Community groups in the Merkinch area of Inverness now have access to the services of a full-time project officer to help them take forward projects that have social or economic benefits for the local community.

Brian McLeod has been appointed to work from the Merkinch Enterprise office in Grant Street, liaising with local community groups on the development of their ideas and helping them to identify and access sources of further support for projects.

The post has been created with financial support from Inverness and Nairn Enterprise, the European funded Community Economic Development programme, The Highland Council and the Social Inclusion Partnership.

The role will be overseen by Colin Downie, chief executive of Merkinch Enterprise, who commented:  "This has to be an exciting opportunity for the community, one that could enable dreams to turn into reality and Brian is more than capable of providing the necessary assistance for community groups within the Merkinch to do just that."

Brian McLeod can be contacted at Merkinch Enterprise on 01463 240085 or by email to brian@merkinch.com .