Extra overnight accommodation is being made available to people facing homelessness in the Scottish Highlands at Christmas.

A partnership between Highland Council and the Highland Homeless at Christmas Trust is providing two fully-furnished properties which will each house up to three people.

They will be available until 6 January, when the position will be reviewed.

It is sad that anyone finds themselves homeless, particularly at this time of year Councillor Garry Coutts

Councillor Garry Coutts, the chairman of the council's housing and social work committee, said: "The service we are offering this year is better than last.

"It is sad that anyone finds themselves homeless, particularly at this time of year, and the Highland Council is committed to doing all we can to provide relief."

The properties are both being monitored by two support workers.

An additional 20 people are being employed by the Highland Homeless at Christmas Trust to provide supervisory cover for the properties and their residents over the festive period.

Highland Council is also extending the opening hours of its day centre at Waterloo Place, Inverness.

Staffed by the Highland Homeless at Christmas Trust, it will be open as a night cafe which can take up to 10 people during the night hours over Christmas and New Year.

The centre also offers advice, guidance and support on issues including physical and psychiatric health, substance and alcohol abuse and resettlement into accommodation.