UK Government approves £3m funding for City/Region Deal projects
Projects worth £3million have been approved by the UK Government as an initial allocation of City-Region Deal funding. The commitment was confirmed during a meeting in Inverness between the Rt Hon David Mundell MP, Secretary of State for Scotland and the Council Leader.
The business case for the first project, which was approved by the City of Inverness Area Committee on 2 June, 2015 relates to the upgrading of grounds and access to Inverness Castle to enhance the experience for visitors, which is linked to a separate project being undertaken by the Council to create a public viewing platform at the North Tower.The second project is to create a free public access Wi-Fi scheme for the City of Inverness to increase digital connectivity, progress the “smart cities” initiative and enhance the visitor economy.
Speaking after a meeting with Rt Hon David Mundell MP, Secretary of State for Scotland - Leader of The Highland Council, Cllr Margaret Davidson, said:
“We had a very useful and constructive meeting during which we discussed a number of key issues affecting the Highlands, which are priorities in our Council Programme, including welfare, broadband connectivity, Crown Estates, as well as the Scotland Bill.
"We also discussed the Council’s ambition for a City/Region Deal and I am very encouraged by the support from the Secretary of State, as we work with both the Scottish and UK Government’s to progress this deal.
"I am delighted that the Secretary of State has today confirmed UK Government approval for these projects. They will make a significant contribution to enhancing the centre of Inverness and improving wifi connectivity for businesses, residents and tourists. It will also help us to start realising our ambition to make Inverness Castle a major tourist attraction.”
25 Aug 2015