More housing is one of the top priorities for Lochaber, local councillors have agreed.
And the seven Highland council members representing the area also want to see the Caol link road created as well as improved transport infrastructure, the new Belford Hospital built, a STEM centre developed at West Highland College UHI and a local common good fund established.
At a meeting of the Lochaber Committee, chairman councillor Andrew Baxter, said: “It is very important that Lochaber’s priorities are reflected in Highland council’s programme and that we have a measurable plan to take these forward.
“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.
“We are also 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.”
Also present at the meeting was Highland council leader, Margaret Davidson, who said: “If we don’t get housing right we won’t get our economic development right and economic development is a priority.
“We have real impetus and excellent support in the region 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.”
Local councillors also agreed that construction of a relief road on the A830 would remove around 60 per cent of traffic from a recognised choke point on the A82 and would deliver more effective traffic movement.