Scottish Secretary David Mundell has dropped a clear hint that the long-awaited City Deal for Inverness could be confirmed in tomorrow’s Budget.
The UK Government minister told the Press and Journal yesterday that people in the Highland capital should “listen very carefully” to Chancellor George Osborne’s statement for news of the multimillion boost for the city.
The eagerly-awaited financial package could bring hundreds of millions of pounds of investment for major infrastructure projects in the Highland capital.
Schemes on Highland Council’s wishlist include a major new sports centre and city centre enhancements.
When asked yesterday about progress on the City Deal, Mr Mundell said: “The Budget is in 48 hours and I would listen very carefully to the Budget.
“If I was in Inverness I’d be listening very carefully to the Budget.
“I think the direction of travel is a positive one and I hope we hear something substantive in the Budget and immediately around it.”
Conservative front-bencher Mr Mundell visited Inverness last August to meet with senior council figures.
He also confirmed a £3million advance on the proposed larger deal, which could be worth up to £300million.
The initial funding is to be spent on public WiFi in the city centre and on enhancing the grounds of Inverness Castle.
Drew Hendry, SNP MP of the area, Mr Hendry met with Tory peer Lord Dunlop last week to discuss progress on the deal.
He said: “After a long wait, I am hopeful that we will hear the details soon of the deal and whether or not it will match our ambition.”
He added: “We have always shown ambition for the Highlands and Inverness and as the city continues to grow, there will be more opportunities for tourism, businesses and, most importantly, the people who live and work here.
“We must always push for the tools we need to unlock our potential. I will continue to do what I can to press for the city deal right up until it is signed on the dotted line.”
