Sir Tom Hunter and Lord Willie Haughey are calling for urgent action from government to help kickstart housebuilding in Scotland. Speaking on their Go Radio Business Show, the entrepreneurs were keen to underline the importance of new homes construction to growing the economy.

Sir Tom told listeners: “We really need to get building again. Every time we get into discussing economic growth it’s a building-led growth story because construction puts so many people in work, so many tradesmen, so many apprentices.

“Everybody is out there and the demand is certainly out there.”

Lord Haughey, who has a personal vision to build affordable homes in Scotland, noted: “Over the past few weeks I’ve had many people come to see me about what we’re doing in housing and the new model we’re trying to create.

“I had a visit from Scottish National Investment Bank Chairman Willie Watt and his team and I had a meeting with Adrian Gillespie, CEO of Scottish Enterprise. 

“Most recently I had a very interesting meeting with Paul McLellan, the Housing Minister for the Scottish Government. I’d have to say it was a breath of fresh air to have a meeting with a Minister who actually knew a lot about the subject.

“He was really interested in what we are doing and wants to follow up on that.”

Lord Haughey noted he had asked members of the Scottish Green Party to discuss new housing on many occasions, but added: “They don’t seem to want to come. So they’re not getting another invite. But I would have to say to the SNP and to the Housing Minister: a big thank you for taking the time to come along.”

His Go Radio co-host said: “I like to think we treat people evenly on this show. Sometimes we criticise when it needs to be done but you’re giving a shout out and a thank you.

“My only caveat would be: let’s judge the SNP on their actions, not their words!”