Goal of all-weather pitch moves a step closer
The long-held ambition to have a community all-weather sports pitch located in the East of Inverness is taking a step forward.
Plans are at an advance stage to create the new floodlit all-weather pitch facility which will have a playing area of 100 x 60m, within Inverness Campus. The planning application for this is due to be submitted imminently.
Chair of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee Councillor Ken Gowans said: “This is an exciting opportunity to provide desperately needed sporting facilities in this area of the city.
“The new all-weather sports pitch will ensure provision of an all-year-round facility close to key transport links. The site, within Inverness Campus, is great for connectivity, with convenient transport links from the A9 North and South, Inverness Airport and it is on the route of regular local bus services. It will serve both established and new communities including Raigmore, Cradlehall, Inshes, Culloden, Balloch, Westhill and Smithton as well as supporting the growth of developments in the east of the city.
“It will also serve those employed in East Inverness at Lifescan, Inverness Campus and Raigmore Hospital who can benefit. In addition, the site is located between Inverness Retail Park and Inshes Retail Park. The proposed location is ideal.
He added: “The community pitch will be available to the public year-round and due to its proximity to the UHI, I can see it being key to the development of an education training facility, as well as being available to local schools and clubs.
“Getting this to the planning application stage is the result of a lot of hard work and I’d like to thank everyone involved for their contribution. This is terrific news for not just the East Inverness area, but for the whole Highlands as it will provide excellent facilities available to all.”
The project is being funded by The Highland Council, and developer contributions. Full details of the project will be on the Council’s E-Planning system once the planning application is submitted.
In an associated development, work will start next month on improvements to one of the pitches at Culloden Park to bring it up to the standard required for competitive rugby for use by Inverness Craig Dunain RFC from season 2026/27 onwards.
The works comprise the installation of a new drainage system and improvements to the playing surface. This will provide a permanent base for the club’s men’s and women’s sides for competitive matches, training and coaching.
Site plan of all weather pitch