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Free festive Friday parking deal to help bring Inverness Christmas shoppers into city centre

The free parking initiative aims to encourage more people to shop in the city centre at Christmas . Image Sandy McCook/ DC Thomson
The free parking initiative aims to encourage more people to shop in the city centre at Christmas . Image Sandy McCook/ DC Thomson

Inverness shoppers are getting an early Christmas present with four hours free parking on Fridays in December in the city’s Rose Street car park.

The 4 Free on Friday initiative by Inverness BID will help support city centre businesses during the festive season.

Last week the Inverness Common Good fund sub committee approved an application for £9,997 for the festive parking project.

Parking, shopping and eating

BID director Lorraine Bremner McBride said: “BID are delighted that we have secured funding which will allow everyone up to four hours free parking in Rose Street every Friday in December starting tomorrow.

“The 4 Free on Friday initiative is an important measure to welcome our visitors back to the city so they can spend time and enjoy all it has to offer.

“There’s even time to have a bite to eat once the shopping is done. ”

Lorraine Bremner McBride says the parking deal is an important measure to welcome people into the city.

To take advantage of the scheme, people just collect the white card on entry to the car park as usual.

If they exit within four hours the card allows them to raise the barrier, with no need to go to the ticket machine.

However, anyone parked over four hours will be charged at the same rates as now for the entire stay.

Welcome, but don’t stay too long

“There is no credit for the first four hours, so the key message is we can’t wait to see you, but just make sure you stay under four hours to get the free offer”, says Lorraine.

“We’d also like to thank the Inverness Common Good Fund for supporting this much-needed boost to city centre businesses and the wider community at what is a difficult time for all.”

The parking deal will run during December.

Meanwhile, the Eastgate Shopping Centre is also offering parking deals to help encourage festive shoppers.

It has free parking on Thursdays after 5pm for late-night shopping and a flat rate on Sundays of £2 all day during December.

Eastgate parking discounts too

Centre manager Jackie Cuddy said: “At Christmas time we like to offer discounts for families on car parking to encourage them to come in and enjoy the many festive offers in the city centre.

“By offering a flat rate on Sundays it will hopefully encourage families to come shop, eat and play.”

Last week Highland Council voted to restrict traffic using Academy Street in the city centre.

This is aimed at minimising vehicles passing through the centre.

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