Construction on worker accommodation in Tobermory has officially begun – and officials hope it will help to alleviate Mull’s housing shortage.

The lack of accommodation for workers on Mull has caused a strain on the local economy and existing housing stock, but the £700,000 project hopes to remedy that.

A successful bid by Argyll and Bute Council for cash from the Scottish Government’s Islands Programme has enabled the housing project, with infrastructure works starting at the Rockfield site this week.

Council leader, Councillor Jim Lynch, said: “We are committed to addressing the housing shortage in Argyll and Bute and, since the council declared a housing emergency last year, we have been working hard to deliver a variety of initiatives to address the issue.

“This new development on the Isle of Mull will open the door to more accommodation for key workers who often struggle to find somewhere to stay and is just one example of the many actions we’re taking to increase housing capacity in the area.”

Full planning permission is in place for 12 units, some of which could be available to businesses to rent for staff use.

Others will be available for people moving to Mull to take up temporary key worker posts until they can find long-term jobs.

Following a competitive procurement exercise, the council has appointed a local contractor to undertake the works, helping to sustain local businesses and retain income locally.

The council is also working closely with the Mull and Iona Community Trust (MICT), which will potentially take on a management role when it is complete.