A crowdfunding initiative has been launched to help bring much needed affordable housing to an Argyll & Bute community.

Launched by Ulva School Community Association (USCA) and supported by the Mull And Iona Community Trust, the Ulva Ferry Housing Project is seeking funds to help a proposed development of two three-bedroom houses come to fruition.

The Housing Project follows the successful USCA campaign to keep Ulva School open after it was threatened with closure in 2010.

A subsequent community consultation identified affordable housing as a top priority for the area, and now, after extensive community consultation, two three-bedroom houses are being built next to the school. These houses will be offered to local families for rental.

By providing secure, affordable houses there will be many wider social and economic benefits for this fragile community as local people can continue to live, work and go to school in the area.

The houses are being designed by Tobermory-based architect practice Thorne Wyness whose low energy design will be sympathetic to the landscape and the houses will be constructed by a local contractor.

The importance of the housing project has been recognised by grants from both the Scottish Land Fund and Argyll & Bute Council, totalling over £320,000, however further funding is required to complete the build.

Contributors are being invited to buy a virtual brick via a Justgiving page.