A campaign to start work building 10,000 affordable homes for rent in Scotland is getting under way.

The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) is launching the campaign, called the Year of the Homecoming Campaign, in Glasgow.

The body claims building 10,000 homes for rent would help meet spiralling demand for affordable housing - which housing associations are struggling to meet - at the same time as giving the economy and Scotland's construction industry a boost.

The call comes as the UK and Scottish governments debate details of the budgets for the UK and Scotland in 2009-2010.

SFHA Chair Brian Gegan said: "This year, the year of the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a meaningful and lasting legacy for the people of Scotland.

"The SFHA's Year of the Homecoming Campaign seeks to build a wide consensus for action among politicians, housing organisations, local authorities and financial institutions to deliver 10,000 much needed affordable rented homes for Scotland."

A total of 477,327 people are now on local authority and housing association waiting lists for affordable homes. This represents an increase of 46% since 2000.