Nearly £413 million has been invested across the Highlands through the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal, supporting new homes, major infrastructure improvements, tourism development and opportunities for businesses and young people.
The latest annual report reveals that £412.98 million in public and private investment has been delivered through the partnership between the UK and Scottish governments, Highland Council and other organisations.
The investment has supported projects across the region, with the completion of affordable housing, the opening of the Inverness Castle Experience and improvements to the Corran Ferry crossing among the latest achievements.
During 2025/26, a further 234 affordable homes were completed across Highland communities and are now occupied, with another 109 progressing through development.
Over the lifetime of the housing programme, City Region Deal funding has contributed towards 834 affordable homes, helping address demand for housing across the region.
Work also began in January 2026 on major improvements to the Corran Ferry infrastructure, including new slipways, an overnight berth and a breakwater.
The project is intended to improve the long term reliability of the crossing at Corran Narrows, with construction scheduled for completion in summer 2027.
Tourism has also benefited from the investment, particularly through the Inverness Castle Experience, which officially opened in February 2026.
The attraction has already welcomed more than 107,000 paying visitors, showcasing Highland history, culture and heritage while supporting the wider visitor economy.
Business development has been another important element of the programme, with the Northern Innovation Hub reaching completion during the reporting year.
Nearly 3,000 businesses and social enterprises have received support through the initiative, helping them develop ideas, improve operations and explore opportunities for growth.
During 2025/26, the hub supported the creation of 10 new products, processes or services, assisted three additional startup businesses and helped 24 small and medium sized enterprises undertake innovation activity.
Investment in education and skills has also continued, with the Science Skills Academy providing learning opportunities for more than 6,100 Highland pupils through its Newton Rooms.
The programme focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, while a new Green Skills module has been developed for secondary school pupils.
Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, 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.”
The current Deal has been extended until March 2029 to allow outstanding projects, including the Longman Land Remediation scheme and Corran Ferry infrastructure improvements, to be completed.
Funding deadlines for the A9/A96 Inshes to Smithton improvements and the proposed new electric Corran Ferry vessel have also been extended until March 2032, reflecting the complexity of both projects.
Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee will consider the annual report at its meeting on Thursday 12 November.
With discussions continuing over a future Growth Deal, the latest figures demonstrate the scale of investment already directed towards Highland infrastructure, communities and economic development.
