FIRE and smoke alarm regulations will be changed to ensure all homes have the highest level of protection following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
Legislation will be amended to extend the "existing high standard" required in private rented housing to all homes in Scotland, the Scottish Government said.
This will mean that private homes must have at least one smoke alarm installed in the room most frequently used, at least one smoke alarm in spaces such as hallways and landings and at least one heat alarm in every kitchen.
A carbon monoxide detector will also be required in all homes and there will be a 10-year age limit for alarms.
The changes have been announced following a consultation on fire and smoke alarms which was launched after the Grenfell Tower disaster last June in which 71 people died when a fire ravaged the London high-rise.
Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: "Fires and fatalities from fires are decreasing but even one death is one too many.
"Scotland already has rigorous standards for smoke and fire alarms developed over time, with the highest standard currently applied to new-build and private rented housing.
"The tragic events at Grenfell Tower last year emphasised how important building and fire safety is, which is why we brought forward our consultation on this issue.
"Now everyone will benefit from the same level of protection, whether you own your home, or rent from a social or private landlord."
The Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 will be amended to reflect the new requirements.
All alarms will have to be ceiling-mounted, and should be interlinked.
Assistant Chief Officer David McGown, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Director of Prevention and Protection, said: "The presence of working smoke and heat detectors have been proven to significantly reduce casualties and fatalities occurring as a result of fires within the home.
"SFRS therefore welcome and support the next steps from this consultation which will undoubtedly improve home safety for all residents, regardless of tenure."
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel