Highland writers craft content for Inverness Castle Experience ahead of opening in 2025
A Highland theatre company has been commissioned to create the scripted material and interpretative signs at the Inverness Castle Experience.
Dogstar Theatre Company has been commissioned by Workhaus, the fit-out contractor for the multi-million pound tourist attraction which is due to open next year.
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Artistic director Matthew Zajac and producer Jess Lusk are heading the team from Dogstar.
Matthew wrote and starred in the one-man show, The Tailor of Inverness, which has had much success locally and internationally.
His adaptation of James Robertson’s novel, The Testament of Gideon Mack, will open in Eden Court in February 2025.
Matthew grew up in Inverness and is now based in Evanton.
Before moving to the Highlands, Jess worked at Shakespeare’s Globe in London for more than a decade as its new work producer and latterly as literary manager. She now lives in Dornoch with her family.
Dogstar has assembled a team of Highland writers, playwrights and field experts to ensure that everything the public hears and reads in the new attraction is written with authenticity and authority by people who know and understand the Highlands.
One of the writers is Calum L MacLeòid, writer and journalist, who will oversee the Gaelic translation and writing. Calum’s second novel Fon Choill won the prize for Best Fiction Book at the 2021 Gaelic Literature Awards.
His first poetry collection Bhon Phlateau dhan a' Chladach was published by Bradan Press. Theatre Gu Leòr produced his play “Stornoway, Quebec” which toured Scotland in 2023.
Calum is from Inverness and is now based in Dingwall.
Jim Ibbetson, company director of Workhaus, said: “We wanted to have Highland writers commissioned to create content using the stories gathered from across the Highlands to inspire the content for the Inverness Castle Experience.
“This collaboration with Dogstar promises to give the attraction an authentic voice and rich narratives of the region.“
Matthew Zajac added: “When Dogstar Theatre Company were first approached about this project, we knew that it wasn't something we could do alone.
“It was clear from the outset that collaboration was key.
“The Highlands are full of creative and academic talent, and we are determined to embrace the diverse expertise available in the region.
“The Inverness Castle Experience's concept of The Spirit of the Highlands is the basis behind the writing.”
The Inverness Castle Experience project, which will open in 2025, will benefit from £30 million in investment to support its redevelopment from the Scottish and UK governments, Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and a range of other partners.
The Inverness Castle project is part of the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, which is a joint initiative supported by up to £315 million investment from the UK and Scottish governments, Highland Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and University of the Highlands and Islands, aimed at stimulating sustainable regional economic growth.
