The new appointments are part of the council’s redesign programme.

Mr MacLeod is originally from Stornoway in the Western Isles and he has been the council’s head of planning and environment for the last seven years and has worked in the Highlands for more than 20 years.

His most recent roles have included overseeing the delivery of many of the major housing and infrastructure projects across the Highland area as well as managing the council’s Corporate Change Programme.

He brings a strong focus on effective forward planning and an emphasis on partnership working with communities and with the business sector to this new role.

Mr MacLeod said: “It is a privilege to have been offered the opportunity to continue to drive forward growth for the Highlands, while recognising the need to manage the beautiful environment we all love. I am looking forward to working with colleagues, Members and the wider community to ensure we deliver the right developments and infrastructure in the right place and at the right time.

“The Highlands are a fantastic place to live and work in and I am really looking forward to the new role.”

Mark Rodgers, who is originally from Edinburgh, is currently chief officer (housing) with Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council in the West Midlands.

He has more than 25 years’ experience within the social housing sector, across a range of housing associations and councils in Scotland and England. He brings with him a wide range of housing and senior management skills to Highland Council.

Mark said: “I am delighted to be joining Highland Council. The Highland region is a fantastic part of the world. Ensuring our tenants have high-quality affordable housing, and that we have enough of it, across all our Highland communities, is a big challenge. So is ensuring that Highland Council buildings are fit for purpose now and into the future.

“I’m looking forward to that challenge, and to working together with communities, councillors and my new colleagues to address these challenges.”

Mr Rodgers will assume his post in the new year.