Creating more green homes in Scotland could help to drive growth in the economy, a new report has stated.

According to the Association for the Conservation of Energy, reducing the carbon footprint of Scottish homes could create up to 10,000 new jobs across the country.

The report also said that if pollution levels were slashed by 42 per cent over the next decade, the economic benefits would be worth £4 billion.

Liam McArthur of the Liberal Democrats has therefore called on the government to ensure more energy saving measures are implemented in Scottish homes.

"There can be no better time to invest in green jobs that will boost the economy and deliver Scotland a lasting green legacy," he commented.

Former Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy has meanwhile called for people who live in rural areas to receive more support on making their homes more energy efficient.

He urged the government to engage with oil and liquefied petroleum gas companies to "guarantee short-term continuity of supply" to those in fuel poverty.