Hundreds of homes in the social rented sector in Scotland are to benefit from improved energy efficiency as part of a £4.5 million initiative.

The cash will be shared by 24 social landlords and local authorities towards the cost of installing energy-saving measures.

Works such as solid wall and cavity wall insulation will be carried out on nearly 1,700 homes.

It is part of a competition under the Green Homes Cashback Scheme and bids were scored on value for money and carbon savings based on the fuel type used in each property.

Scottish Housing Minister Margaret Burgess said: “Through the Green Homes Cashback Scheme we are helping social landlords and councils upgrade their properties with energy efficiency measures, which will in turn will save residents’ money on fuel bills and cut emissions.”