Nicola Sturgeon, in her role as Infrastructure Secretary, is announcing the plans, expected to create jobs and reduce heating bills for families, at the HQ of City Building's Construction Skills Academy in Gorbals.

The new scheme will involve homes being built using off-site construction methods with environmentally friendly materials.

Ms Sturgeon said the Scottish Government is investing in green technology and energy efficiency through a variety of methods, including a £20million voucher scheme offering up to a maximum of £500 per household to help individuals and families pay for loft and cavity wall insulation.

Ms Sturgeon is to be given a tour of the academy to see how window and timber frame kits are assembled, and will meet with apprentices based at the site.

She said: "Improving the energy efficiency of Scotland's housing stock is absolutely fundamental if we are to assist those households struggling to warm their homes, particularly over the winter months.

"Households taking advantage of voucher schemes can save hundreds of pounds every year on their heating bills by taking advantage of offers available to them. And this builds on the support we are extending to hard-pressed households through the Council Tax freeze, free prescriptions and tuition fees.

"Scotland is an energy rich nation and everyone should live in warm, affordable homes."

Around 35,000 homes are expected to take up the voucher scheme.

stewart.paterson@ eveningtimes.co.uk