The former Stagecoach depot in Burnett Road could be transformed into a facility with new courts and offices, replacing the existing premises at Inverness Castle.

In May, the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) withdrew a conditional offer to buy a site for the proposed hub on vacant land also on Burnett Road.

A pre-planning application has now been submitted to Highland Council for the bus depot site.

SCTS said it remained committed to building a justice centre which would allow the courts service to move out of Inverness Castle.

The castle would then be available for plans to turn it into a tourist attraction.

A spokesperson for SCTS said: “The SCTS has submitted a pre-planning major development enquiry for a site at the former bus depot to obtain the views of Highland Council in principal to the suitability of this site as a potential site for the Inverness Justice Centre.

“This is part of a due diligence process being undertaken by the SCTS prior to making any decision on the justice centre location.

“We are committed to the delivery of a new justice centre in Inverness and the scoping work, centre design and engagement with partners continues while we seek to secure the right site.”

A public consultation event is provisionally scheduled for next month (AUG) to gauge feedback about the new proposal.