Originally agreed as local priorities for the area in 2015, plans for ambitious housing development and infrastructure investment should be further refined and supported by a local action plan with measurable targets, the councillors said this week.

Chair of Lochaber committee, Councillor Andrew Baxter, said: “It is very important that Lochaber’s priorities are reflected in the council’s Programme and that we have a measurable plan to take these forward.

“We are well placed to take advantage of the many opportunities, such as airline issues, improved cruise liner infrastructure and the current exchange rates to further develop our tourism economy.

“Housing is very high up in our priorities, but it must be the right mix of housing and we are in particular need of affordable housing for families. We plan to develop a specific housing strategy for Lochaber which addresses local needs, as well as ensuring the appropriate supporting infrastructure.”

Leader of the council, Margaret Davidson, attended the committee meeting to discuss the draft Council Programme and how this can support local priorities.

She said: “If we don’t get housing right we won’t get our economic development right and economic development is a priority for Highland. We have real impetus and excellent support in Highland for achieving ambitious housing development and we are investing in infrastructure and exploring land options.

“We are also working positively with the Scottish Government as a model of best practice for developing affordable housing and Highland is leading on that.”

She added: “Decent Broadband connectivity is fundamental to our economic development in Highland and we need to make the best advantage of all the opportunities that are there and move this forward at a much faster pace.”

The Local Priorities for Lochaber can be found here.