The move will see Hub North work with the council in delivering the plan which has given significant capital funding to improve infrastructure and services across the region over a 20-year period.

Hub North chief executive Richard Park welcomed the opportunity to work with the council on the ambitious ground-breaking blueprint to tackle key areas such as schools and community facilities, roads and transport and depots and public offices.

He said: “The Highland Investment Plan is a unique programme of work which will help transform how public services are delivered, improve local facilities and make communities more resilient and sustainable.

“The Highland Council is taking a bold step to help its communities, and Hub North is looking forward to working with it to help deliver better outcomes for its people.”

Highland Council leader Councillor Raymond Bremner added: “Unanimous support was given by councillors for the choice of Hub North Scotland as The Highland Investment Plan delivery partner at the 27 March meeting of the council. Through the Highland Investment Plan a new generation of community facilities is being planned across the Highland Council area, changing the way Council services are delivered through an innovative way of operating across the partnership.”

Convener of the council, Councillor Bill Lobban, commented: “The first phase of investment priorities for The Highland Investment Plan has been welcomed by councillors and the council welcomes this fresh approach to the creation of future service delivery through its partnership with Hub North Scotland and partners.”

The first phase of investment has already been agreed with school projects at Beauly Primary, Charleston Academy, Dunvegan Primary, Fortrose Academy and Inverness High School. The planned operational dates for these developments are between 2027 and 2030.

The plan will also see the council adopt a new operating model for services across its territory by working with key partners such as NHS Highland to establish integrated facilities known as Community PODs. The first of these are being planned for Dingwall and Thurso.

Funding of the Highland Investment Plan is based on the ring fencing of 2% council tax every year or an equivalent revenue stream.

Since its creation in 2011, Hub North Scotland has successfully delivered more than £1.05bn of community infrastructure for its public sector partners.

It is currently delivering the first phases of Aberdeen City Council’s £150 million City Centre and Beach Master Plan and is also working with five local authorities to deliver new and refurbished schools under the North Schools Programme with £333m of projects at the preferred bidder stage.