The dilemma of promoting housing developments against preserving areas of natural beauty is being debated by councillors from one of Scotland's least populated islands.

The dilemma of promoting housing developments against preserving areas of natural beauty is being debated by councillors from one of Scotland's least populated islands.

The growing problem of de-population in island and remote rural communities has led to Argyll and Bute Council to consider how they can have more housing but not destroy areas of scenic importance.

A Landscape Capacity Study has been drawn up to balance the competing needs to allow councillors to decide how they can work within the protective guidelines for National Scenic Areas.

Jura is home to some 180 people and is considered one of Scotland's most attractive natural areas.

Councillor Donald MacMillan, chairman of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee, said: "We could do with more people on Jura. Then we could argue for a ferry direct to the mainland, instead of via Islay. There are a lot of young people who might come back if they could get housing.

"The Landscape Capacity Study is a regulation code. There is a concern it could stop the building of housing."

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) said the code is not designed to prevent developments but to ensure they are in keeping with the landscape.

Ian Ross of SNH said: "A National Scenic Area is designated because of landscape features. It depends on the development and how that would impinge on the landscape."