A new employability and skills centre is to relocate to Inverness.

Skills Development Scotland (SDS) has said it will return to the city's Church Street later this year. SDS has been based at the Green House at Beechwood Business Park since 2007.

The council-owned property at 1-5 Church Street will see SDS as the lead tenant. The building will be fully refurbished and transformed into a public access centre and office accommodation. It will feature an interactive space, offering young people the opportunity to learn more about potential science-based careers in the Highlands area.

It will also be part of a digitally connected network of STEM learning labs distributed regionally across the Highlands.

Morrison Construction has been awarded the contract to refurbish the interior of the four-storey office block, as well as restoring the front façade and installing a new roof covering.

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Commenting on the move, John McClelland CBE, Chair of SDS, said: "This investment brings our services for young people, those who are unemployed and those who are looking to recruit into the centre of the city and the community.

"This new location is ideally situated to maximise the opportunities people have to access our services and for SDS to provide what people need where they need it.

"It is also very important to SDS, as a locally-focused organisation, to be an integral part of the revitalisation of the city centre."

Councillor Drew Hendry, Leader of The Highland Council, added: "Having a key public sector organisation, Skills Development Scotland, as lead tenant is a major boost to the re-development of the city centre.

"I am delighted with the fruitful discussions we have had with SDS, HIE and UHI, regarding the potential to create STEM learning labs in the new offices in the centre of Inverness.

"This would demonstrate our shared commitment to equipping our young people with the science and technology skills they need to take advantage of the opportunities opening up in this field.

"We also have a commitment to ensuring digital inclusion across all parts of the community. I look forward very much to working with our partners to make this a reality."

(JP)