Calls to open revamped Inverness Town House to tourists and locals
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THE revamped Inverness Town House could open its doors to visitors and locals for tours of the historic building.
The landmark is an A-listed property and has been shrouded in scaffolding and a specially designed wrap for the last two years during a £4.2 million renovation but this week city councillors approved funding for the final phase of work.
The revamp has been paid for with £3.2 million from the Inverness Common Good Fund, with the remainder being paid for by grants, mostly from Historic Environment Scotland, prompting councillors to call for the Town House to be opened to the public.
Inverness Central councillor Richard Laird asked: “Given how much common good fund money has been spent on this, what can we do to get more Invernessians in the building?
“It would be an awful shame to spend all of this money decorating the hall if nobody is going to see it unless they’re at a civic function.”
Inverness provost Helen Carmichael agreed, saying she knows of many people who have lived in the city their whole lives and never been inside.
Highland Council’s Inverness city manager David Haas said discussions have already been held to make the Town House publicly accessible but pointed out it is also a council office.
