SCOTTISH ministers are extending measures put in place to protect renters from eviction during the Covid-19 pandemic until next spring.

A coalition of housing, homelessness and welfare organisations demanded the Scottish Government ensures protections remain in place until at least April 2021.

The Scottish Government have now announced protections will be in place until March next year.

READ MORE: SNP trade unionists in call for rent controls after 'tidal wave' of evictions

When coronvirus struck, emergency legislation passed at Holyrood included measures to prevent tenants from being evicted.

The measures were only in place until the end of September but groups including Shelter Scotland, the Scottish Refugee Council, the Scottish Churches Housing Association, the Cyrenians and the Legal Services Agency wrote an open letter to housing minister Kevin Stewart.

Shelter Scotland welcomed the extension on Twitter, saying: "This helps thousands hit hard by the pandemic to keep a roof over their heads. This is a big win for our supporters and us."