Pepper Money plans to launch its first charge mortgage range in Scotland in September, extending its specialist lending operation north of the border.

The lender said Scottish intermediaries would gain access to its mortgage products and regional broker support, with a focus on customers whose circumstances fall outside traditional high-street lending criteria.

Pepper Money already operates a second charge mortgage business in Scotland. The first charge launch will extend its existing presence into residential and buy-to-let lending for borrowers including the self-employed, those with complex incomes and customers who have experienced adverse credit.

The company said the expansion formed part of its efforts to build longer-term relationships with mortgage brokers in the specialist lending market.

Paul Adams, director of sales at Pepper Money, said: “Scotland is an important market for Pepper Money and a natural next step in our growth strategy.

“We understand the Scottish mortgage market and home-buying process and see a clear opportunity to bring our specialist expertise to more brokers and their customers.

“We are pleased to be bringing Scottish brokers the breadth of our specialist lending proposition, backed by dedicated regional support and the high level of service for which Pepper Money is known.

“Our aim is to make it as straightforward as possible for brokers to find the right solutions for their customers, particularly where more complex circumstances require a more considered approach.

“Through this expansion into Scotland, Pepper Money will continue to champion greater choice in residential and buy-to-let mortgages, supporting borrowers who are self-employed, have complex incomes, or have experienced adverse credit.

“In September, we will launch through a programme of broker engagement and industry activity, focused on building strong relationships with intermediaries.

“I’d encourage Scottish brokers to register on our portal so they can submit applications when we’ve launched.”