Rise in number of homeless claims

More than 600 of the applicants had children

More Highlands people claimed to be homeless or were facing homelessness during 2008/09 than during the previous 12 months, according to a new report.

The paper by Highland Council officials shows 2,327 applied for housing compared with 2,296 in 2007/08.

Most applicants were aged between 26 and 59-years-old, however, 176 people were aged 16 to 17.

Those seeking accommodation included young people who had previously been in the authority's care.

The figures compiled for the Highlands' joint committee on children and young people also included 678 households with children.

The report added that the council had recruited three landladies to offer housing to young people and more were being sought.