A new report shows urgent need for new housing in a north Skye community which hopes new jobs are on the way, but where the last affordable homes were built 15 years ago.

The study commissioned by the Staffin Community Trust has found Staffin is now "dominated" by older households while 18 per cent of properties are now holiday homes, compared to the Highland average of 5.7 per cent.

There is concern locally major housing developments on the island have been concentrated in larger settlements like Portree and Broadford, while the primary school roll in Staffin has halved to 15 in recent years. The Staffin Trust is working in partnership with the Skye Sea Harvest company to develop its local harbour, the Staffin Slipway, with a seafood processing facility which could create 40-plus much-needed jobs. But it will increase housing demand.

Staffin Trust chairman Donald MacDonald said: "Housing has been on the agenda for some years but attention was diverted due to a significant private development that was proposed that would have seen seven new homes built.

"Now that project has failed to achieve planning permission the trust can re-focus its attention on housing. It is essential people continue to register Staffin as their first choice for homes and not to give in to pressure to move to Portree or elsewhere."

Lachie MacDonald, chief executive of Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association, said: "We are happy to attend the proposed meeting to discuss the housing concerns of the trust."