Inverness and Highland Deal's 'positive impact' already being felt
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Economy Secretary Keith Brown was speaking after a visit to the region for an update on current progress from council officials.
He also got to see some of the projects benefiting under the deal – including the Raining’s Stairs affordable housing project in Inverness and the Science Skills Academy.
Regional partners in the Highlands estimate the funding could unlock up to an additional £800m from the private sector and play a key role in securing long term productivity and economic growth as the region seeks to position itself as a centre of digital opportunity.
Mr Brown said: “Our cities and their regions are the engines of our economy and the Scottish Government is committed to working with our cities to unlock investment and boost the Inverness region’s potential.
“City Deals are one of our economic initiatives to stimulate growth and deliver infrastructure investment that will benefit both people and business.
“It has been extremely heartening to see the results of this investment today and the positive impact it is already having across the city.
“I look forward to continuing working with local partners to ensure both Inverness and the wider Highland region prosper, now and in the years to come.”
Margaret Davidson, the leader of Highland Council, added: “The deal is already delivering real and meaningful benefits to the Highlands, with the promise of securing a sustainable economic future for the region through this valuable investment in skills, business development and innovation, digital connectivity, transport infrastructure, housing and tourism.”
