Business Focus: Inverness Chamber chief welcomes a city building for success

by Stewart Nicol, chief executive, Inverness Chamber of Commerce

Despite the many challenges that abound, I would argue 2022 continues to bring significant economic prospects for businesses.

We have had a welcome significant, and desperately needed, reduction of the restrictions associated with the pandemic. And, as all of us in the region’s business community work through the fine detail of the ScotWind offshore wind announcement, it is clear this truly is a once-in-a-lifetime transformational opportunity.

I have absolutely no doubt that Inverness Chamber of Commerce will have a key role to play as we actively connect and represent businesses across the Highlands to support their growth and help ensure our businesses will benefit greatly from this opportunity.

I never look at the economic big picture across the Highlands and Islands without reflecting on the critical role Inverness has in driving forward all aspects of our region’s economic fortunes.

While the city has undoubted challenges, there are also many exciting developments. One of the pleasing aspects of this activity is that these developments are well distributed across our civic infrastructure, city centre housing and retail spaces, as well as providing new visitor attractions. Each of these projects will help transform the city centre and make it much more attractive as a destination for visitors and residents alike.

In the summer we will see the refurbished Victorian Market opened, which should be a great addition to our city centre retail and hospitality offering as well as a heritage destination. At the same time, the hydro-electric scheme will be opened on the River Ness. In addition to generating renewable energy, this facility will no doubt become a popular visitor attraction in its own right.

We will also, throughout this year, see key steps taken in the redevelopment of Inverness Castle in addition to much needed city centre housing projects coming to completion.

The year will close out on a high, with the opening of the airport railway station, undoubtedly ensuring easier connectivity between our city and its airport for everyone.

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