Council welcomes Scottish Canal plans for Torvean canal development

Senior Highland councillors have welcomed plans by Scottish Canals to consider a new marina and associated tourist attractions and housing at Torvean, Inverness, in tandem with the construction of the Inverness West Link Road and the development of a recreational/sporting hub in the Torvean/Ness-side area.

Scottish Canals have shared with the Council their aspirations to develop the canal basin at Torvean as a medium sized marina which would create new jobs in the area.  2 of these would be directly associated with the management of the marina and experience from elsewhere on the UK’s canal network has demonstrated that these would support a further 30 full time equivalent jobs in the wider area.

New commercial waterside areas could help realise an additional 20 jobs.  Part of this could include the relocation or potential expansion of existing canal-related businesses.  In addition to these jobs, there would be further employment created through construction activity/training places associated with the development.

It is estimated that around 15,000 annual visits are made to this part of the canal at present.  It is estimated that this number could double, providing a significant injection into the local tourism economy and generate further business opportunities at this location.

It is estimated that the creation of 50 berths could generate additional annual income of approximately £100,000 per year.

Council Leader Drew Hendry said: “The creation of a new marina and associated developments is a very exciting prospect and a wonderful spin off from what we are planning in the area.

"This will reinforce this area as a gateway into Inverness and a destination in its own right. There is a wonderful opportunity to maximise the potential of the canal basin and help generate more footfall to the area and stimulate economic growth for the wider City and rural economy."

Scottish Canals were represented at a briefing of stakeholders on Friday into the progress of the Inverness West Link and also the Draft Development Brief for the Torvean/Ness-side area of the city.