Highland council house tenants will be receiving ballot papers

The authority has warned that the average rent will rise to �83-a-week in eight years if the transfer to a private association does not go ahead.

Sean Clerkin, of the Scottish Tenants Organisation, has urged people to reject the deal.

The ballot will last three weeks, with the result known on 22 November.

Margaret Davidson, chairwoman of Highland Council's housing and social work committee, said it would be important for tenants to use their vote.

I want people to make a clear decision here and to weigh what is being put on offer to them by Highland Housing Association Councillor Margaret Davidson

She said: "My biggest plea to everyone is to use your vote.

"I want people to make a clear decision here and to weigh what is being put on offer to them by Highland Housing Association.

"The reason we are doing this is because it's best for the tenants and the 'anti brigade' are just confusing people, tying it up in all sorts of political regalia."

Mrs Davidson said the transfer would not only wipe out the council's housing debt but also make a "huge difference" to tenants and lead to investment in new homes.

She described the vote by tenants in Renfrewshire opposing the transfer of ownership of 14,300 homes as a "tragedy".

'No investment'

They voted 50.2% to 49.8% against the plans to transfer to the not-for-profit Renfrewshire Housing Association.

It was the third council area to reject such a move.

Tenants in Stirling and Edinburgh have previously voted against stock transfers.

Mr Clerkin urged people in the Highlands to vote to stay under council control.

He said: "I think people in the Highlands will realise what will be on offer will be a form of blackmail because what the Scottish Executive is saying is if you vote 'yes' you will get the debt written off.