The number of affordable homes built in Scotland has hit a record high with nearly 5,000 public sector affordable houses built in the last year.

With 4,913 affordable homes built last year support from the Scottish Government has seen public sector house building reach a 12 year high.  A further 1300 council homes are to start construction this year after local authorities were awarded £50 million of support from the SNP Scottish Government.

Deputy First Minister and SNP Depute Leader Nicola Sturgeon welcomed the new figures which contrast sharply with the 6 council houses built in the last four years of the Labour administration.

Ms Sturgeon said;

"As these encouraging figures show record Scottish Government investment is delivering much needed affordable homes and public sector home building is at the highest level since the mid 1990's.

"Building projects throughout the country are bringing much-needed new contracts and safeguarding jobs for Scotland's construction industry.

"Against a backdrop of continuing economic uncertainty, and at a time when new builds in the private sector are declining, this is more important than ever.

"We have committed over 1.5 billion pounds to build thousands of affordable homes and importantly, help stimulate activity, safeguard jobs and keep the economy moving."

SNP Glasgow MSP Bob Doris welcomed the figures which show support from the Scottish Government is helping to ease the pressures on the construction sector as a result of lower private sector development.

Mr Doris said;   "Today's figures show the record funding from the Scottish Government to housing associations and councils has helped to ease the pressure on the construction industry.

"With private sector home builders pulling back because of the recession it is essential investment in affordable housing by councils and housing associatons can fill the gap.

"The SNP Government acted quickly last August to bring forward £100 million of housing investment to support our construction industry through tough times and while this recession still has a long way to go this pubic sector support has helped to ease the impact on the housing industry."