The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Castle to be hidden for 4 years
Tourism: Iconic building to be protected by hoardings during major revamp
Inverness Castle could be partially hidden from view for up to four years during work to turn it into a top tourist attraction.
Refurbishment of the landmark which, for many years, housed criminal courts, is expected to bring a major economic boost to the city and Highlands.
Highland Council now owns the entire structure, having completed the purchase of the South Tower following the move of the law courts to the Inverness Justice Centre this spring.
The project to create a gateway for Highland tourism, which will provide much needed investment as the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic gets under way, is supported by £15 million from the Scottish Government.
It is part of the Inverness and Highland City Region deal, supported by up to £315m from the UK and Scottish governments, the council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the University of the Highlands and Islands.
The next significant step will see a contractor appointed to carry out initial demolition work, asbestos and timber preservation surveys and structural checks once lockdown guidelines permit.
Ahead of that, 7ft high hoardings are being erected and are due to remain for four years – the duration of the building scheme.
The hoardings will include information about the castle and are to be revealed this week.
Inverness Provost Helen Carmichael said: “I am delighted that the acquisition of the South
Tower has now been completed, marking the next step in the transformation of this iconic building.
“With the impact of the pandemic being felt throughout our area, it is more important than ever that we create this ‘must-see’ attraction that will draw visitors to the Highlands in years to come.”
Tourism Secretary Fergus Ewing, who co-chairs the Inverness Castle Delivery Group, said: “We know the castle has the potential to be one of Scotland’s top tourist attractions, benefiting the wider Highlands as well as Inverness itself, and I welcome that work has now reached another key stage on this major development.”
UK Government Minister for Scotland David Duguid said of the milestone: “This exciting project will capitalise on the region’s wealth of natural and cultural heritage and attract visitors from far and wide.”
The castle already has a viewpoint that was open to the public. As lockdown eases, it is hoped it will be reopened for this season and next.
The three-phase vision also includes new galleries, museum displays, shops, restaurants, bars and cafes, a hotel and public spaces.
Highlands and Islands MSP Rhoda Grant said: “I welcome the change of ownership as Inverness Castle is an asset that has not been maximised in the past.
“There is a need to protect the site in terms of health and safety but I welcome the fact that the design of the hoardings will be subject to planning permission, and I hope that this will be done sensitively, given the impact this will have on the whole city.”