The UK-wide scheme was established in 1980 and allows council tenants to purchase their homes at below market rates but has been criticised for depleting stocks of social housing.

Members of the Scottish Parliament voted on legislation which now signals the end of the Right to Buy scheme in Scotland. The scheme withdrawn within two years under the Housing (Scotland) Bill.

The legislation was proposed by the Scottish National Party but any moves to end Right to Buy had been opposed by Conservatives in the nation. However, an amendment tabled by the party was defeat by 103 votes to 12, meaning plans will go ahead.

Earlier this year Scottish housing minister Margaret Burgess said the move would help shorten housing waiting lists.

“With 185,000 people on waiting lists for council and housing association houses, we can no longer afford to see the social sector lose out on badly needed homes,” she said.

“These measures will protect up to 15,500 social houses from sale over a ten-year period and safeguard social housing stock for future generations.”