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COUNCIL WELCOMES  RELOCATION OF SNH HQ TO THE HIGHLANDS

The Highland Council Convener David Green and the Provost of Inverness Bill Smith have warmly welcomed the decision by the Scottish Executive to relocate the Scottish Natural Heritage�s national headquarters in �its natural home� � in the Highlands - from 2005.

Councillor Green said: �This is tremendous boost for the Highlands and our economy. Being home to Scotland�s key environmental agency, together with the opening of the UK�s newest national park in the Cairngorms, recognises the importance of the natural environment to the Highlands. 

�I would like to congratulate the Scottish Ministers for delivering their promise on job dispersal to rural parts of Scotland. It shows great faith in our vibrant area. The quality of life enjoyed by people in the Highlands is consistently rated among the highest in the country and we also have the supply of housing, school places and skilled people to meet SNH�s needs. We will work with our partners and SNH to ensure a smooth transition from various headquarters� locations to Inverness .

Provost Bill Smith, Chairman of the City of Inverness and Area Committee, said: �The gain of 300 quality jobs is terrific news.  Having SNH based in Inverness is a real confidence booster and their presence fits in perfectly with our plans for developing Inverness as a modern and go ahead city.�

The partners nominated five potential sites in and around the Highland capital � at Milton of Leys, Cradlehall, Craig Dunain, Inverness Retail and Business Park and Glebe Street.

Each option was considered capable of accommodating all of SNH�s headquarters� staff and consolidating its existing Inverness operations in a bespoke office building.

The Glebe Street site, formerly occupied by swimming baths and currently being developed by property firm Teesloch, is thought to be the possible Inverness location, which most closely matches SNH�s aspirations for new premises.