During her day in Alloa the first minister confirmed that in 2015/16 £70 million will be invested in a scheme to help eligible first-time home buyers on low to moderate incomes.

Nicola Sturgeon and social justice secretary Alex Neil visited the home of Craig and Jude Deacons who purchased it with assistance from the Scottish Government’s Open Market Shared Equity Scheme (OMSE).

Jude said: “Craig and I are grateful for the scheme as it has allowed us to secure a great first home fit for our family life. We got married in 2009 just as the housing market changed significantly.

“We were unable to buy our first home as we had no way of securing the sizeable deposit required, despite both being in full time employment.

“As both of us were first time buyers the OMSE scheme allowed us to purchase a house fit for purpose to accommodate our two children.” The first minister added: “We want to help today’s generation of young people to access home ownership where this is sensible and sustainable for them.

“This scheme will have a huge impact on people’s life chances and will help them make a move from living in the social rented sector, the private rented sector or residing in the family home.

“We will do all we can, within our powers and our resources, to help people like Craig and Jude get a foot onto the housing ladder.”