Inverness projects granted £3M from government

Part of City Deals funding scheme.

The UK government will provide £3M in funding for Inverness projects, it has been confirmed.

Inverness Castle and a city Wi-Fi project will benefit from the City-Region Deals scheme as part of efforts to empower local authorities.

Cities across the UK are to be given more influence over spending decisions to encourage innovation and economic growth.

The scheme enables cities to act upon the opportunities and challenges that they feel are most pressing.

Inverness will use the funding to revitalise Inverness Castle, which is not currently open to the public. Improved access and upgrades to the castle grounds will complement a separate council project to install a public viewing platform at the North Tower. Visitors will be offered a new vantage point for the city and surrounding landscape.

Inverness also hopes to attract visitors through a large-scale digital connectivity project. The funding will facilitate free public Wi-Fi across the city, potentially boosting tourism as well as serving local residents.

The projects will create many job opportunities in addition to the natural advantages for existing local businesses.

Secretary of State David Mundell confirmed the funds at a meeting in Inverness with the Leader of Highland Council.

He later said: “This is good news for Inverness. It demonstrates our commitment to City Deals and the benefits they can bring for local areas. The initial tranche of funding will enable Inverness to capitalise on its heritage, while helping the city to enhance its digital connectivity, something which will be of huge benefit to both visitors and residents.

“City Deals give more power to local areas and I believe they can benefit communities across Scotland. Instead of power being locked away in Edinburgh or London, City Deals pass power to local areas and allow them to take control to achieve great things. The UK government has already delivered a City Deal for Glasgow and we are working hard on agreements for other cities, including Inverness and Aberdeen.

“This is another good example of the UK, Scottish and local governments working together for the common good. That is the best way to improve local areas and to improve the lives of people in Scotland.”

Leader of the Highland Council, Cllr Margaret Davidson, said: “We had a very useful and constructive meeting during which we discussed a number of key issues affecting the Highlands, which are priorities in our council programme, including welfare, broadband connectivity, Crown Estates, as well as the Scotland Bill.

“We also discussed the council’s ambition for a City-Region Deal and I am very encouraged by the support from the Secretary of State, as we work with both the Scottish and UK governments to progress this deal.

“I am delighted that the Secretary of State has confirmed UK government approval for these projects. They will make a significant contribution to enhancing the centre of Inverness and improving Wi-Fi connectivity for businesses, residents and tourists. It will also help us to start realising our ambition to make Inverness Castle a major tourist attraction.”

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