The crime writer wants to enshrine the right to a home into Scots Law.

Bestselling crime writer Val McDermid is backing a campaign to enshrine the right to a home in Scots law.

Housing charity Shelter Scotland launched the campaign, called Are You With Us, after a survey found 88% of people agreed that everyone in Scotland should have a legal right to a safe, secure and affordable home.

More than three-quarters (76%) supported enshrining this right in Scots law, while a similar number (78%) supported Shelter’s call for stronger human rights in relation to housing.

A petition has been launched to support the campaign, and Shelter members will be touring the country over the coming weeks to drum up support.

McDermid said: “Home is a place where you’re safe to be yourself. Where you can relax, where you can express yourself and where you don’t feel under threat.

“Too many people don’t have that privilege. That’s why I’m backing Shelter Scotland’s campaign.”

Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, added: “Too many people in Scotland don’t have access to the basic right of a decent and affordable home – which is simply wrong in the 21st century in one of the world’s wealthiest countries.

“There are more than 14,000 homeless children currently in Scotland and nearly 11,000 households in temporary accommodation. We also have rising numbers of people sleeping rough across the country. The evidence is clear - people’s rights to a home need to be significantly strengthened.

“Through this campaign we want the people of Scotland to know that a good home is their right – not a privilege - and it should be law. We also want them to feel a sense of injustice that so many people don’t have access to this basic need.

“We look forward to meeting as many people as possible during our campaign over the coming weeks and months and asking them this simple question on strengthening people’s right to a home - Are you with us?”