The scheme will see 20 new homes built in New Galloway

Government housing agency Communities Scotland will put �5.4m towards the proposals for Newton Stewart, New Galloway and Kirkcowan.

Area director Roger Popplewell said it would "give people the opportunity to live and work" in rural Galloway.

A total of 64 new affordable homes for rent will be built as a result of the investment.

Thirty will be built in Newton Stewart, 14 in Kirkcowan and 20 in New Galloway.

The investment is part of a partnership deal between Dumfries and Galloway Council, Communities Scotland and Loreburn Housing Association.

'Unmet need'

Communities Minister Stewart Maxwell said the Scottish Government was committed to providing housing throughout the country.

"These new homes in Galloway are an example of the type of high-quality homes we are providing for families and local people in the south west," he said.

Maureen Farrell, convener of Loreburn Housing Association, said it would continue to lobby for more investment in the area.

"It is vitally important that we do this as there is still a huge amount of unmet need in the region," she said.