Cawdor Castle hopes for rosy future with new venue plan
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
AN ambitious plan to build a new events venue in the 18th century garden of Cawdor Castle is entering a new phase.
Planning permission has been granted for the venture, but the building of the hall may be some time away.
The castle is one of the most popular attractions in the Inverness and Nairn area but, like many other businesses, it has suffered a fall in visitor numbers due to Covid-19.
Last year the castle welcomed more than 100,000 people between April and October. It is also the home of Lady Angelika Cawdor, the dowager countess.
This year however, although the grounds have reopened to the public, the castle interior is off limits due to social distancing constraints.
The new venue will hopefully be part of the fightback plan.
Graham Griffith, managing director of Cawdor Castle Ltd, said: “The venue is part of our long-term plan to help the sustainability of the business and to help preserve the castle.
“It has been really challenging because of the coronavirus pandemic which has caused us to have only a fraction of our usual visitor numbers.
“This is part of a long-term plan. It is a very sensitive site and we want to get things right, which is the sensible thing to do. It was great to get planning permission, but this is just the first stage.”
The venue will be a standalone, purpose-built facility at the bottom of the spectacular gardens, well away from the castle. It will offer a flexible conference, exhibition and banquet space. Importantly, from a business point of view, it will also offer year-round income which is necessary to maintain the fabric of this special property.
Lady Cawdor said when the plan was launched: “I am confident the new venue at Cawdor will enhance the experience of visiting one of Scotland’s most ancient homes.
“This new facility in the grounds will provide a space for staging art, music, theatre and community events in an unparalleled setting.”
Architects Morris and Steedman’s said that the building would be able to be accessed from the existing car park, with few alterations required.
