Understanding and monitoring the growth of Inverness - 2004

The City of Inverness and its hinterland have emerged as shooting stars in the two firmaments of the Scottish economy and Scottish society. The media certainly know this: it seems that everywhere you look there is press coverage of Inverness. Since it became a city on 19 March 2001 there has been even more interest in 'The Captial of the Highlands', at home and abroad.

There is solid achievement behind this. Economic growth has substantially outdistanced the UK as a whole, and the improved prosperity is palable in the streets of the town. After some rocky times a decade ago, the local economy now seems to be operating close to full employment.

And, in contrast to large swathes of Scotland where population is declining, Inverness has attracted more and more people to swell its population numbers. House-building activity on estates and individual plots across the city and in the surrounding communter belt bear witness to this, and Census results have provided statistical proof.

This report looks into exactly how much growth there has been? What is behind it? How has new wealth been created and what has given rise to new jobs? Why are people moving into the city? Looking to the future, what will Inverness need to create and support sustainable expansion?