Today is about celebrating this great city and the region and I am delighted to welcome this announcement.
This all started with an idea and high ambition – who would have thought that when I first wrote that letter in 2014 we would be where we are today. I am grateful to everyone for getting behind the vision & for the hard work of everyone involved.
Especially to Keith Brown & Scottish Government who once again stepped up to the plate to deliver for Inverness and the region.
This deal offers us an opportunity to not only boost the economy and bring jobs, it allows us to plan growth, develop our vision and deliver for the people who live and work here. It is no secret that almost everyone in Inverness wants to see the Castle open to the public. This will bring thousands of extra tourists and will significantly boost our tourism economy. It is a win for local people and visitors.
These infrastructure improvements, combined with the dualling of the A9, A96, improvements to the rail services and the Scottish Government’s commitment to 100% broadband coverage mean we will be better planned for, better connected and better able to take advantage of opportunities in the future.