Long awaited plans for the regeneration of an Inverness city centre street will go on show to the public at the end of the month.
Highland Council have also appointed a four-strong team to lead the development of the Townscape Heritage project for the regeneration of Academy Street.
The project team have been tasked with drawing up detailed proposals for the delivery of a five year programme of funding to kick start the regeneration of the thoroughfare.
Elements of the plans include bringing vacant buildings back into use, reinstatement of original shop fronts and delivering improvements to historic public spaces.
Lorna MacLennan has been appointed as the strategic project officer leading the project for the council, joining the authority from a post with VisitScotland.
She will work with experienced conservation architect Alan Marshall, as well as Neil Sutherland and Brian Burns from the Makar Consultancy.
Ms MacLennan said: “Academy Street is the key gateway to Inverness city centre for most people arriving by car, bus or train.
“I am delighted to be involved in the development and delivery of this scheme, it is not only the opportunity to address some of the key issues on Academy Street it will also act as catalyst in the wider Inverness regeneration plans and influence future investment throughout the city.”
The council were successful in applying for funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund last year in order to set up the project team.
The team’s work and the results of the upcoming public consultation will form of the basis of an application for further funding which is due by the end of March.
Matched funding for the delivery of the five year project has also been secured from Highland Council and Historic Scotland, via the Inverness City Heritage Trust.
Chairman of Inverness City Heritage Trust, Councillor Jimmy Gray said: “We are delighted to see the part this has played in creating an opportunity to make real progress in revitalising Academy Street.
“This will not only have an important impact on the local economy through jobs, tourism and investment, but once refurbished the buildings will assist to restore the sense of place with Academy Street and the centre of Inverness a more attractive place to live, visit and work.”
The first public consultation event for the Townscape Heritage Project will take place on Thursday, January 22 in The Iron Works on Academy Street between 2pm and 5pm.