Eden Court Theatre in Inverness is undergoing a £17.4m refurbishment to increase its capacity and update its facilities.

The upgrade will improve the heating and ventilation systems and build a second theatre and two new cinemas alongside the existing venue.

Glasgow-based architects Page Park designed the development and work is being carried out by Elgin-based Robertson Construction Northern.

Completion is expected this summer, to coincide with the 2007 Year of Highland Culture.

The project has received £5m from the Scottish Executive and £2.7m from the European Regional Development Fund as well as funding from the Scottish Arts Council.

Eden Court presents music, drama, dance and comedy events and arts films and is a regional base for an education and outreach programme.