LISTEN: Major projects set for Inverness and Dalcross
The Longman is set for a new-look, along with a new rail-link for Inverness Airport
A major development in the Longman area of Inverness has been given the go-ahead, with the green light for planning permission for the new Inverness Justice Centre.
The £23 million pound project is to be developed on the site of a former bus depot not far from the Burnett Road Police Station.
This would then in turn free up the court service to move out of Inverness Castle, allowing the 19th Century building which overlooks the city to be turned into a tourist attraction.
The Scottish Prison Service is also preparing a planning application for the new HMP Highland on a site next to Inverness Retail Park on the A96.
The prominent 1960s blight to the Longman area at the former site of Inverness College is up for sale, which could attract further development next to the new Justice Centre.
The building has been empty since summer 2015 and now Stewart Nicol - chief executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce - believes the time is right for a bold ambitious vision for the future along this important thoroughfare...
Meanwhile, a railway station is also set for the airport at Dalcross, with the link to ease connectivity onto the main Inverness - Aberdeen line.
Stewart Nicol says "We're seeing significant growth in the volumes of people using Inverness Airport - added to the routes which recently come online - it just makes it that much easier for international visitors and investors to find their way around"
"We can't get to the desired end result without a little bit of short-term pain - there will be challenges - but it's important we all maintain that broader perspective which I feel will be important"