Highland Councillors have unanimously supported the choice of Beechwood – to the east of Inverness - for the site of a new university campus.

The Council sees the development of a new, high-quality Inverness campus as an essential part of the University of the Highlands and Islands Millennium Institute (UHIMI).

This aspiration is shared by a number of key public sector partners, including Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE) who have a commitment in their Operating Plan to the creation of "a contemporary university campus in Inverness, attracting high-calibre staff and significant numbers of students, with particular linkages to the healthcare sector".

The relocation of Inverness College from the current Longman Road site is seen as an important part of the first phase of development of the site.

Inverness College Board will shortly be considering an options appraisal on the three potential sites for their relocation – the existing Longman road site, the Beechwood Campus site and a combination of the Beechwood site and their Midmills building. UHIMI are known to be supportive of the Beechwood option. HIE has acquired the site and developed a masterplan for it.

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Spin-off developments could include accommodation for UHIMI, the Scottish Agricultural College and up to 800 student residences; Phase IV of the Centre for Health Science; sports facilities; a social enterprise hotel and hospitality training and research facility.

Convener Sandy Park said: "The development of a new campus in Inverness is a top priority for the Council because of the training and employment needs of the Highlands as well as the economy. The Beechwood site offers the opportunity for an integrated, sustainable and high-quality new development with wide spin-off benefits."

Leader of the Council's Administration Councillor Michael Foxley stressed the importance of the Council, as key partners in the Highlands, voicing its support for Beechwood as the future location for the college and the university campus.

He recalled the key role the Council and the former Highland Regional Council had played in driving forward the university project and the significant financial support provided by the Council to further education colleges across the Highlands.

He said: "We need to have a real vision for the next century about this campus as Inverness College is a key part of the UHI and a key part of the future of the city of Inverness and the Highlands."

(GK/KMcA)