Inverness Strategy

Vision  |  Lèirsin

Inverness continues its role as the capital of the Highlands and the service, cultural, economic and transport hub for the wider Highlands and Islands area. Its exceptional built and natural environment has embraced climate adaptation and a just transition to net-zero, with infrastructure for world-class accessibility and connectivity for all transport modes, local living and resilient services.  

Inverness is an attractive place to live, work and invest, as the prime destination for the needs of residents, businesses, service users and visitors alike.  Modest expansion and diversification across the city and city centre have seen it grow in line with necessary services and infrastructure.  This ensures a vibrant city that is ready to deliver on current needs for all and grasp opportunities of the future. 

This vision for the future is a developing work in progress, as engagement continues with our communities, partner agencies and businesses on what matters most.

Read more about the Vision in the Inverness Strategy StoryMap.

Outcome 1 - Inverness as a prime destination  |  Buil 1 - Inbhir Nis mar phrìomh cheann-uidhe

Priority outcome for the future of our city and area:

The recognised prime destination for locals and visitors alike to spend their time and money. A place where businesses want to invest and develop high quality, attractive offerings.

Read more about Outcome 1 in the Inverness Strategy StoryMap.

Outcome 2 - A living working city  |  Buil 2 - Cathair-bhaile beò is dèanadach

Priority outcome for the future of our city and area:

More quality homes for all in welcoming mixed-use neighbourhoods, with easy access to work, facilities and leisure. Protection of built and cultural heritage assets of the city, without overwhelming services to the detriment of existing residents.

Read more about Outcome 2 in the Inverness Strategy StoryMap.

Outcome 3 - A green and healthy city  |  Buil 3 - Baile uaine is fallain

Priority outcome for the future of our city and area:

Open green space is accessible to all with improved parks and open spaces. Biodiversity is restored and enhanced - nature networks are functioning across the city and connect with the rural hinterland, allowing nature to thrive. A greener city and city centre not only supports health and recreation, but also contributes to civic and cultural vitality. 

Read more about Outcome 3 in the Inverness Strategy StoryMap.

Outcome 4 - A zero carbon city  |  Buil 4 – Cathair-bhaile carbon neoni

Priority outcome for the future of our city and area:

A city at the heart of a region that is leading the world on renewable technologies, now and for future generations. A just transition to a zero-carbon transport network across a city where all homes and businesses are powered by renewable energy.

Read more about Outcome 4 in the Inverness Strategy StoryMap.

Outcome 5 - An accessible and connected city  |  Buil 5 – Cathair-bhaile ruigsinneach is ceangailte

Priority outcome for the future of our city and area:

The city has become better connected to the rest of Scotland, the UK and the rest of the world for passenger and freight transport, with welcoming connections to Inverness Airport, the rail network, the bus network, the Port of Inverness, Trunk Road Network and the Caledonian Canal. Walking, wheeling and sustainable travel choices have become viable, intuitive choices for city residents, visitors and commuters. A modal shift in transport has reintroduced ‘life’ to city streets – creating more space for civic life and community interaction.

Read more about Outcome 5 in the Inverness Strategy StoryMap.

Outcome 6 - A digital city  |  Buil 6 – Cathair-bhaile didseatach 

Priority outcome for the future of our city and area:

Support for remote working and co-working spaces; 5G connectivity and continued roll-out of full-fibre network. Integration of real time traffic flow data, parking availability and public transport timings. Smart City applications to control street lightning, energy production, storage, smart-heating, ventilation.

Read more about Outcome 6 in the Inverness Strategy StoryMap.

The next steps  |  Na h-ath cheumannan

We will be updating the Inverness Strategy based on the feedback we receive. To stay informed, please subscribe for email updates on what's coming next and to hear more about the feedback received from upcoming public engagement.

Read the Inverness Strategy StoryMap.