Homes sites mooted for Inverness, Nairn, Ross, Cromarty

Bulls kept at the stud are offered to crofters

Land surplus to the needs of a Scottish government bull stud has been offered for housing and allotments.

The Crofters Commission, which manages Knocknagael Farm at Inverness, said selling the land would raise funds to help modernise the stud.

The commission was among organisations and individuals that responded to a call from Highland Council for potential sites for development.

Moray Estates and the Countess of Cawdor have also made submissions.

Highland Council has published the sites mooted for Inverness, Nairn and Ross and Cromarty East.

Bulls kept at Knocknagael Farm, off Essich Road in Inverness, are used for the government's cattle improvement scheme, which is available to crofters.

The Crofters Commission has suggested a plan that would see about 39 acres (16ha) developed.

Two fields would be made available for housing and a third for allotments.

Nairnshire Farming Society has also offered its seven-acre (3ha) showfield in Nairn for housing.

Tulloch Homes has suggested developing 57 acres (23ha) at Ness-side, south-west of Inverness, while Inverness Canoe Club has asked that Locks Cottage on the Caledonian Canal be made available to members as a meeting place.

Highland Council asked for possible locations to help it produce the Inner Moray Firth Local Development Plan.

It received about 450 suggestions.

The finished planning document will guide building projects.