The executive says housing supply affects the strength of communities

Communities Minister Stewart Maxwell's comments came ahead of a visit to a housing development on Skye.

The Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association is building 169 properties at Home Farm in Portree, in a �25m "shared equity" scheme.

Mr Maxwell said the executive's new housing supply task force would mean more projects of this kind.

The reality is there are not enough new houses being built Stewart Maxwell Communities Minister

When complete the new homes in Portree will be made available for affordable rent and low-cost ownership.

Buyers will be able to purchase stakes of between 51% and 80%.

Mr Maxwell said: "A healthy housing supply forms the bedrock of fairer, stronger and safer communities, but the reality is there are not enough new houses being built.

"This month I will be visiting different areas across the country to listen to what people have to say about housing in Scotland.

"It is important that people throughout the country have access to quality affordable housing. The people of Scotland deserve no less."

The housing task force is designed to tackle issues including land supply and planning.