Public and private investment linked to the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal has reached £412.98 million across the Highlands, according to the programme's 2025/26 Annual Report.

Funding has underpinned major activity in housing, tourism, innovation and infrastructure across the region.

Work began in January 2026 on the Corran Ferry landside infrastructure improvements, including new slipways, an overnight berth and a breakwater, with completion scheduled for summer 2027 to bolster the long-term reliability of the Corran Narrows crossing.

In 2025/26, 234 affordable homes backed by the Deal were completed and are now occupied, with a further 109 in development. Over the project's lifetime, the Deal has provided funding for 834 affordable homes.

The Inverness Castle Experience opened in February 2026 and has welcomed more than 107,000 paying visitors since launch. The attraction is supporting jobs and showcasing the Highlands' heritage and culture through an immersive experience designed to draw new and repeat visitors to the wider region.

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The Northern Innovation Hub reached full completion, having supported nearly 3,000 businesses and social enterprises to innovate and grow. In 2025/26 alone, it enabled the creation of 10 new products, processes or services, assisted three additional start-ups and helped 24 SMEs undertake innovation activity.

Through the Science Skills Academy, more than 6,100 pupils accessed STEM learning in Newton Rooms during 2025/26, alongside the development of a Green Skills module for secondary school learners.

The Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal is a partnership between the UK and Scottish governments, The Highland Council and other organisations to stimulate sustainable economic growth and strengthen communities.

Chair of the Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans, said: "The success of the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal is testament to the strength of partnership working across the public and private sectors in the Highlands. Through major projects that are driving economic development, innovation and investment across the region, the Deal has demonstrated what we can achieve through collaboration. It provides a strong foundation as we continue discussions on a future Growth Deal for the Highlands."

The Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee will be asked to note the 2025/26 Annual Report when it meets on Thursday 12 November 2026.

The Deal has been extended to March 2029 to allow completion of projects including Longman Land Remediation and the Corran Ferry Infrastructure Improvements. Funding timescales for the A9/A96 Inshes to Smithton improvement works and the Corran Ferry New Electric Vessel have also been extended to March 2032 due to their complexity and scale.

The Council has agreed to start formal discussions with the Scottish and UK governments on a new Highland Growth Deal.