Robertson Construction is set to deliver the £23m project, which involves demolition of the former bus depot and construction of the courts, office space and a cafe.

The new  two storey building complex designed by Reiach & Hall will allow the courts service to move out of Inverness Castle.

Highland councillors gave the project planning permission in February, but it was then improved on to make the centre a “landmark building”.

Frank Reid, managing director of Robertson Construction Northern said: “Today’s decision means we can start work on what will be a significant development for the Scottish justice system and we’re looking forward to bringing this improved design to life over the months ahead.”

Construction is planned to begin in the Autumn to complete the main building works in 2019.

Eric McQueen, Chief Executive, Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service said: “Rather than simply a replacement sheriff court building, the justice centre will play a pivotal role in changing victims’, witnesses’ and offenders’ experience of the justice system, while providing high quality secure criminal courts, and flexible accommodation for our civil courts and tribunal users.

“By bringing together the right organisations, we can all focus on problem-solving approaches to reduce reoffending and increase the opportunity for community sentencing, while providing the facilities and technology to remove the need for children to appear in court and in the longer term, digital case management for summary crime.”