Work begins at new prison site east of Inverness
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Groundworks are finally under way at the site of the new Inverness Prison after more than a decade of delay which has seen construction costs increase in that time.
Diggers, organised by contractor Balfour Beatty, are operating at the site next to Inverness Shopping Park.
Sources say they are there to allow for an ecological survey – the first significant step since proposals for the new prison were tabled in 2011.
The current target date is 2024.
Highland MSP Edward Mountain, who has campaigned for the new prison to be built since he was first elected in 2016, said: "Finally progress at last for the new prison.
"Once the groundworks are completed, it is vital that this project moves swiftly towards agreeing the design and then constructing the new facility.
"There can be no more delays for the new prison that the Highlands was promised back in 2011."
The need for a replacement to Porterfield Prison in Inverness has been acute in recent years.
Currently, it lacks a female custodial unit – something that would be housed in the new prison.
Many male prisoners also serve their sentences outside the region.
The 2011 budget for the new prison was estimated at £52 million.
It is now expected to cost anywhere from £98 million to £110 million.
