Donald Hall from Badenoch, who previously worked with Highlife Highland, will lead the implementation of a travel and transport plan for the Campus.

This includes encouraging active travel such as walking and cycling to and from the site and working with local transport providers to improve links to the Campus.

Donald will also encourage a move away from single-occupancy private vehicle use on the Campus by visitors, workers, and students.

The post is hosted by Inverness Campus developer, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and funded jointly with the University of the Highlands and Islands and NHS Highland.

Commenting on his new role, Donald Hall said:

“This is an exciting time to be getting involved in supporting more sustainable forms of transport that will bring a range of benefits to people, organisations and the environment. I am delighted to join the team at HIE and look forward to working with all of the stakeholders to implement innovative travel solutions to and from Inverness Campus.” 

The first year of the post is also supported by Smarter Choices, Smarter Places (SCSP), Paths for All’s behaviour change programme.

Andrea Partridge, SCSP senior development officer said:

“This new appointment really highlights the ongoing commitment Inverness Campus has to helping everyone choose healthier and greener ways of getting to and from the entire site.

“Our SCSP programme is all about supporting ideas, projects and jobs that encourage more people to walk, cycle and wheel for short, everyday journeys and use public or sustainable transport for longer trips. Switching car journeys for more active and sustainable transport will not only help to cut Scotland’s carbon emissions but will also help people feel happier and healthier.

“We wish Donald all the very best in his new role.”

HIE has so far invested around £8.6m in active travel and public transport infrastructure across the Inverness Campus site. This has helped make the Campus easily accessible to those travelling by bus or on foot or cycle, as well as assisting commuters to other parts of the city.

There are cycle and footpaths throughout the site, a work-based bike pool, high quality changing facilities for active travellers and safe sheltered cycle parking.

There is also a 20mph speed limit throughout the development to improve safety for cyclists and walkers.

Two bridges crossing the railway link Inverness Campus with the neighbouring retail and business park and are used more than 10,000 times a month by walkers and cyclists. The golden bridge crossing the A9 to Raigmore estate is used around 14,000 times a month.

Future plans include new bus shelters with real-time information, an electric bike station, a trial of autonomous vehicles and the installation of additional electric vehicle charging points.