A long-awaited community sports pitch in East Inverness has taken a major step forward this week.
Highland Council is preparing to submit a planning application for a new floodlit all-weather pitch at Inverness Campus.
The proposed facility will feature a 100m x 60m playing surface and be open to the public year-round.
Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of the Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said the development would address a clear gap in local sports provision.
“This is an exciting opportunity to provide desperately needed sporting facilities in this area of the city,” he said.
The location at Inverness Campus was chosen for its strong transport links and accessibility to communities including Raigmore, Inshes, Cradlehall, Culloden, Balloch, Westhill and Smithton.
Cllr Gowans added:
“It will also serve those working nearby at Lifescan, Inverness Campus and Raigmore Hospital, and is situated conveniently between Inverness Retail Park and Inshes Retail Park.”
The pitch is expected to support grassroots sport and community use, as well as education and training linked to the nearby UHI Inverness.
“I can see it being key to the development of an education training facility, as well as being available to local schools and clubs,” said Cllr Gowans.
“Getting this to the planning stage is the result of a lot of hard work.
“This is terrific news not just for East Inverness, but for the whole Highlands.”
The project is being funded by The Highland Council and developer contributions.
Details will be published on the Council’s E-Planning system once the application is submitted.
In a related development, work begins next month on upgrades to a pitch at Culloden Park.
These improvements will bring the facility up to competitive rugby standards ahead of the 2026/27 season, providing a permanent home for Inverness Craig Dunain RFC.
The works include a full drainage system and enhanced playing surface for matches, coaching and training.
