The aim of the engagement session is to allow residents the opportunity to meet with the Repopulation Coordinator for North-West Sutherland (Boyd Alexander) to informally and openly explore ideas on where possible housing sites could be considered for suitability.

All suggestions will be included in feedback to support future housing provision in the Tongue area.

Sutherland County Committee chair, Councillor Richard Gale, said: “We are delighted to have this community led drop-in session take place at the Kyle Centre on Thursday 9 March. It’s a great opportunity for people within the community to come along and discuss housing options, meet the Repopulation Coordinator and play their part in identifying local areas that people think could be suitable for new housing.

“Place planning starts at the heart of the community, allowing people to talk over how we can play a part in helping reverse the population decline and work through the barriers and challenges the area faces to enable people to live, work and prosper in the Sutherland area.”

The council said it recognises the importance of depopulation and aims to support measures to reverse the decline and ensure the sustainability of rural populations.

North-West Sutherland, as one of the pilot areas, will benefit from both the direct intervention and partnership working with communities and agencies to identify and directly support where needed.