The Highland Council has reached a significant funding agreement with SSEN Transmission to advance a strategically important site at Longman. SSEN Transmission's capital contribution of over £2.7m will help secure the land and progress a development intended to deliver long‑term benefits for the community.

Under the plans, SSEN Transmission will initially operate the site as accommodation for its workforce for a five‑year period, after which it will pass to the Council. Using the land in this way will ensure services are installed, strengthening the site's economic viability when the lease ends. The acquisition also boosts capacity for new housing as part of efforts to address the Highland Housing Challenge.

The location is earmarked for a mix of residential properties, commercial uses and multi‑tenure affordable homes, aimed at meeting local housing demand while complementing wider infrastructure improvements across the city.

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Assistant Chief Executive (Place), Malcolm MacLeod, said: "This major development represents a long-term investment in the future of Inverness, with affordable and low-cost housing forming a core element of the site's purpose. The collaboration between The Highland Council and SSEN Transmission will ensure the land is brought forward in a way that enhances local infrastructure and benefits the community for years to come. Delivering a legacy for Inverness and much needed affordable housing to help tackle our Highland Housing Challenge, while stimulating economic growth both in terms of construction jobs and longer-term opportunities for permanent homes in an area of high demand."

Under the agreement, SSEN Transmission is the funder and The Highland Council is the project developer. The Council will secure planning consent, lease the site to SSEN Transmission's Tier 1 contractor, Balfour Beatty, and deliver the permanent development in line with agreed milestones.

Progress to date includes:

- Planning consent issued – March 2026

- Completion of site purchase – March 2026

- Five‑year lease granted to SSEN Transmission's Tier 1 contractor – April 2026

These steps provide clarity, accountability and coordinated delivery.

Richard Jennings, SSEN Transmission's Housing Strategy Manager, said: "It's important to us as that we leave a lasting legacy from upgrading the grid in the north of Scotland to help achieve the country's energy security and clean power needs – and supporting the provision of permanent housing is a key aspect of that.

"Our partnership with The Highland Council in this exciting development will boost affordable housing and the local economy, helping more people to live and work in the area, and build their future there."