A joint bid to make Inverness the new location for Scottish Natural Heritage's national headquarters was launched today [Monday 16 September] by The Highland Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

The partners are nominating 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 would be capable of accommodating all of SNH's 270 headquarters staff and consolidating its existing Inverness operations in a bespoke office building.

At present, the conservation agency's main offices are split between two locations in Edinburgh.  Last November, however, SNH embarked on a relocation review, in line with the Scottish Executive's policy of dispersing public sector jobs more evenly across the country. 

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.

Plans have already been developed for the prestigious riverside location which describe a three-storey, glass-fronted, 50,000 square foot building with a higher stone clad central core, constructed on this prime site close to the city centre.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise chief executive Sandy Cumming said both HIE and The Highland Council had studied SNH's criteria very carefully and were convinced that Inverness could put forward a strong case for relocation.

 "This bid aims to place SNH right in the heartland of natural heritage and create substantial economic benefits for the Highlands," said Mr Cumming.  "It's a win-win option.

"We understand that SNH are looking for modern city centre premises, designed specifically for their use, built on a brownfield site and with excellent access to public transport for staff and visitors.  Glebe Street in particular delivers on every count.

"We considered several possible contenders in different parts of the area we cover and our conclusion was that an Inverness location offered the best opportunity to bring SNH to the HIE area. 

"We are also delighted with the proposed design of the new building, which has been developed to enhance its prime riverside location and be a flagship addition to the city's architecture."

Council convener David Green said an Inverness base would offer SNH convenient access to the vast majority of Scotland's natural heritage sites.

"We have 28 national nature reserves in The Highland Council area and the ground they cover is well over half the Scottish total," said Councillor Green.  "The figures for sites of special scientific interest and national scenic areas tell a similar story.

"Inverness also offers good road, rail and air links to all parts of the country - including important natural heritage sites in the Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland - and our IT infrastructure is well developed to meet 21st century needs.

"The quality of life enjoyed by people in Inverness and 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.

"For all these reasons, we believe that bringing SNH to Inverness is an achievable goal and the suggested location would help complement the proposed cultural quarter and encourage further regeneration of the riverside."

SNH is expected to announce a shortlist of potential locations in October.  The final decision should be taken by Scottish Executive ministers soon after and full relocation is planned to be completed by the end of 2005.

A downloadable version of the bid document is available below