Scottish homeowners struggling with mortgage payments are now able to take advantage of a new support fund.
Homeowners north of the border will now be able to use a government scheme if they are at risk of falling into arrears.
The £35 million fund aims to provide support for people who are at risk of repossession. A number of estimates have suggested that repossessions will rise this year as the recession continues and worker redundancies rise.
However, Scottish householders will be able to take one of two steps if they believe themselves to be at risk. They will either be able to change their mortgage to a shared equity deal with the Scottish government - meaning the executive will part-own the property - or allow a social landlord to take over the property and become a tenant.
According to Glasgow MSP Bob Doris, from the SNP, the scheme will mean that homeowners who find themselves in trouble will be able to avoid "dodgy loans" and "unregulated private mortgage-to-rent deals that can leave them homeless".
Scottish housing minister Alex Neil added: "It's important that those facing the risk of repossession seek urgent independent money advice. It may be possible, for example, to try and reach agreement with any secured lender before considering other forms of support."
