Inverness could become home to a leading science-themed visitor attraction to help educate and develop careers in the sector, as the Scottish city seeks to build on the announcement of a planned Science Skills Academy.

Despite details remaining scarce, The Inverness Courier reports that part of the facility’s funding has already been agreed for the project, with locations now being considered.

Complementing the proposed Highland Science Skills Academy, which recently secured £150,000 (US$246,000, €190,000) in funding, the science-themed attraction would be used to draw visitors to the city, while also helping to impact on the development of scientific careers.

“We are working with partners at the moment to bring a large scale multi-million pound investment to the city centre, which will stimulate public interest and provide a welcome economic boost for the city centre,” said Highland Council leader Drew Hendry.

“It will be cutting edge and a game changer in the public’s perception of science. It is ambitious and in my view will bring a lot of excitement to the city centre. We are at the very early stages of discussing and developing this and are trying to lever in funds from outwith the Highlands.”

It is thought that jobs will be formed as part of the visitor attraction, with office space for science and technology companies also being suggested for the development.

Given that space in the city centre is limited, the facility could potentially be housed inside an existing property.