End of an era after Castle Restaurant closes its doors in Inverness after six decades
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PREDICTIONS that Inverness institution the Castle Restaurant would close at the beginning of this month have proved correct.
Although the owners of the restaurant, which has been in continuous operation since the 1950s, would not confirm the rumoured closing date of August 4, saying it was only a suggestion, signs have appeared on the door of the 70 cover eatery saying the restaurant is "all sold out" and is now closed.
Previously under the ownership of the same family for 57 years – until sold by owner Brian Lipton to brother and sister Katie and Ewen MacKinnon from Skye in 2015 – the Castle Restaurant might still have a future feeding locals and visitors alike, with suggestions it could reopen as a fish and chip shop.
However, Miss MacKinnon said she could not make any comment on the future of the business.
"Nothing concrete has been decided," she said.
Inverness Central councillor Bet McAllister said it was a shame to see the restaurant close.
"It's kind of sad," she said. "It's a place that everyone visited. There will be a lot of people who will be sad to see it go, but my big worry is for the staff.
"It will be interesting to see what happens next. The owners have not told us what it is going to be, but if it is going to be a takeaway, I think they will need to apply for planning permission."
