During 2023/24 a total of 48 homes were completed in projects in Dornoch, Dulnain Bridge, Kirkhill, Nairn and Rosemarkie, with another 78 developments on site, which will deliver 168 homes within several projects including Blar Mhor Ph2, Fort William, Tornagrain, Alness, Inverness and Conon Bridge.

Young people have been the first tenants in approximately 71% of these new homes.

Also of note for 2023/24, was the delivery of mid-market rent homes remaining robust, with the programme currently on target.

The report added: “Whilst the reduction in Scottish Government funding has made retaining momentum in the programme challenging, with creative use of front funding both by the council and partners, delivery was kept on track.”

The report was noted and approved by members of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee when it was presented last week.

The report highlights the activity and delivery during 2023/24 and represents a review of the financial year. Since the signing of the Deal in 2017, both public and private investments have continued to grow, contributing to an overall deal value worth £401.1 million.

Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans, said: “The annual report presented to our committee today highlights the important impacts and benefits the Inverness & Highland City-Region Deal projects continue to have across Highland. The Committee welcomed this opportunity to be updated on the progress and achievements, with particular interest in the forward look across the projects as the Deal continues to respond to the opportunities and challenges we have in the Highlands.”

The Highland Council is the lead organisation for the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal which is being implemented through a partnership between the council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, The University of the Highlands & Islands (UHI), and Albyn Housing Society Ltd. 

The Deal aims to deliver sustainable and inclusive economic growth by:

• creating new well-paid jobs in the private sector;
• encouraging young people to remain within the region and attract young people to move to the region;
• boosting the region’s growing sectors such as tourism and life sciences;
• building affordable homes;
• promoting innovation, internationalisation and new partnerships between the region’s many small businesses; and
• improving connectivity through investments in transport.