Parking bays in Ardross Street in Inverness ready for the return of coach tours after being delayed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic

Parking bays in Inverness are finally able to welcome visiting coach tours after being delayed due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The use of the spaces in Ardross Street is normally changed in April however this year it was delayed until yesterday.

A Highland Council spokesman said: “Every year from April 1 to October 31 we suspend parking charges on the south side of Ardross street in Inverness and switch the signing to provide coach drop off bays. This was delayed this year due to Covid-19, however, this work was done yesterday, Thursday, May 27.

"This is in support of increasing footfall from coaches visiting the city. It is part of the collective approach being taken to welcome visitors to the city which is facilitated through our work with Inverness BID who provide a welcome to the city through the provision of coach ambassadors.”

Mike Smith, the manager of Inverness BID, said: "With the welcome return of British tours to Inverness, part of Ardross Street is being returned to its summer use as an award winning, 12 bay, drop off and pick up facility for their passengers."

He said that, unfortunately, cruise liners were not currently allowed to visit Scottish ports but the situation would be monitored.

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