Breakdown of robot mower blamed for Inverness’s scruffy Castle Hill
The neglected appearance of the Inverness Castle grounds overlooking Castle Street has been attracting comment.
And it has transpired that the breakdown of a remotely controlled “robot” is to blame.
Before the rain deluge arrived, Inverness was bathed in sunshine recently, with many tourists visiting the street with its four eateries, an art gallery and a whisky shop.
But it looks as though the Castle Hill grass has not seen a mower this year and the ornately shaped flower beds are weedy and uncared for.
One woman told the Courier: “The town has been really busy with visitors, and it is a shame that the grass and the flower beds in Castle Street have not been smartened up as usual.
“Maybe its because of the ongoing work converting the castle to a visitor attraction.
“The slope used to be lovely with flowers in beds around the clock that was set in the ground, and there were always people taking photos.”
Highland Council which maintains the castle grounds was asked to comment and a spokesman said|: “The Amenities Team is responsible for the grass areas referred to on Castle Street.
“The team’s robotic mower, used for steep slopes, is currently out of service after developing a fault. As soon as it is back in operation the slope will be cut. “
Norman MacDonald the owner of busy Cafe 1 restaurant in Castle Street was not concerned.
He said: “The council don’t usually smarten up the slope until June. The tourists seem to be coming earlier each year. I am hopeful the area will be tidied soon.
“We are into the third year of the work converting the castle, and it didn’t prevent the flower beds being planted up in previous years.”
Groundsmen and women using hand controlled mowers used to keep the grass short on Castle Hill, but a few years ago this was considered too risky and now a remotely controlled mower with caterpillar tracks is used.
