Councillors have approved plans to clad Inverness Museum and Art Gallery in metal to improve the appearance of the prefabricated concrete building.

Designed by Threesixty Architecture, the overcladding will be golden in colour, with each bespoke panel perforated and polished with the pattern of the routes of the River Ness and the Caledonian Canal, forming a giant map of the city.

The aluminium cladding will rejuvenate the visitor attraction, which is somewhat of an eyesore. The new design aims to make the building more appealing to passers-by and will transform at night with panels back-lit to create glowing lights in the perforations.

Approved by the Highland Council, the redevelopment costs will come from a £3m (US$4.2m, €3.9m) fund designated by the government last year to improve the city, with finances also going on improvements to Inverness Castle and the installation of free-to-access WiFi.