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Further design detail to be submitted to Highland Council for transformation of Inverness Castle into visitor attraction celebrating spirit of the Highlands


By Val Sweeney

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A bird's eye view of the proposed new roof terrace at Inverness Castle.
A bird's eye view of the proposed new roof terrace at Inverness Castle.

Further design details for the proposed multi-million pound visitor attraction at Inverness Castle will be submitted this week.

The transformation of the castle into a tourism gateway was given the go-ahead in April.

Further details will be submitted to Highland Council this week in response to the planning conditions specified, adding technical design proposals for the works necessary to restore the A-listed building and convert it for use as a new visitor attraction celebrating the spirit of the Highlands .

The additional information submitted includes constructional information describing the formation of a new roof terrace.

This includes a new intricately-detailed roof lobby, sunken walkway and raised universally-accessible terrace providing stunning views of the city and the landscape beyond.

Details of proposed internal finishes, such as refurbished and new hardwood flooring, flagstones, wall linings and elegant ceilings will also be submitted.

The planning application, submitted by project architects LDN Architects, is part of the preparation for the main building works contract which is currently the subject of a tender process.

Given potential impacts arising from Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic, the programme of works for the main tender will not be finalised until completion of the tender process.

The proposed works currently include the careful conservation of the building fabric, accessibility and environmental upgrades and contemporary new additions.

An artist's impression of the proposed tourist attraction at Inverness Castle.
An artist's impression of the proposed tourist attraction at Inverness Castle.

In addition, the proposed works include a new café space and external viewing terraces which will transform Inverness Castle into a cultural centrepiece to be enjoyed by the public.

The transformation of Inverness Castle is supported by £15 million Scottish Government and £3 million UK Government investment through the Inverness and Highland city region deal.

It will contribute to the reinvigoration of tourism across the area and providing much needed investment for the industry to aid the recovery from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and supporting economic growth throughout the Highland area.

The Inverness and Highland City Region deal is a joint initiative supported by up to £315m investment from the UK and Scottish governments, Highland Council, HIE and University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.

Related story: WATCH: Hidden features revealed during work at Inverness Castle


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