More than 6,000 new homes will be needed over the next five years in the Highlands.

Members of the council's People Committee have approved the local authority's Local Housing Strategy for 2017 – 2022, which states 45% of the new homes will be required as a high priority in Inverness and the surrounding area.

With 2,500 of the homes being developed for social rent, other high priority communities identified in the strategy include; Aviemore, Wick and Thurso; Fort William; Nairn; Dingwall; Ullapool and Gairloch; Portree, Boradford, Plockton and Dornie; and Dornoch, Clashmore and Embo.

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Cllr Alasdair Christie said: "I welcome this strategy which will help to deliver the Council's Programme priorities to provide homes across the Highlands so that both young and old have a secure roof over their heads; that the Council and its partners will aim to build 500 new affordable homes every year for the next 5 years; and improve the quality and condition of the housing stock and minimise fuel poverty.

"Members have scrutinised the draft strategy and we are now confident that as a living and working document it is fit for purpose to deliver the Council's housing priorities."

(LM/MH)