MP TIM Farron is making fresh calls for higher taxes on second homes.

The Westmorland and Lonsdale MP said new figures showed the number of second homes in Scotland has nearly halved in the last six years.

According to The Herald newspaper, the total number of properties listed as second homes fell from more than 40,000 in 2012 to under 25,000 in 2018, said Mr Farron. Market experts said the drop-off had happened as a result of tax rises on second homes.

This month the MP is to meet with the housing minister to discuss how to tackle "excessive second home ownership" in South Lakeland.

“Here in the South Lakes we’ve seen far too many communities turned into ghost villages as a result of a lack of a permanent population," he said.

“This is particularly troubling considering our area has a much greater elderly population leading to many feeling isolated and alone in their community.

“These new figures show increased taxation on those who are able to afford a second home can lead to more homes becoming available for local families and I look forward to making the case for this when I meet with the minister next month.”