Inverness Marina has been given a major boost with plans to expand and develop the facility.

According to the Highland News, the plans aim to attract more visitors and help encourage more tourists and boat owners to the area.

The marina and surrounding site, is located on 26 acres of land reclaimed from the sea. It first opened in summer 2008. Plans for the new expansion include a new visitors building with office as well as retail units, showers and toilets.

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Jamie Hogan, Inverness Marina Limited Managing Director, said: "Since day one, the marina has been a great success. 50% of our business is from foreign boat owners, so it's clear to see that we're managing to attract tourism and inward investment to the Highlands.

"A large number of our visitors are staying for two to three nights and we're hoping the latest developments will encourage more people to stay longer.

"The construction of a new marina building is really just the start of what we hope will be a long-term positive ripple effect in the area. A number of exciting possibilities, including retail space and a hotel, have already been discussed so it can only be good news for Inverness and the region as a whole."

Bank of Scotland, who backed the original marine development, has provided £150k in additional funding for the planned upgrades.

(JP/CD)