Architect's drawing of Highland Housing Fair site

Architects and developers from Invergordon, Skye, Aberdeen, Dundee and Glasgow were successful in the Highland Housing Fair.

Firms were invited to buy plots on a 5.5 hectare (13.5 acre) site near Inverness and build their design.

However, the site's location in the city's green belt has attracted criticism.

The contest was run by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) to raise standards in innovative and "green" housing.

The successful entrants will build their homes on 27 plots at Balvonie on the southern fringe of Inverness.

I am not opposed to the fair - I actually think it is going to be beneficial to the Highlands - it's the process in which it was actually selected John Holden Inverness South councillor

Five Highland firms were among the winners of the competition, which was based on similar events held in Finland.

The winning entries from Inverness were submitted by Allan Holling of Highland Council, Sam Hey of Keppie Design and David Somerville.

Also successful were Trevor Black of Invergordon and Skye-based company Rural Design.

John Holden, Labour councillor for Inverness South, said he supported the idea of the fair, but said the site was wrong.

He said: "I am not opposed to the fair - I actually think it is going to be beneficial to the Highlands - it's the process in which it was actually selected."

Mr Holden said he had "grave concerns" with the choice of site.