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Hundreds of millions of pounds is set to be invested in the Scottish Highlands.
The £315m Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal was formally signed today, 30 January.
The signing now paves the way for over £12m of funding to be released for the first three business cases; Science Skills Academy STEMD; University of the Highlands and Islands School of Health, Social Care and Life Sciences; and Longman Land Remediation.
Overall, the Scottish Government will invest up to £135m, while the UK Government is investing up to £53.1m. Together with £127m of further investment by the council and various partners, the Deal aims to deliver a step change in digital connectivity, digital healthcare, skills, innovation and infrastructure.
Economy Secretary Keith Brown said: "The signing of the Inverness City Region Deal shows our clear and strong commitment to investing in Inverness and the wider Highlands region, and the crucial contribution they make to Scotland's economic growth.
"Our £135 million investment will improve access to jobs, education and healthcare which will deliver significant long-term benefits for the city, region and Scotland as a whole. This investment reinforces the Scottish Government's commitment to bringing economic prosperity to all parts of Scotland.
"It's fantastic to see the first tangible results of Scottish Government investment which will help to address the shortage of skills related to science, technology, engineering and maths/digital through the Science Skills Academy."
UK Government Minister Andrew Dunlop added: "City Region Deals are a fantastic example of the UK and Scottish governments working together alongside the Highland Council and local partners to improve communities and drive economic growth.
"City Region Deals are all about unlocking the economic opportunities for a region and the UK Government is proud to play its part in the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal by investing more than £50 million.
"That's why I'm delighted to be in the Highlands for the signing of the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal which I am sure will have a transformative impact on the regional economy."
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