The Highland Council has announced proposals for a new rugby sports facility in Inverness.

The council's South Planning Applications Committee approved plans for the reconfigured and enhanced rugby sports facility at Canal Parks.

The application forms part of the delivery of the West Link road and enhanced sports and recreational facilities.

The development will include the formation of an all-weather rugby pitch and repositioning of two re-graded grass pitches, with pitch lighting.

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The old clubhouse will also be replaced by a new community clubhouse with a large carpark and a footpath from Whin Park to the Caledonian Canal.

In addition, the pitches will be fenced to allow dog walking around the site.

Access to the development will be from Bught Road.

Along with councillors approving the plans, it was agreed there should be high quality landscaping and the potential for public art incorporated into the development.

Councillor Audrey Sinclair said: "The major enhancement to the pitch, clubhouse and changing facilities will be a valuable asset for the wider community of Inverness. The synthetic pitch will provide an excellent new surface for rugby, with the added bonus of being available for community use for sports such as football, shinty, hockey and American football."

(LM)