That is despite a large increase in Scottish Government funding announced in the draft budget.
Council leader Raymond Bremner will be put on the spot with estimates putting the final tally at hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Tourism groups welcome the move saying if it is ‘well-implemented’ it could ‘bring significant benefits to our region’.
Just 300 bottles of the exclusive Inverness Castle Experience single malt Highland whisky are to be made available to buy this week.
“Breaking up Highland Council isn’t about creating division - it’s about building empowerment,” says a leading councillor.
A dozen new jobs are to be created after plans for a new whisky experience in Inverness city centre won the green-light.
Home Bargains’ plans to open another Inverness superstore in the city’s Longman area and create up to 60 new jobs have been given the green light.
A donation pillar is to be installed at a centuries-old harbour to help generate funds for its repair and maintenance.
Ambitious plans to turn a former kirk into a shop, design studio and café have suffered a blow after transport chiefs objected over road safety fears.
An Inverness school has helped a literacy scheme reach a Scottish milestone - after it became the 500th to achieve Reading Schools accreditation.