A major funding deal which will see £315m invested in Inverness over the next decade has been announced.

The Scottish Government says the Inverness City Deal will be used to improve transport and digital links in the Highland capital.

Holyrood will contribute £135m, supported by £127m from the Highland Council and its partners, and £53m from Westminster.

The agreement could see up to 6000 new houses built over the next 20 years and improvements to Inverness Castle aimed at boosting tourism.

Infrastructure secretary Keith Brown said: “Cities and their regions are the engines of our economy.

“This deal provides an opportunity to enhance and accelerate the delivery of long-term aspirations held by the Scottish Government and the Highland Council, the impact of which could help increase the population, create thousands of jobs and help to up-skill the local labour market.

“The significant investment in Inverness’ transport infrastructure will support much needed improvements to the trunk road network, including infrastructure improvements on the A9/96 Link Road and the Longman interchange.

“This investment will improve access to and within the local communities and at the same time improve accessibility to jobs, education and healthcare including the University of the Highlands and Islands and development along the A96 corridor.

“The deal will also support the transition of Inverness Castle into a world class visitor attraction to boost regional tourism and furthering growth in an important sector.

“Through the deal, we will identify and explore ways to extend digital coverage, including Superfast Broadband and Mobile 4G connectivity across the region to support the the Highland Council’s ambition to be the most digitally connected rural region in Europe.

“The successful delivery of the Inverness City Deal will bring significant positive benefits to both the local and national economies and I am delighted that we have been able to secure this.”