VOID Stirling properties are set to be brought back to use for displaced Ukrainians, thanks to national funding.

The local authority has secured £720,000 from the Scottish Government's Ukraine Longer Term Resettlement Fund to provide 40 homes for Ukrainian people living in temporary accommodation in the area.

The council said there will be a minimal impact on other people currently seeking housing as a significant new supply is being released.

As of June 7, 329 Ukrainians, across 157 households, were living in Stirling.

This included 63 households in contingency accommodation such as hotels or serviced apartments.

A total of 42 households moved into their own homes while 52 were still loving with sponsors in the community.

A report at the council's June 29 meeting showed the housing service had acquired 65 properties during 2022-23, with a further 30 earmarked for purchase this year.

In addition, two new build sites are due for completion this year which will provide 31 more homes.

Council leader Chris Kane said: “Stirling’s communities have a proud record of welcoming and supporting the Ukrainian people since the Russian invasion in 2022.

“The council works closely with a range of organisations to ensure there is a wide range of supports available to help Ukrainians integrate into the community and build independent lives after the trauma of feeling conflict in their homeland.

“Securing this funding will allow us to provide a stable and secure living environment to a number of Ukrainian households and families living in temporary accommodation across Stirling who have endured so much uncertainty and strife.

“Upgrading these properties will also add to our general housing stock in the long-term, and it’s great to see more council properties becoming available this year for people on the housing list.”

The funding, which equates to £18,000 per void home, will either partly or wholly fund works to properties.

It will also cover the purchase of floor coverings and furniture packs so the housing will be ready for guests to move in.

The properties will be allocated in line with the council’s Housing Allocation Policy.

An officer from the council’s homelessness team has also been established to provide housing options to Ukrainian households, link with the council’s resettlement team and negotiate with prospective private landlords to match households with private rented properties.