Edinburgh-based Social Bite plans to build a small community which could house up to 20 people for around 12-15 months at a time.

As part of the scheme, Edinburgh Council has donated a piece of land in the Granton area of the city for as long as it remains undeveloped.

In a JustGiving request, Josh Littlejohn, co-founder of Social Bite, said: “The residents will be people who are currently living in mostly unsupported temporary accommodation, shelters and homelessness B&Bs.

“From our experience, these people have very little hope, support or social intervention to help them break out of the cycle of homelessness and it costs local councils a significant amount of money just to maintain a broken status quo.

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“We plan to provide a significant cost saving to Edinburgh Council tax payers, while at the same time provide a route out of homelessness for the individuals we take into the village.”

Josh explained that the village would utilise pre-fabricated two-bedroom houses costing around £30,000 each.

Besides sleeping spaces, the village will feature a vegetable garden, chicken coup and furniture workshop.

Residents will be also offered counselling, money management guidance and exercise classes.

“In doing this, we aim to create a blueprint of an alternative solution to homelessness and the housing crisis that can be replicated by other charities, local authorities or the state,” Josh added.

“We hope once again that Scotland shows its compassion and gets behind us.”