Home owners facing repossession will get greater legal protection under new legislation from the SNP Government.

Depute Leader of the SNP and Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed today that lenders will have to show that they have considered every reasonable alternative to repossession before pursuing a case against the mortgage holder.

Announcing the legislation to be introduced in the autumn Ms Sturgeon said;

"We are committed to protecting Scottish families in the economic downturn and beyond. It is important we ensure families at risk of losing their homes are protected.

"That's why we are taking decisive action, backed by the full weight of the law, to tackle the scourge of repossessions.

"In England, the pre-action protocol, introduced by the judiciary, not the UK Government has been described by eminent legal experts as toothless.

"In contrast, the Scottish Government is offering something with real teeth - the full protection that only legislation offers."