MORE than 200 affordable properties are to be provided across Lochalsh and Skye by 2023, as part of a project expected to cost £25 million.

The Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association (LHSA) plans have already seen 44 properties under construction or purchased, and with the aim of a further 75 available by the end of 2018.

LHSA chief executive Lachie MacDonald said: "This is a massive and unprecedented investment in Skye and Lochalsh.

"In addition to being excellent news for jobs in the construction industry, it demonstrates our commitment to meeting the housing needs of individuals and families in the area as quickly as possible.

"We believe that the best approach to dealing with housing-need pressures is to increase the supply of housing and our development programme will certainly achieve that aim."