The potential for releasing national forest land to increase the supply of affordable housing is being investigated in Scotland.

Forestry minister Allan Wilson and communities minister Margaret Curran have given Forestry Commission Scotland and Communities Scotland the go-ahead to look at the possibility of developing forested and non-forested land in rural areas.

Mr Wilson said: “In rural areas there are often only limited opportunities to stimulate businesses and jobs, and this plan could lead to the provision of a useful market and opportunities for some of Scotland’s growing harvest of sustainably grown timber.”

&#8220This plan could lead to the provision of a useful market and opportunities for Scotland’s growing harvest of sustainably grown timber”

Allan Wilson, forestry minister

He said the timber could be used in both the contruction and heating of homes.