Nearly a quarter of all housing stock is either empty or used as a holiday home and the shortage of affordable housing is being highlighted as a priority at a seminar in Aviemore.

The percentage of people living in tied houses, such as workers on sporting estates, is almost four times higher than in the rest of Scotland.

Renting from housing associations and local authorities is half the Scottish average at just 21%.

Acute shortage

Those factors, combined with the high number of empty and holiday homes, make the shortage of affordable properties an acute problem.

The four-day conference, organised by the Cairngorms Partnership, is being attended by council representatives, Scottish Homes and private landowners.

Proposals for a National Park

Ian Grant, chairman of the Cairngorms Partnership, said: "We intend to examine the issues and, working with key stakeholders, the local authorities, Scottish Homes, landowning interest and housing associations, we will look towards finding solutions which will develop an appropriate way forward for affordable housing in the Cairngorms."

Scottish Homes chief executive Peter McKinlay said: "The Cairngorms Partnership has at the core of its management strategy a commitment to delivering sustainable development.

"This includes a housing policy which anticipates and caters for the changing needs of the area.

"Good quality, affordable housing is a vital part of sustainable rural development.

Population increase

"Changing demographic and economic structures can often pose potential threats to rural communities.

"Forecasts predict a 6% increase in the local population across the area.

"The Cairngorms Partnership is working together to provide an appropriate environment for community enterprise and development by ensuring that the basic services, which make communities viable, are available."

The Scottish Parliament is expected to consider the general enabling bill to make the area a National Park next year.