Inverness woman, Gillian Swan, has been appointed to the post of Small Town Networks project officer for Nairn and Inverness.

The Small Town Networks project is a European northern periphery initiative set up by The Highland Council with support from local enterprise companies, to encourage the regeneration of networks of towns, drawing on the work of voluntary groups, local businesses and the community sector.

Working from Highland Council premises in Barron House, Nairn, Gillian will work with local businesses and the voluntary sector to support the priorities of the Nairn Initiative.  These include improving the commercial base of the town, increasing profitability of the retail sector, maximising tourism potential and enhancing the town through environmental improvements.

Manager, Louise Clark said:  "Gillian's appointment is an opportunity for the Nairn Initiative to move ahead.  She is currently co-ordinating the Nairn Initiative website and business directory, which we plan to launch in the new year."

In Inverness, from the Townhouse, Gillian will work with Inverness City Centre Management Team and the council's area development manager to identify joint projects that will benefit the city and surrounding towns.

Manager, Graham Strachan, said:  "This is a great chance for Inverness and the neighbouring towns to work together for the benefit of everyone.  It's a win-win situation."

The £807,000 project is part-funded by the European Union Regional Development Fund, with match funding of £25,000 from Inverness and Nairn Enterprise.

Marie MackIntosh, of the strengthening communities team at Inverness and Nairn Enterprise, said:  "I am very pleased that INE has been able to support this very valuable post.  Gillian will play a key role in helping to stimulate regeneration in many sectors of the Inverness and Nairn economy."

Gillian Swan was born and brought up in Inverness, and other recent roles include European Social Fund Co-ordinator at Inverness College.  She can be contacted at Inverness Town House on 01463 724273, or Barron House, Nairn, on 01667 452959.