A planned regional sport complex in Inverness has been boosted by a pledge of cash by sportscotland.
The public body announced yesterday that the developing Highland plans would take a share of a national £20million pot.
It is part of funding to create a number of large multi-purpose sports facilities across Scotland as part of the legacy of the upcoming Commonwealth Games.
The complex will be aimed at supporting elite level athletes and developing talent.
Councillor David Alston, depute leader of Highland Council, said that the authority were in the process of drawing up a feasibility study for the complex, which would be built at Torvean as part of the as part of the controversial Inverness West Link road.
He added: “The Highland Council and partners High Life Highland welcome this funding announcement by sportscotland for regional facilities which align directly with the council’s priorities, which include to developing a regional sports hub for the Highlands.
“The council has ambitions to develop this sports hub as part of the Inverness West Link developments at Torvean and Ness-side and have commissioned High Life Highland to undertake a feasibility study for the facility.
“Future detailed proposals outlining the council’s options, with support from sportscotland, will be presented to the Highland Council for consideration.”
A spokesman for sportscotland said that discussions were ongoing between the agency and the council before deciding on what share of the money the project would receive.
Money has been allocated to areas identified as requiring improvements.
Council leader Councillor Drew Hendry has previously revealed that there had been early talks with the club over a training facility at the planned Torvean sports complex.
The plans were included in plans for the West Link road after sports clubs raised concerns about losing land because of the new road.
sportscotland chief executive Stewart Harris said: “The standards of facilities in Scotland are the best they have ever been, and today we are outlining a new investment stream which will further enhance the existing network.
Cabinet Secretary for the Commonwealth Games and Sport, Shona Robison, said: “Investing in new multi-purpose sports centres will open up even more opportunities for people to try new sports and lead healthier and more active lives.”