Digital trail set to track the arrival of rail in Inverness

INVERNESS history buffs have a further chance to get involved in mapping the past of a key part of the city centre.

After launching last month, a second series of workshops hosted by Inverness Museum and Art Gallery (IMAG) will take place next week as part of the Townscape Heritage project.

The project aims to gather stories about the whole Academy Street area and use them to create an online digital trail which will tell its story for both locals and tourists.

Workshops beginning next week will centre around the railway station and neighbouring Station Square in particular.

Lorna Cruickshank of IMAG said: "The first workshop, on October 26 (10am-1pm), will look at the coming of the railway to Inverness and the changes there have been in the area since then as well as the lives of railway workers and significant events that have taken place in the square.

"Last month’s events were very successful with about 20 participants and this time round there will be the chance to take part in a tour of the station and see items from the railway collection of the museum."

But, she added, participants will not just be given information. "Sharing is a really key part of the whole project and we want to hear people’s stories at least as much as we want to tell them what we already know."

A second workshop on October 27 (10am-3pm) will focus on photography past and present, delving into extensive archives but also giving people the chance to try out high tech photogrammetry techniques that see photography used to create surveys and maps.

The third event on November 2 (10am-3pm) will then allow participants to work with multi-media artist Eleanor White to create a collage using a range of historical railway imagery and artefacts.

Workshops are £3.50 each or £9 if booked all at same time.

Advance booking is essential, by calling 01463 237114 or emailing inverness.museum@highlifehighland.com

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