Work starts on City Park

The first turfs were cut this week on an area of undeveloped land on the south side of Inverness that will secure its future as a recreational facility and green space for the local community.

Culduthel Park will cover approximately 3.5 hectares of land adjacent to Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis and Roller Bowl site providing a system of paths, open grass and meadow areas with native species of trees and shrubs.

Funding for the Culduthel Park project has been provided by greeninverness (£69,540); The Highland Council's Inverness Ness-side Ward discretionary budget (£20,000); and Lochardil and Drummond Community Council (a pledge of £3,181).

Russell Thomson, greeninverness Chairman, said: "This is a great project which will deliver safe and accessible open space and high amenity value to the community for a long time."

The four Highland Council Ward members of Inverness-Ness-side ward - Councillors Norrie Donald, John Finnie, David Henderson and Fraser Parr - have welcomed the funding package for the creation of Culduthel Park which will encourage greater bio-diversity of flora and fauna and a green breathing space in an increasingly built-up area.

Michael Gimson, Chairman of Lochardil and Drummond Community Council, said: "I am delighted that this long promised park is finally being created and we thank the funding parties for bringing this about. This will provide the community with the opportunity for exercise, fresh air and relaxation, and will be an asset to the area. The trees being planted will be enjoyed by future generations and link in with Culduthel and Lochardil woods."

The land which is owned by The Highland Council will be managed by the Council's Education, Culture and Sport Service and once developed into parkland will be maintained by the Council's Transport Environmental and Community Services.