last year.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat MSP for Dunfermline West Jim Tolson said:

“It is astonishing that there are over 70,000 empty houses in Scotland. This could provide housing for almost half the people on the social housing waiting list.

“Liberal Democrats want to help owners bring these empty homes back into use.

“Not only would the most vulnerable get a roof over their head, but the building and renovation work would also stimulate the Scottish economy.

“We want to explore ways that empty houses can be brought back into use as quickly as possible. We are looking at ideas such as giving out grants to renovate homes and put them back into the social rented sector, and loans to put them back into the private rented sector.

“It was a Liberal Democrat amendment to the recent Housing Act that now requires local authorities to find out where empty houses are located. The absence of this information has previously been a barrier to encouraging local authorities and owners to bring their properties back into use.”