A number of churches across Scotland are giving up some of their land in order to help address the shortage of affordable homes in the country.

Land for almost 400 new homes has been identified near Glasgow, Pollokshields and Wester Ross, in a move implemented by Scottish Churches Housing Action (SCHA), while further plots remain under consideration.

The scheme has previously seen 22 flats constructed above a new church in Edinburgh, following the demolition of the previous structure, the Herald reports.

The SCHA believes that the scheme has potential for expansion and estimates a possible £35 million of investment could be achieved within the next decade.

Operating under the moniker Make It Happen, the church scheme has garnered the support of the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, while a motion has been lodged at Holyrood to recognise the initiative.

In related news, the Edinburgh Evening News reported last week that affordability issues in the capital are such that the average age of buyers in the city had hit 37, while the average house price had exceeded £220,000.