Inverness scoops £315m City Deal to improve infrastructure

INVERNESS is to benefit from a £315 million City Deal to improve infrastructure over the next decade.

The deal will bring £1bn of investment to Inverness. Picture: PA

The deal is an agreement between the Scottish and UK governments and Highland Council.

The cash will be spent on improvements to transport links, digital connectivity, creating an innovation hub for business, housing and promoting tourism.

The Scottish Government has committed £135 million of investment, the UK Government £53 million, and Highland Council and its regional partners will contribute £127 million.

Infrastructure Secretary Keith Brown said: “Today’s City Deal announcement demonstrates our clear and strong commitment to Inverness and the wider Highland region, which we recognise have a key contribution to make to the future prosperity and economic growth for Scotland.

“That is why the Scottish Government has agreed to invest £135 million as part of a £315 million City Deal for Inverness that will deliver significant long-term benefits for the city, region and Scotland as a whole.

“This deal provides an opportunity to enhance and accelerate the delivery of long-term aspirations held by the Scottish Government and the Highland Council, the impact of which could help increase the population, create thousands of jobs and help to up-skill the local labour market.”

Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson said: “This Deal will make a significant contribution to the long-term productivity and economic growth of our area by promoting it as the best digitally connected rural region in Europe.

“Effective broadband and mobile coverage is essential so that businesses can fully exploit commercial opportunities and international markets.”

She added: “I am grateful to everyone who has worked so hard to achieve this very positive outcome for the people of the Highlands.”