Rural role created in bid to tackle depopulation

Settlement officers are being appointed to help new residents settle into life in parts of the Highlands and Islands

A new pilot project has been set up to help tackle a longstanding problem of depopulation in the Western Isles.

The job involves helping new residents adjust to life on the isles.

Kareen MacRury has already been appointed to a role in the Western Isles and is based in Uist.

She will work with other organisations to offer guidance on housing and local services to people looking to move to Uist to work or study.

Ms MacRury said new residents could expect a "life less ordinary and full of adventure".

Islands local authority, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) are supporting her 12-month long post.

Kareen MacRury has ben appointed a settlement officer for Uist

HIE said it was supporting the islands and rural areas of the Highlands and Argyll and Bute with a range of jobs.

Last year, the Scottish government proposed offering young people and families a £50,000 incentive to stay on, or move to, the islands.

The Islands Bond forms part of the government's National Islands Plan.

Some communities have sought to tackle the problem themselves by securing funding to make available more homes and offer business opportunities.

They include six properties being refurbished on Ulva, which is home to about 11 people.

Community-owned properties have also been built in Applecross in the Highlands.