The Scottish and UK governments have confirmed details of a £315 million City Region Deal for Inverness and the wider Highlands area.
The Scottish government has committed £135 million of investment, the UK government £53 million and Highland Council and its regional partners will contribute £127 million.
The local authority has said the package, which will see money invested over 10 to 20 years, could attract £1 billion in private sector investment over several years.
Projects proposed aim to boost the Highlands economy, create new jobs, attract professionals working in science, technology and engineering to the region and encourage young people not to move away from the Highlands for further education and work.
Among the most eye-catching of the investment plans is the transformation of the hilltop 18th Century Inverness Castle into a major tourist attraction.