Councillors back plans to revamp Inverness' Station Quarter

Ambitious plans to transform part of Inverness city centre have been backed by Highland councillors.

The Station Quarter proposals, which are at an early stage, could see a new public green space created at Farraline Park, the current site of Inverness Bus Station.

A new transport hub would then be created to the rear of the city's library.

Highland Council's city of Inverness committee welcomed the findings of a feasibility study at a meeting on Monday, and agreed that a public consultation should begin.

The study by consultants Austin-Smith: Lord had been commission by regional transport partnership Hitrans.

It concluded that the bus station and nearby Rose Street multi-storey car park could no longer adequately cope with vehicle numbers and should be replaced.

Inverness South councillor Ken Gowans said it was an opportunity to be "truly transformational" in Inverness.

He said there would be major benefits of having a more integrated transport solution for the area.

He added that improving the area around the library would create a space that would "reflect our heritage".

In their report, Highland Council officers said the existing bus station and multi-storey needed to be replaced.

They said the station's seven stances were having to be doubled up for use as 14 due to the number of buses now arriving and departing from the site.

The officials said the situation meant the station was failing to meet accessibility standards and safety and efficiency were also affected.

Meanwhile, Rose Street car park has required expensive repairs to keep it going.