Inverness could be made more leafy by creating a rooftop garden on a prominent eyesore building in the city centre.
Councillors heard that increasing the number of green spaces in the Highland capital was one of the suggestions made by the public during a recent consultation on city centre improvements.
Creating so-called “living walls” was also one idea put forward. This involves growing plants on a vertical structure.
Councillor Janet Campbell said that turning the top of the former Crofters Commission building on Bridge Street into a garden could create an “iconic” attraction for the city.
She said: “If by some manner or means we could find a way to create a roof garden with a seating area on the building, it would be lovely.
“At that level the views of the whole of the Ness Islands and the river and the landscape north to Ben Wyvis.
“It would be iconic and have amazing vistas.
“I think we should be ambitious and I believe that things will move forward now.”
The ideas were discussed during a debate about the new Inverness city centre action plan at yesterday’s city committee.
Three main priorities have been outlined in the document – revamping Academy Street, creating a new cultural arts nucleus and improving links between the bus station and the railway station.
But Councillor Jimmy Gray said he wanted a plan ready for the future of the Midmills Campus when Inverness College moves out.
And Councillor Donnie Kerr said there was still a need for a proper drop off point for touring coaches.
He said that the temporary facility provided at Ardross Street was “a shambles”.
However Councillor Alasdair Christie said that members should stop being “negative”.
He said that the city was “vibrant”, adding that it was “bizarre” that members were running the city down.
Members agreed the action plan, which will now be taken forward by the council’s Inverness Task Force, led by director of planning Stuart Black.