THE Scottish government must “make good on its promise” and introduce new powers to bring thousands of empty homes back into use, Green MSP Ariane Burgess urged today.

She said she secured a commitment from ministers earlier this year to reform enforcement and compulsory purchase orders, making it easier for councils to acquire vacant properties.

Recent data shows Scotland has 43,538 empty homes, with nearly three-quarters vacant for over a year.

Ms Burgess called for “robust” powers to ensure vacant homes are brought back into use, describing it as a “win-win” that provides housing and revitalises communities.

She said her constituency, the Highlands and Islands, had 6,823 homes that had been empty for more than a year, while another 7,870 had lain empty for at least six months.

“That’s almost 15,000 homes lying empty [amid] a housing emergency,” she said.

“The Scottish government and our local authorities must look for innovative ways to get those homes back into use.

“We know this can be achieved at a fraction of the cost of new buildings.”

Housing Minister Paul McLennan said the government has allocated £80 million to councils to boost social and affordable housing.