A list of projects which will be pursued as part of the proposed Inverness city/region deal has been approved by councillors.
However, some members of the authority have expressed concern that the deal is being focused exclusively on Inverness, with rural areas missing out.
Councillor Bill Lobban, Badenoch and Strathspey, said: “What’s in it for the shires? It’s supposed to be a city region deal.”
The deal, which could bring multi-million pound riches into the Highlands for major infrastructure projects, is currently being negotiated by the council and UK Government.
An initial investment of £3million to convert part of Inverness Castle into a tourist attraction and installing a public wi-fi network in the city centre were agreed last month.
A number of projects have been identified under the themes of a skilled economy; a growing and sustainable economy and an enabled economy.
Among the projects listed which could receive investment is the West Link road, a proposed new road between the A9 and A96 and improvements to the Longman Roundabout at the foot of the Kessock Bridge.
The council will also explore establishing a budget for developing new air routes from Inverness Airport, while a range of projects aimed at enhancing Academy Street, the Victorian Market and railway station all in Inverness are also on the list.
A programme of house-building is also proposed for 1,000 new houses across the Highlands.
Leader of the council Margaret Davidson said: “This is about driving the economy of the Highlands up.
“Construction and technology skills will benefit people across the whole region. We have far, far too many low paid and low skilled jobs and this deal is about upping the opportunities for everyone in all areas of the Highlands.”