INVERNESS CITY REGION DEAL

That this House welcomes the announcement of a £315 million Inverness City-Region deal; recognises the significant opportunity the deal offers the area, not only as a boost to the local economy and to jobs but also the positive impact this investment will have on tourist numbers; congratulates the Highland Council, Scottish Government and UK Government on agreeing a deal that will be transformational for the City of Inverness and the wider region; and notes the contributions of £135 million by the Scottish Government, £127 million by the Highland Council and £53 million by the UK Government to fund the deal and hopes that this will pave the way for future investment.