Feasibility study into future uses of Inverness Castle launched; plans for North Tower submitted by Christmas
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IDEAS for transforming Inverness Castle into a major tourist attraction will be revealed in the spring, after a feasibility study was launched yesterday.
The study, which will be jointly funded by Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Scottish Government, is expected to report its findings in May.
The announcement comes as short-term measures to turn the North Tower into a viewing platform and tourist shop move ahead. A planning application for opening the tower will be submitted before Christmas and, if successful, the first visitors should be welcomed by late 2015 or early 2016.
The latest developments come after the Inverness Castle Working Group met for the second time yesterday to consider future uses of the castle if and when the Scottish Courts Service vacates the building.
Tourism minister Fergus Ewing, who co-chairs the group with council leader Drew Hendry, said: "There is great progress being made. The feasibility study is an important step in this work, as it will provide input identifying what would work best for the benefit of tourists and locals alike.
