Inverness is trying to develop as a destination for the lucrative yachting market, with the Highlands capital marina announcing a major expansion.
The plans include a new visitors' building with office and retail units, showers and toilets, all designed to improve the customer experience and encourage boat owners to stay in the area for longer.
The 150-berth facility opened in 2008 at the mouth of the River Ness and Inverness and near the entrance to the Caledonian Canal giving easy access to the world famous west coast sailing.
It is now operating at more than 90% capacity. There are around 600 visiting yachts every year with an average of four people on board.
Each crew member is estimated to spend £50 each per night in the local community, making £120,000 for the local restaurants, bars and shops.
Inverness Marina Limited managing director Jamie Hogan said: "Since day one, the marina has been a great success. Some 50% of our business is from foreign boat owners, so it's clear to see we're managing to attract tourism and inward investment to the Highlands. A large number of our visitors are staying for two to three nights are we're hoping the latest developments will encourage more people to stay longer.
"The construction of a new marina building is really just the start of what we hope will be a long-term positive ripple effect in the area. A number of exciting possibilities, including retail space and a hotel, have already been discussed so it can only be good news for Inverness and the region as a whole."
Bank of Scotland's relationship manager David Hamilton, who has worked with the business since the project was originally proposed, said: "Inverness Marina really has the potential to be an economic catalyst in the region. The setting is stunning and the possibilities are endless.
"There are a number of neighbouring sites with potential for further development so it's evident that the marina is going to have an incredibly positive long- term impact."
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