Plans have been lodged for a new £23m court and justice facility in the Highlands.

The proposals were submitted to Highland Council for a new justice centre, which would include six courtrooms and a number of other facilities, in Inverness.

The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) intends to build the new base on the city's Longman Road, following a consultation which included a public exhibition.

The plans were announced in March of this year and will now go before council planning officials for consideration.

As well as providing a six courtroom facility, Inverness Justice Centre will host other justice agencies and third sector organisations providing specialist facilities to support and advise victims and witnesses.

Sheriff Principal Derek Pyle said: "I am grateful to the Scottish Government for choosing and funding Inverness Justice Centre.

"It is deserved recognition of the efforts of everyone involved in the delivery of justice in the city. "We have an exciting opportunity to create a pioneering, state-of-the-art justice centre, which will house justice partners and third sector organisations in the same building.

"It will deliver a range of services for offenders, providing the environment for problem solving approaches to help reduce re-offending, and offer specialist facilities, support and advice for victims and witnesses of domestic abuse, sexual violence and child abuse."

Eric McQueen, Chief Executive of the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service said: "The new Inverness Justice Centre will set the standards for delivering justice in Scotland.

"We intend to use the skills and expertise available in the Highlands to create a design and build team to deliver this major development for Inverness.

"It is a very exciting opportunity and will require a great deal of commitment from everyone involved in the project."