The Minister opened Bught Park this afternoon before proceeding to the Northern Meeting Park. At both venues, she unveiled commemorative plaques to mark the re-opening and met with key stakeholders and community groups closely connected to the parks, recognising the important role they have played in shaping and supporting these landmark projects.

These two projects along the River Ness in Inverness are being supported with almost £20 million from the UK Government along with a third project - Castle Street Energy Centre.

The events marked an important milestone for two transformational initiatives funded through the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, with additional funding towards improvements provided by sportscotland’s National Lottery Fund at Bught Park and Historic Environment Scotland at Northern Meeting Park. Combined, these investments will enhance Inverness’s sporting and cultural offer, safeguard treasured heritage assets, attract more visitors to the Highlands and support progress towards a carbon-neutral future.

The Bught Park project received £9.6m, enabling:

• The refurbishment and preservation of the grandstand
• New changing facilities
• Enhanced spectator facilities
• Improved hospitality and events infrastructure
• A new pavilion

The Northern Meeting Park project received £5.9m, enabling:

• The refurbishment and preservation of the Victorian grandstand
• Improved access to green space in the city centre
• Enhanced sporting and cultural facilities
• A new community pavilion

Kirsty McNeill said: “It’s fantastic to see how almost £15m UK Government funding has significantly improved these sporting and cultural facilities for the people of Inverness and visitors to enjoy for generations to come. The UK Government is working closely with partners across Scotland, including the Highlands, to invest around £1.7 billion in local projects as we deliver a decade of national renewal as part of our Plan for Change.”

Councillor Raymond Bremner, leader of The Highland Council, added: “This is a proud moment for the Highlands, especially for the communities that use these spaces. The refurbishment of both Bught Park and Northern Meeting Park not only preserves important parts of our heritage but also creates vibrant, modern facilities that all can enjoy. We’re delighted to see these projects come to life with the support of the UK Government.”

Highland Council convener, Councillor Bill Lobban, concluded: “The future use of both Bught and Northern Meeting Parks has been secured with great thanks to the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, and sportscotland’s National Lottery Fund at Bught Park and Historic Environment Scotland funding at the Northern Meeting Park. The new and renovated facilities at both locations will provide excellent facilities for locals, wider Highland communities and visitors.”

All three projects will support the UK Government Net Zero Carbon agenda by providing sustainable energy to Northern Meeting Park, Bught Park and a renewable energy centre for Inverness Castle Experience.