Commenting on the repossession figures released today, Graeme Brown, Director of Shelter Scotland, housing and homelessness charity, said everything must be done to stop the increasing flow of repossessions becoming a tide of homelessness.

'These figures show a 23 per cent rise from the previous quarter in the number of repossessions and a 50 per cent rise from the same period the previous year. Behind these statistics are individual tragedies.

'Urgent action is needed to stop the increasing flow of repossessions becoming a tide of homelessness.

'Shelter Scotland has been an active member of the Scottish Government's working group on repossessions and this group is due to report in the next few weeks. We urge the Scottish Government to bring in new and better protections for home owners facing repossession.

'Scotland already had 40,000 households assessed as homeless before the recession and struggled to house people. As repossessions continue we will struggle further and more affordable homes are the only answer.'

Anyone struggling with the cost of their mortgages or with any other housing problem should go to www.shelter.org.uk or call Shelter's free housing advice line on 0808 800 4444.

Notes to editors

1. Repossession figures for Scotland are not available. Shelter Scotland continues to call for these to be collected centrally.