THE Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal has delivered public and private investment across the Highlands totalling £412.98 million, according to its 2025/26 annual report.
Highlights from the 2025/26 annual report include the start of the Corran Ferry infrastructure improvement project, the completion of 234 affordable homes across Highland communities, and the opening of The Inverness Castle Experience – which has welcomed more than 107,000 paying visitors since opening.
The deal has also continued to support business growth and innovation through the Northern Innovation Hub, while the Science Skills Academy delivered STEM learning opportunities through Newtown Room to more than 6,000 young people during 2025/26.
The Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal is a joint initiative from the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council, and other partners, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth and strengthening communities.
Chair of the Highland Council’s economy and infrastructure committee, councillor Ken Gowans, said, “The success of the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal is testament to the strength of partnership working across the public and private sectors in the Highlands. Through major projects that are driving economic development, innovation and investment across the region, the Deal has demonstrated what we can achieve through collaboration. It provides a strong foundation as we continue discussions on a future Growth Deal for the Highlands.”
Highlights from 2025/26 include:
- Construction of the Corran Ferry landside infrastructure improvements including new slipways, an overnight berth, and breakwater, which began in January 2026, marking an important step in the long-term reliability of the Corran Narrows crossing. The work is scheduled for completion in Summer 2027.
- A total of 234 affordable homes were completed across the Highlands in 2025/2026 thanks to city region deal funding and are now occupied. Work continues on a further 109 homes at sites progressing through development. Over the lifetime of the project, the Deal has provided funding for 834 affordable homes.
- The Inverness Castle Experience was officially opened in February 2026. The visitor attraction is helping to strengthen the regional economy and support jobs. It showcases the Highlands’ rich heritage and vibrant culture through a modern, immersive journey into the stories of our landscape, people and heritage, and aims to attract both new and repeat visitors across the wider Highlands.
- Nearly 3,000 businesses and social enterprise were supported to innovate, grow, and develop new products through the Northern Innovation Hub, which reached full completion this year. The hub has supported the creation of 10 new products, processes or services, assisted three additional start-up, and helped 24 SMEs to undertake innovation activity during 2025/26.
- The Science Skills Academy supported more than 6,100 pupils across the Highlands to access STEM learning opportunities through Newton Rooms. A Green Skills module was also developed for secondary-aged school pupils.
The deal has been extended to March 2029 to allow the completion of current projects, including the Longman Land Remediation and the Corran Ferry Infrastructure Improvements. Funding timescales for the A9/A96 Inshes to Smithton improvement works and Corran Ferry New Electric Vessel have also been extended to March 2032 due to the complexity and scale of the projects.
