Closed Lochaber school could be turned into homes

Roy Bridge Primary closed in 2017 after the school roll fell to just two children

A Lochaber school that was shut down eight years ago looks set to be redeveloped as affordable housing.

Roy Bridge Primary, near Fort William, was closed in 2017 after the school roll fell to just two pupils.

The charity Spean Bridge, Roy Bridge and Achnacarry SCIO has proposed building a two-bedroom bungalow, four two-bedroom semi-detached houses and two larger family homes on the site.

The school's Victorian-era classroom could be transformed into two one-bedroom apartments, which would initially be used as holiday lets to generate income to help cover the project's costs.

Highland Council officials have recommended councillors agree to the sale of the local authority-owned school to the charity at a discounted price of about £100,000.

Under the plans, the new homes would be available for rent to young people and families.

The holiday apartments could also become affordable homes at a later date.

A lack of affordable housing has been a long-running problem in the Highlands.

A year ago, Highland Council said its area needed an extra 24,000 houses over the next 10 years.