Discussions have started to determine the long-term future of the Canal Parks facility in Inverness.

The talks, which are being held between the Highland Council and the Highland Rugby Football Club, will look at the opportunities available to the sports club committing its future to the Canal Parks.

The club has previously said it wishes to remain at the ground and make improvements to the facilities already in place, rather than move elsewhere.

Under plans by the Highland Council, the new West Link bypass would cut through the Canal Park before joining with the A82. As a result, Council officials' have said a preferred plan is to construct a new sports hub at Charleston.

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The local authority has agreed to look at a new plan which would see the construction of a new International Rugby Board (IRB) standard, all-weather rugby pitch at Canal Park, plus the redevelopment of the club's changing and club rooms.

Any redevelopment would be a cross-partnership between Sportscotland, the Scottish Rugby Union and High Life Highland.

In a statement, Leader of The Highland Council, Councillor Drew Hendry, said: "The Council is fully supportive of the Rugby Club's objectives of delivering a major enhancement to the pitch, clubhouse and changing facilities. This will be a major asset to the city."

Andrew Little, Chairman of Highland Rugby Club, added: "Highland Rugby Club has played at Canal Park for many years and is deeply attached to this location.

"We commend the Council's initiative in bringing forward alternative proposals to accommodate our playing requirements in the light of the proposed road construction disruption, and we will be very pleased if it proves possible to satisfactorily meet the Club's future needs at Canal Park.

"We will work closely with them to try to achieve that outcome."

(JP/IT)